Zeppelin Jude Zitek is the son of Violet Patkus and Joseph Zitek. Zeppelin is currently 3 years old and is a very happy boy with the biggest heart. Anyone who knows Zeppelin knows that he is loving, loves to play, and is very smart for his age. 

When he was just a little over a year old, Zeppelin was diagnosed with a tumor in his head. This tumor, known as a craniopharyngioma, is a rare, slow-growing, noncancerous (benign) brain tumor that develops near the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. He has since then, been receiving care at St. Louis Children?s Hospital. Because of the tumors size and location (behind 4 major arteries), it is unable to just be removed. It requires to be shrunk by radiation prior to removal. They have inserted a reservoir into the tumor to drain and maintain it until he was old enough for radiation. Unfortunately, the outside of the tumor has calcified and the previous reservoir needs to be replaced. 

In June, he will be undergoing a very serious surgery to reinsert a new reservoir into the tumor. St. Jude Children?s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee will continue to treat him for the radiation/removal surgery in late July/August of this year. His radiation treatments will last at least six weeks, not including the surgery or recovery time. During this time, Zeppelin?s parents will be not be working so they can be with him. No parent should have to go through this, let alone worry about finances. 

The funds raised will help with travel, bills, living expenses, and any unexpected hospital bills. Any support you can give will help Zeppelin?s family focus on his recovery and ease the financial burden during this difficult time. Please share and donate if you are able. Thank you so much.