Danny Zabicki

[Dodgergirl]

Local teen gets shopping spree wish granted

By Denise Aday

"Danny is a normal, private kid," his father, Roman Zabicki, said. "He is 16 and he doesn't understand all the attention."
Danny's life was thrust into the public arena shortly after he was diagnosed with stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma in April 2006, and last Friday, volunteers from the Make-A-Wish foundation presented him with a gift.

After Danny's diagnosis, volunteers from the foundation asked Danny what his one big wish would be.

Some kids want to go on a dream vacation, they want to become a fireman for a day or they want to meet a celebrity. But Danny wanted something a little different.

In a letter to the foundation, Danny explained that friends, fun and family mean everything to him. He loves to cook, snowboard and just hang out with his friends. He has continued to live life large and do the things he loves, despite his treatment program. But in his letter Danny explained that cancer had stolen the entire snowboarding season from him last year, because it just hurt too much to stand and this year, he didn't want that to happen.

After thinking long and hard, Danny decided that he wanted to hit the powder and make movies that include his family, his friends and above all, he wants to show that cancer won't beat him.

He asked the Make-A-Wish folk for a special shopping spree and last Friday, they gave him his wish. Danny received a computer, video camera, headphones and backpack; everything he needs to make movies on the slopes.

Family friend Jeanne Ratchford updates Danny's CarePage every day.

"There is no doubt in his mind," Ratchford said. "He knows he is going to beat this."

Danny has a "Bite me cancer!" mantra that Crab Cakes employees have adopted as their theme for this year's Relay for Life team.

He is in the 52nd week of a 54-week treatment plan and preliminary tests show no signs of his cancer. However, he still faces many struggles. Tuesday his white blood cell counts were too low for him to receive his scheduled chemo, setting back his schedule.

Roman said people all over the world are praying for Danny.

"We have no way we can thank each of those people, but please know we are grateful for all your prayers," Roman said.

To follow Danny's progress, look for his DannyZab CarePage at www.carepages.com.

http://www.sierrastar.com/features/story/14438774p-14941742c.html

[Sandman]

I admire Danny for keeping a positive attitude. It's the only way you can overcome a serious disease like this. My parents were unhappy when I sold my Waverunner because they knew how active I was when I had it. You have to keep active and stay strong to fight the diseases and illnesses we face. I plan to be as active as possible this summer.

[only1alphafemale]

I admire Danny for keeping a positive attitude. It's the only way you can overcome a serious disease like this. My parents were unhappy when I sold my Waverunner because they knew how active I was when I had it. You have to keep active and stay strong to fight the diseases and illnesses we face. I plan to be as active as possible this summer.

Blessings, healing energies and lots of prayers for both of you !

[Dodgergirl]

Go to Danny's Carepage http://www.carepages.com (DannyZab) and read the great news! Keep him in your prayers...

[Dodgergirl]

from Danny's carepage...

Danny's energy was fading toward the end of last week, although it may have been more mental than physical as he faces chemo today and the rest of this week. He'll be going in to Children's Hospital each day to receive chemo and on Friday they will begin radiation. He's in the home stretch - let's cheer him through!

Keep him in your prayers

[only1alphafemale]

Prayers on the way ~ :)

[Ironhorse]

Prayers being said for strength and health!

[Dodgergirl]

(from yesterdays carepage)


Today the results from his MRI show that the tumor in Danny’s brain has doubled in size since the scan they took 10 days ago. He has surgery scheduled for tomorrow at 11:00am. Danny’s team of doctors feel this is the best option to continue to fight for Danny. Those who know him have no doubt this is what he would want.

Thank you for your prayers for this family as they face the most difficult part of this battle.

[Mysteefied]

I have him in my prayers! It's such a horrible thing to hear about, But I know he is a fighter!

[BGW]

He's in recovery right now. They removed about half of the tumor. Tests show it is the same type of cancer he has been fighting for the past year+ . The family has also asked to send cards, texts, and calls instead of visiting as the risk of infection is quite high at this point.

