Donate to Help the Z’s Manage John’s Struggle with Fatal PSP, organized by Jenifer Harms

Product Description

After 35 years of serving the Lord and countless people in full-time Christian ministry as a youth pastor and senior pastor, Dr. John “Z-Man” Zivojinovic now faces the devastating reality of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – a rare, aggressive, and fatal brain disease. PSP attacks the brainstem and robs its victims of speech, movement, and independence. It can be described as a cruel mix of Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s: stiffness and imbalance, motor decline and swallowing difficulties, cognitive slowing and apathy. The symptoms quickly get increasingly worse until the patient can no longer move or think. The life expectancy is only 6-10 years, and John is already halfway through this difficult journey. He is unable to drive and falls frequently. He also struggles with eye movement impairment, controlling emotions, and planning. In the years ahead, PSP will bring severe speech loss, necessity of a feeding tube, and complete inability to move. There is no cure. We first met John and his wife, Teresa, during his 18 years at Grace Chapel in Centennial, CO. Even as senior pastor of a large church, John made time for people. When I called him with a concern about my teenage son, he spent nearly an hour listening, encouraging, and guiding me based on 25 years of experience as a youth pastor. He mentored our boy, loved our family, and modeled Christlike service. This is only one story—there are countless others whose lives were changed by John and Teresa’s generosity and faith. Now it is their turn to receive love in a practical way. Despite his illness, John has continued working three jobs – counseling, teaching college philosophy, and hospital labor- in order to afford their apartment and provide health insurance for Teresa, who does not yet qualify for Medicare. Although it is a struggle for him to just stock shelves at the hospital cafeteria, he remains a hard worker with a good attitude and a kind word for everyone. But the disease is progressing, and it is uncertain how much longer he can keep going. Teresa has gotten a CNA license so she can care for John at home and generate some income while she also cares for her grandchildren, but the financial situation is dire. If John and Teresa have touched your life- or if you are moved by their story- we invite you to help. Your gift will ease the financial burden of medical care, rent, and daily living expenses, allowing John and Teresa to focus on faith, family, and precious time together. Please pray for the Zivojinovics. Encourage them. And if you are able, please show your love through financial support. Every donation, large or small, will make a meaningful difference. *If you wish to stand by them throughout the remainder of this journey, you can make a recurring donation by clicking the “monthly” button on the top right of the donation page.

Donate to Help the Z's Manage John's Struggle with Fatal PSP, organized by Jenifer Harms

Donate to Help the Z's Manage John's Struggle with Fatal PSP, organized by Jenifer Harms

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