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It was like a Dream

A Story of Compassion, Community, and Being Like Zach

Some moments stay with you forever.

dream-dinner-team

For us, one of those moments began with a simple idea: Zach wanted to experience what it would be like to have a private chef cook just for him. At first, he imagined it happening on our Make a Wish trip in Maine. But as often happened when people heard Zach’s story, something much bigger, and more beautiful unfolded.

We shared Zach’s wish with Jenn’s cousin, Molly, then the Editor-in-Chief of America’s Test Kitchen Kids, and she reached out to someone she was working with at the time: renowned Boston chef Ken Oringer. Ken listened to Zach’s story and didn’t hesitate. He wanted to be part of it.

Ken gathered an incredible group of chefs and community members who all volunteered their time, talent and hearts. Jay Hajj of Mike’s City Diner opened his space after hours. Ming Tsai, Dave Bazirgan, (Executive Chef at Uni) and Joby Norton (Mullaney’s Fish Markets) added their expertise and generosity.

What they created was more than a meal. It was an experience filled with kindness, laughter, and love.

They prepared custom non-alcoholic “Zachtails” just for him. Ming taught Zach how to mix a drink.

Course after course was plated right in front of us. Each dish felt like a gift. Every person in the room made Zach feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Ming 300 x 500

Zach cooked Wagyu beef on a hot stone, and then salted it. After that course, he insisted that it was “like butter, and the only steak he ever wanted to eat.”

But what mattered most wasn’t the food, as extraordinary as it was.

It was how everyone showed up. They chatted with us like old friends. When Zach got cold, Jay brought out a Mike’s City Diner hoodie just for him. When the night came to a close, they presented Zach with signed cookbooks and heartfelt messages. And when we thanked them, they insisted it was their honor.

Why This Story Still Matters Today

This was in the fall of 2021, late in the throes of Zach’s last days. We share this story today not just because it was special, but because it showcases what happens when people bring compassion and empathy to what they do.

Zach had a remarkable way of bringing out the best in people. He didn’t just receive generosity, he inspired it. That spirit is at the heart of Zach’s Bridge. It’s why we support families facing childhood cancer and bereavement. It’s why we remind families that they are not alone. And it’s why we created Be Like Zach Day.

Be Like Zach Day – May 3, 2026

May 3, 2026 would have been Zach’s 21st birthday. We invite you to help us honor him by doing something nice for someone else, any day of the year.

  • Show kindness.
  • Lift someone up.
  • Offer your time.
  • Make someone feel seen.
  • Give back in whatever way you can.

Maybe it’s buying someone lunch. Maybe it’s checking in on a family who’s struggling. Maybe it’s volunteering. Maybe it’s fundraising or donating to support families through Zach’s Bridge. Big or small, it all matters. Because moments like that night with the chefs didn’t happen by accident. They happened because people chose compassion. They happened because people chose to care.

They happened because people chose to be like Zach.

Carrying the Dream Forward

That night, some of the best chefs in Boston came together to make a young man’s dream come true. Today, we’re asking you to help carry that dream forward.

  • Share your own “Be Like Zach” story of kindness. #BeLikeZach
  • Do something kind on May 3. Or any day.
  • Support families who need help.
  • Help us build more moments filled with connection.

Together, we can keep Zach’s spirit alive, one act of compassion at a time.

Participate in Be Like Zach Day. On May 3rd or any day.

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