[Ironhorse]

He's in recovery right now. They removed about half of the tumor. Tests show it is the same type of cancer he has been fighting for the past year+ . The family has also asked to send cards, texts, and calls instead of visiting as the risk of infection is quite high at this point.

They couldn't get it all BGW?

[Sandman]

from http://www.carepages.com

Danny’s surgery ended around 5:30pm and his surgeon felt things went better than she expected. She was able to remove about 80 percent of this very aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma tumor and thinks they will be able to radiate some of the nodules that are left.

Our boy is still fighting. He made it through the surgery beautifully. His surgeon said she would not be surprised if it took a few weeks for him to wake up. We’ll know more then. He had a wonderful team of caregivers today – some came back to work on their day off to be with him. He is surrounded by love and embraced by your prayers.

For now, he will not be able to have visitors. Please post messages on CarePages, or drop him a note at the restaurant (contact info.) We’ll let you know as soon as that changes. Thank you so much - we have felt your prayers throughout the entire day.

[monkey]

Thanks for keeping us updated. I've only met him once but he has been in my prayers and on my mind quite often.

[cattledoggiemoon]

what is danny's care page name?

[BGW]

what is danny's care page name?


CarePage Name: dannyzab

[Sandman]

210 June 08, 2008 at 12:28 PM PDT
Little by little, things are improving. Danny is more responsive today and he's obviously annoyed by his breathing tube. His numbers are all good and he's remained stable since his surgery. His breathing has improved so much they think they may be able to take the tube out tomorrow.

We're praying for miracles and I'm learning to see all the little ones that are happening each day where Danny is concerned. The miracle of how his parents are dealing with this nightmare. Their Godly example of gratitude for the gift that Danny is to them goes beyond grace under pressure. They are not bitter or angry, they are grateful for the gift of Danny being placed in their care. Over 700 people checking in on CarePages - some who don't even know Danny - checking in, then spreading the word to countless other people, prayer chains and churches - all praying for this young man and his family - another miracle. The CrabCakes and Sweet Dreams employees who are working double shifts and doing all they can to keep the businesses running smoothly - more miracles. Neighbors who are helping with animals and yard care, use of a motor home refuge, cards, CarePage messages and words of encouragement - they're all miracles. I'm learning that God is in this. He's not doing this to them, He's helping them through it. Miracles - they're helping us to live in hope.

http://www.carepages.com/

[Sandman]

211 June 09, 2008 at 01:09 PM PDT
Danny is breathing on his own! They took the breathing tube out today and he tolerated it well and is breathing without any assistance! Laura said he seems to be responding to some questions with a squeeze of his hand. This is all good news - little miracles!

www.carpages.com

[Sandman]

212 June 10, 2008 at 12:05 PM PDT
We should not be surprised when it comes to Danny Zabicki, but HE'S TALKING!!! AND HE CAN SEE!!! He went in to a CAT scan this morning and as they were jostling him around, he let them know they were hurting him and asked,"Who are you? Where am I? What am I doing here?" He asked for his Mom. I will fill you in on more this evening. I just wanted you to know right away!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

www.carpages.com

[Dodgergirl]

From Danny's Carepage...

213 June 10, 2008 at 11:07 PM PDT
It was so good to see Danny this evening! He knew who we were, and did his best to talk with us. We could understand a few words here and there - enough to know that it's still Danny! He's struggling with all the lines he's hooked up to and is asking a lot of questions. Please pray for his exhausted parents and for continued improvements.

http://www.carepages.com

[Sandman]

June 11, 2008 at 02:38 PM PDT Our amazing boy continues to improve! The various lines that are bugging him are being removed, including the shunt to drain pressure in his brain. He's moving more and seems to be regaining movement on his left side (which was pretty stationary as of yesterday.) Miracles and more miracles...

