Zach’s Rules for Life

The idea for Zach’s Rules was to try to turn all the horror, pain, sadness and grief into something that others could grab onto and take away from this awfulness. A way to apply the lessons we learned from Zach and his journey to help people improve their relationships and their lives. The hope is that Zach’s Rules can help someone think differently about themselves and their world, and maybe change just a bit to make themselves and or the world just a bit better.

The Rules

We first shared 9 Rules on November 11, 2021 at Zach’s celebration of life.

Gradually, over time new Rules emerged, and while we usually only cover 9, we have versions of Zach’s story that have included as many as 12 and as few as 3.

9. If you get angry, and you will from time to time, put it behind you and get back to life. It should take about 20 minutes or so. Apologize if needed.
8. When someone has cancer…Run toward them. Check on them. Don’t stop. Stay with them.
7. Sing if you want to sing.
6. Stay busy doing lots of things. Find your passions and go deep. Learn everything you can about them and then learn more.
5. Be compassionate & have empathy.
4. Move with urgency.
3. Grief gives you choices. Don’t let grief suffocate you. You can still be sad, but turn that grief into action.
2. Be like Zach and keep moving forward.
1. Tell those you love, that you love them. Hug them.

And the others that are just as important, are below

Bring Zach's Rules for Life to Your Meeting or Event

We have shared Zach’s Rules for Life with more than 10,000 people, at more than 50 different events. Whether it’s an all company meeting, a conference, a charity event, team meeting, school or in person or virtual, we’ve done it.

We’ve shared Zach’s Rules with audiences of more than 1000 and less than 10. We do this to honor him, give people the chance to get to know him, learn from his and our journey, and in spite of his tragic loss of life, leave with some Rules that can help you think differently about life.

If you would like to have us share Zach’s Rules, let’s chat.

" We had the honor of hosting Zach's Bridge as the keynote speaker for the Metro MN APHON Conference. Hearing Jon and Jenn's perspective as parents navigating the loss of a child will help reframe the way I care for patients and families as they walk through devastating diagnoses and end of life. It is amazing to know organizations like Zach's Bridge exist and can bridge the gap to support other families, long after their loved ones have passed."

Nurse

APHON MN Conference 2026

"I was at our Grand Rounds this morning and listened to you speak. What an amazing story you shared. We should all be so grateful for you! So thankful for sharing your story and all the work you are doing!"

Erika Chaffee

Pedi Hem/Onc Nurse Coordinator, UMass Memorial Health

"I walked into the conference thinking about clinical updates, but I left thinking about Zach. Hearing the lessons he left behind was a beautiful reminder that even the shortest lives can be our loudest teachers. It’s a session I’ll carry in my heart and into my nursing practice for a long time."

Nurse

APHON MN Conference 2026

“Our staff can't stop talking about how amazing your presentation was at our retreat! Everyone wants to be more like Zach.”

Sidney Cornelius, BSN, RN, CPN

Children's Colorado

Jenn and Jon from Zach’s Bridge returned to my class this semester to share the story of their son, Zach, their experience of grief, and what they have learned about loss along the way. The students deeply valued both the presentation and the thoughtful discussion that followed.

Vincent Bloch

For the Death of Me! Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Death and Dying, Fordham University

"I have been to a lot of conferences and seen a lot of sessions like this. This was the best one I have ever seen."

John Whisner

Payscale