Fundraiser Planned for 16-Year-Old Boy After Life-Altering 16½-Hour Transplant Surgery

OSWEGO – At just 16 years old, Zachary Johnson should be worrying about school, sports, and time with friends. Instead, he is recovering from a life-saving transplant surgery that lasted 16½ hours—a marathon procedure that will determine his future. The major surgery known as TPIAT (Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation) was performed on January 27, 2026.

Zach is an active, determined teenager known for his love of the outdoors. He is a student at Mexico Academy Central Schools and Oswego CITI (BOCES). He loves riding his four-wheeler and dirt bike, fishing, and camping, and has a natural talent for mechanics. Zach has had health struggles, but until recently, he lived the kind of life every kid deserves—busy, hopeful, and full of plans. Chronic pancreatitis, a serious medical condition, changed everything, forcing his family into a fight they never expected.

This marathon procedure is not just a surgery—it is a moment that will test his strength, his family’s endurance, and the power of community support. The procedure is long, complex, and emotionally overwhelming, followed by an intense recovery period filled with uncertainty and hope.

Behind the scenes, Zach’s family is navigating sleepless nights, difficult conversations, mounting medical expenses, and the fear that comes with placing your child’s life in the hands of a surgical team. Through it all, they remain focused on one thing: giving Zach the chance to grow up, chase his dreams, and live a full, healthy life.

This is where the community can make a difference. His medical bills and expenses are tremendous, and we can help eliminate that burden with our support.

The family needs us, whether through donations to COTA for Zach’s Journey, sharing his story, prayers, or supporting the upcoming spaghetti and meatball benefit dinner to be held for COTA in his honor on February 26, at the Palermo Church, located at 11 County Route 35, Palermo, NY.  The dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m.; with a cost is $12 per person. Take-out or eat in is available.  There will also be a bake sale with lots of tasty treats available.

Help from the community will allow the family to focus on what matters most: being present for Zach during this critical time. Every gesture, no matter the size, reminds them that they are not facing this alone. Zach has shown remarkable courage for someone so young. Now, he needs a community willing to stand with him as he faces the biggest challenge of his life.

To support COTA for Zach’s Journey, you can read his entire story, and please donate through COTA at https://cota.org/cotaforzachsjourney/our-story/ where every dollar given is available for his lifetime of transplant expenses. COTA is the Children’s Organ Transplant Association that helps families raise money for the expenses occurred with lifesaving transplants.

Together, we can help carry this family through the longest hours—and toward a future filled with hope. For more information contact Sue Bakos at 315-806-1790 or via email at [email protected].

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