[Dodgergirl]

215 June 12, 2008 at 07:23 AM PDT
Laura and I spoke last night about the fact that Danny has lived full force from the day he was born. As a baby, if he was upset about something, you knew it! On the flip side, his joy was just as intense! It hasn't changed. This boy is starting to feel better, so it's time to start living full force once again. Things improved so much yesterday, they took him out of intensive care. He is back over at Craycroft Center with Laura and Roman having to work to keep him IN the bed! He's still having a bit of trouble with movement on his left side, but that's not stopping him from trying to get up. His words were easier to understand last night and he seems a bit more comfortable hooked up to less equipment. At 4:00pm today, he's having another MRI. Thank you for your part in this. Your prayers are being felt!

http://www.carepages.com/

[Dodgergirl]

216 June 13, 2008 at 12:05 PM PDT
The MRI looks good - his spine looks clear! Danny begins radiation on Tuesday for the remainder of his tumor, but otherwise, the MRI looks good. He has been moved once again; this time to rehab so they can work on getting him in good enough shape to go home. Danny finally succeeded in pulling out his feeding tube and is now willing to do whatever it takes so they don't have to put it in again. They've worked with him this morning to help him with swallowing and are checking with his doctor to get the final okay to keep it out. Where there's a will, there's a way - shear strength of will is going to get this boy home in no time!

http://www.carepages.com

[Dodgergirl]

218 June 18, 2008 at 10:35 AM PDT
Danny's working hard at physical therapy, with hope of getting him more mobile. He also goes to occupational therapy each day where they're concentrating on his hands and fine motor skills. He saw the radiologist yesterday and his doctors are formulating a plan for radiation. There's talk of using the "cyber knife" to pinpoint his radiation to just where he needs it. His spirits are a bit low, but his brother Andrzej can get him to laugh. Andrzej is done with school for the quarter and will be home for a while

[Jesus Lover]

Thank you for these updates. We are praying for Danny and his family.

[Dodgergirl]

From Danny's carepage:

June 22, 2008 at 11:08 AM PDT
I went to see Danny last night and ended up having a visit with Roman. Danny slept peacefully the whole time I was there. He had a busy day with a shower in the morning, a trip around the hospital in his wheelchair with Dad, and some occupational therapy. He was worn out! I noticed there were just a few cards taped up for him to see and thought it might be nice if we filled that room with cards and notes. The hospital staff has heard about Danny's Army. It would be nice if our presence was felt a bit more tangibly. You can mail a card directly to Danny at this address:

Danny Zabicki, Patient
c/o Children's Hospital Central California
Rehabilitation Center
9300 Valley Children's Place
Madera, CA 93636-8762


June 25, 2008 at 07:29 AM PDT
Danny received about a dozen cards yesterday and Roman said as part of his occupational therapy, he's opening them on his own. His wall of cards looks a bit more full. Keep 'em coming! Danny felt like having a steak last night, so Alex and I brought a barbecue down to the hospital and Roman went to work! We had a wonderful dinner in the common room of the Rehabilitation Center. Danny sat up to the table in his wheelchair and fed himself. He is making such strides toward independence and hopes to go home soon. Next week he begins 5 weeks of full brain radiation. We're taking one day at a time and last night was a gift for us all.


I'm sending my card, I challenge all members of the forums to send one to Danny, too...

[Dodgergirl]

Have you sent yours yet?

Danny Zabicki, Patient
c/o Children's Hospital Central California
Rehabilitation Center
9300 Valley Children's Place
Madera, CA 93636-8762

[mountainmissy]

Below is copy of letter currently being circulated concerning Danny Zabicki...


Danny’s Story

Danny Zabicki has a zest for life that has not diminished throughout the last 14 months of treatment for Stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma. Through countless rounds of chemo and radiation, as soon as he felt the slightest bit well enough, he was back to living large! He finally reached what we thought was going to be the end of the hell he's been through at the end of May. Everything led us to believe he had beaten cancer and we fully expected all of his scans to be clear. When we received the news they had spotted a mass on his brain, we were stunned with disbelief. Danny stated, "I don't think it's a tumor, but if it is, I'll fight it like everything else!" The morning after making this statement, Danny had a massive seizure and was rushed via ambulance to Children's Hospital. Two brain surgeries later, beating all predictions from his doctors, Danny is still fighting! His courage and "Bite me cancer!" attitude have been an inspiration to so many. He and his family thank you for your prayers and support as they continue to live in HOPE!

