On a quiet early morning, while most teenagers are still asleep, 13-year-old Zac Hooks is already awake and preparing for another important day in his extraordinary journey. With calm determination and a bright smile, Zac heads to Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham alongside his grandparents—affectionately known as “Bear” and “Honey.” Today’s visit isn’t routine. Zac is scheduled to receive a chemotherapy port, the first step in a new battle against cancer.
For many children, such a moment would feel overwhelming. Hospitals, procedures, and uncertainty can weigh heavily on anyone—especially someone so young. But Zac is not an ordinary boy. Known by many as “The Amazing Zac,” he has already faced challenges that would test even the strongest adults. Yet through it all, he continues to greet the world with a signature thumbs-up and a smile that radiates courage.
A Devastating Diagnosis at Just Two Years Old
Zac’s incredible story began in December 2014, when his family received heartbreaking news. Just weeks before his third birthday, doctors diagnosed him with Medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that typically develops in the lower back portion of the brain.
For any family, hearing the word “cancer” is life-altering. Hearing it about a toddler is almost unimaginable.
Shortly after the diagnosis, Zac underwent a critical brain surgery on December 22, 2014. Surgeons successfully removed a tumor roughly the size of a baseball—an astonishing and terrifying discovery inside such a small child’s body.
But the ordeal was far from over.
Only a day after the surgery, Zac suffered a brain bleed, prompting doctors to investigate further. During this emergency evaluation, they discovered yet another tumor. Without hesitation, the medical team performed a second operation to remove it.
Two brain surgeries in two days would shake anyone’s spirit. Yet even in the hospital room, surrounded by machines and doctors, little Zac kept doing something remarkable—he flashed a cheerful thumbs-up to everyone around him.
That simple gesture soon became his symbol of strength.
A Long Road Through Treatment
Following his surgeries, Zac began an intense treatment plan that included radiation therapy. The months that followed were filled with hospital visits, procedures, and long days of recovery. For many families, this period can feel like an endless tunnel of fear and uncertainty.
But Zac continued to approach each step with surprising optimism.
Despite the physical toll of treatment, he remained full of life and curiosity. Nurses and doctors often noted his cheerful personality. Instead of focusing on the pain or discomfort, Zac focused on the people around him—the friends he made in the hospital and the family members who stood by his side.
By August 2015, Zac completed his radiation therapy. It marked a major milestone in his young life and the beginning of a hopeful new chapter.
Ten Beautiful Years of Life and Joy
After finishing treatment, Zac was able to return to something every child deserves—a normal life.
The following decade was filled with laughter, family moments, and simple childhood joys. Zac developed a love for music and spent hours building imaginative creations with Legos. Like many kids growing up in Alabama, he also became a passionate fan of the Crimson Tide, proudly cheering for his favorite team.
As the years passed, Zac’s story transformed from one of survival into one of celebration.
In 2023, Zac turned 13 years old—a milestone birthday made even more meaningful by another incredible achievement. He had officially reached ten years cancer-free.
For his family, the moment represented a victory that once seemed uncertain. It was proof of how far Zac had come and how much life he had embraced along the way.
But life sometimes brings unexpected twists.
A Second Diagnosis That Shocked the Family
In early September of that same year, Zac’s family received news they never imagined hearing again.
Doctors diagnosed Zac with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The diagnosis came as a complete shock.
According to his grandmother, Kimberly Hicks, doctors believe the leukemia is unrelated to the brain cancer Zac faced nearly a decade earlier. Even so, the emotional impact on the family was immense.
“We just spent 42 days at Children’s of Alabama,” Kimberly shared. “It’s been overwhelming, but Zac continues to amaze us.”
Suddenly, the family found themselves back in the world they had hoped was long behind them—hospital rooms, medical tests, and the constant waiting that comes with serious illness.
Yet once again, Zac faced the situation with remarkable bravery.
The Same Thumbs-Up, The Same Fighting Spirit
As Thanksgiving week arrived, Zac returned to Children’s of Alabama for another procedure—the insertion of a chemotherapy port that will allow doctors to deliver life-saving treatments.
The next day, he would begin chemotherapy.
For many people, the idea of starting another cancer battle after everything he has already endured might feel unbearable. But Zac continues to show the same spirit that inspired everyone around him nearly a decade ago.
He still flashes that familiar thumbs-up.
That small gesture now carries a powerful meaning. It represents hope, courage, and an unbreakable belief that brighter days are ahead.
According to his grandmother, Zac chooses to focus on gratitude rather than fear.
“Zac is staying so strong,” Kimberly said. “He’s thankful for the last ten years of good health and all the wonderful memories we’ve shared. He’s holding on to that positivity as he faces this new challenge.”
A Community Inspired by One Boy’s Strength
Stories like Zac’s remind us how powerful the human spirit can be.
While adults often struggle to maintain optimism in difficult circumstances, Zac demonstrates an extraordinary ability to focus on hope. His courage has inspired not only his family but also friends, medical staff, and members of his community who have followed his journey.
People who meet Zac often leave with the same impression: despite everything he has faced, he remains full of kindness, gratitude, and determination.
His journey has become a powerful reminder that resilience is not defined by age or size. Sometimes, the strongest fighters are the smallest ones.
Looking Forward With Faith and Determination
As Zac begins chemotherapy once again, his family stands beside him with unwavering love and support. The road ahead may include difficult days, but one thing remains certain—Zac is not facing it alone.
More importantly, Zac himself is leading the way with the same fearless attitude that has defined his life.
His story isn’t just about battling illness. It’s about choosing hope when life feels uncertain. It’s about celebrating every good moment and finding strength even in the toughest situations.
Each thumbs-up he gives is more than a simple gesture. It’s a message to everyone watching his journey.
Keep believing.
Keep smiling.
Keep fighting.
At only 13 years old, Zac Hooks has already shown the world what true courage looks like. His resilience, positivity, and unshakable spirit serve as a powerful example for anyone facing adversity.
And if Zac’s story has proven anything, it’s this:
No matter how difficult the road becomes, hope can still shine brightly.
The Amazing Zac has already overcome the impossible once before—and with that same unstoppable spirit, he’s ready to face whatever comes next.