The Zabicki Family has a wonderful support network of family and friends. They have terrific employees at their restaurant and bakery, Crab Cakes and Sweet Dreams, who are picking up the extra work to keep the businesses operating smoothly. And they have neighbors who are taking care of their home and pets.

The Zabicki Family also has HUGE medical bills and need all the financial assistance you may be able to provide. A special account has been set up at Yosemite Bank and all donations are most welcome and appreciated. Please make checks payable to the:

Danny Zabicki Medical Fund

And mail or drop off at: Yosemite Bank

Attn: Don Eaves

P.O. Box 2060

40061 Highway 49

Oakhurst , CA 93644-2060

For more information contact:

Gail Gilbert 559-877-6500 or Linda Robison 559-877-4111

The Zabicki Family thank you for your prayers

And support as they continue to live on HOPE!

[Sandman]

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/dannyzab/updates/1692011

Bite me, cancer ARMY

Posted 17 hours ago
Jeanne's update from two days ago informed you that Danny's PET and CT scans were moved up per his request from Sept. 8 to Thursday because of the pain that he's in. The results that we received Friday morning were not what we had hoped and prayed for. His cancer has spread to many parts of his body. We are planning our next course of action. One of Danny's oncologists suggested pain management. Danny's not giving into that yet saying that...we're fighting and we'll beat this.
We will provide you with more information when we have it. In the meantime, please continue to pray for our son that God continue to give him strength and healing.
Thank you and God bless,
Roman

[jakobscalpel]

Damn it! Sometimes all the heart and courage in the world just aren't enough. To see this happen to an amazing young man, who has fought long and hard and deserves better, is enough to make you hate the world and any supernatural deities that could possibly be involved. I've been reading his care pages since the beginning, rooting for him to make it through. He and his family are beyond incredible, brave, strong, and determined, and they should be an inspiration. And they are. They truly are. But bad news like this, yet again, is enough to make you feel his whole journey is just trivial fighting in the face of ultimate failure. It is awful. It is enough to make you sick. It reminds you that we all ultimately fail because life is terminal. Please Danny. Get your miracle. No one has ever been more deserving of one than you.

[yosemitewriter]

I've said this before and I will say it again. Please check out www.gerson.org. They have an extremely high success rate with cancer patients and especially pain management. I sent a friend form the studio where I worked to them and they totally cured her. She has been cancer free for 10 years. Dr. Max Gerson wrote a book called 5-case histories where he documented 50 terminal patients (according to regular AMA-approved doctors) who were told to go home and die. He cured them all and they are documented in his book. I have personally talked to a lot of Gerson's cured patients, including one who was cured 25 years ago and is healthy today. You are not going to cure a patient by poisoning the immune system with chemo. You need to restore the immune system so it can fight the cancer.
Please check out the website. That is certainly the way I would go if I ever got cancer.

[wildrosepaso]

Whatever path the family chooses to follow may they always be in God's Hands. This is a very difficult journey. One that all should bless and give blessings to the family and friends as they live it.
Family journeys through illness and recovery are the most demanding of our faith and trust. It is part of all of our human journey, but no less difficult. Please accept our small prayer of faith and hope for the entire Zabicki family.

[Kim]

"You are not going to cure a patient by poisoning the immune system with chemo. You need to restore the immune system so it can fight the cancer."
My dad would take exception to that statement, as his cure date was in April. Our family didn't fight through treatment to survive and hear statements like that.
We continue to send good vibes and prayers to Danny and his family, and will continue to buy cheesecake :)

[Ironhorse]

Regardless of the treatment followed, each person must make their own choice. If they don't believe in the treatment they receive or are receiving, the chances of success are reduced. Myself, I believe that sometimes the only cure is the chemo. The others may work in instances where the cancer hasn't spread much, but at some point you have to make the decision for the more aggressive treatment. My prayers are added to everyone else's and I am sure the Zabicki family will support Danny in making the decision of what is right for HIM.

[BGW]

Please pray!
Posted 2 hours ago
Danny has not been doing well the last couple of days. He's surrounded by loved ones and a Hospice nurse is on her way to help manage his pain. Thank you so much for your prayers.

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[monkey]

Prayers for Danny and his family are being said over and over. This makes my heart break.

[Yosemite Joy]

This is so sad. I hope that he is not in pain.

[Dodgergirl]

They are bringing in a pump so he will have better control over his pain management, but knowing Danny, he probably won't use it as much as many of us would...

[Kim]

Hopefully someone who he listens to will reinforce to him that more pain medicine, not less, increases the quality of your life at these times. Stoicism has been proven to harm people when it comes to pain meds, and being in pain actually makes people sleep more in order to escape the pain; whereas using the pain meds creates more restful sleep and better awake periods.

[Michelle]

I just pray for him and his family and friends who are heartbroken over all of this happening........

praying for strength for all who is involved.....

[only1alphafemale]

I too offer my prayers for comfort and peace for the family and friends who so love this very brave young man ~ :cry:

[mountainmissy]

Posted 7 hours ago

Several of us spent the day with the Zabickis yesterday and took turns spending time with Danny in his room. He slept most of the day, but would wake for brief intervals and still popped off a few one liners. One of the few sentences he said to me was, "How's work?" It amazes me that he still can see beyond himself and the pain he's in. Laura and Roman met with the Hospice nurse and got her advise on managing Danny's pain. Today, someone is coming to give him a pump that will give him more control. We're gathering the troops and plan to surround them with love and support. Your words of encouragement and prayers are SO appreciated. One of the things Laura said they've learned through all of this is the kindness of strangers is immeasurable. Thank you family, friends, and strangers for your part in helping them through this most difficult of journeys.

[Dodgergirl]

This afternoon, (Sat) our Mountain Area Pop Warner Football teams will have a home game at Yosemite High School. As the boys come on to the field, they will run through banners that say, "Danny Z Says Bite Me Cancer" and there will be a moment of silence as people pray for Danny and his family. In each of the programs there will be an insert saying the following:

"Danny Zabicki is a 17 year old who has been fighting a rare form of cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma. He has handled the last year and a half of
treatment with more grace and dignity than you could imagine and has
inspired us with his "bite me cancer" attitude. We have learned
lessons in living large and making the most of each day while
watching him endure torturous treatments, then bouncing back to plan
a party or go out with his friends and family - choosing to feel
well. "I'll be fine," has been his common refrain, simply because he
chooses to be fine.

Over the last few weeks, his body has failed him, but his spirit has
not. His courage, humor, kindheartedness and spunk are still there -
still teaching us. His family thanks you for the love and support
this community has shown them through this most difficult journey.
Your continued prayers are appreciated."

The Badger football program describes itself with words like "Integrity, Strength, Resolve." I think Danny embodies those principles better than anyone I know!

[Michelle]

It was awesome to have this done yesterday, we received a blue rubber bracelet, in which all my family wears and said a few prayers for Danny..... the kids ran thru the paper in which it said *Bite Me Cancer* with Danny's name.....

Just a great moment for Danny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and our Pee Wee's Won the game 36-16, they played hard and awesome with another win under the belt... My son came up to me and said that win was for Danny mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah I cried........

[Nascar8Fan]

It was undescribable the feeling during our moment of silence. The entire football field and stands were so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. That moment was so filled with prayers and good thoughts for Danny and his family. It was very emotional. I commend this mountain area for always seeming to come together at people's time of need.

Our Pee-Wee win was for you Danny. We all love you!