By Gina Martinez
Friends and family are rallying to support a Flushing family whose 2-year-old daughter faces a rare form of cancer.
Zoey Gorman was diagnosed March 5 with Bilateral Wilms Tumor, which affects only 500 people a year in the United States. Zoey’s parents, Ziklaly and Brian Gorman, took her to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, located in New Hyde Park, after she complained of abdomen pain. Doctors found a mass on her kidneys and she was quickly diagnosed and began treatment.
As of last week, Zoey is on her third round of chemotherapy out of an expected 12 rounds and doctors are confident she will pull through and live a healthy life.
Through all this, Zoey has remained strong and her spirits have been high. Her father said she is home and spending time with her older brother Kalem and with family.
“She is a fighter,” Brian Gorman said.
A week after she was diagnosed, Zoey’s family stepped up to do whatever was necessary to provide care for their daughter. Brian Gorman said while they were in the hospital, he and his wife were not thinking about cost of treatments, just about Zoey’s health. He said he did not learn about the GoFundMe page his sister started until a week after later.
On March 9, Brian’s sister, Katie, started the “Zoey Warrior Princess Z” campaign, which had raised over $$25,425 of its $50,000 goal as of March 28. Brian Gorman and his wife have come up with a nickname for Zoey, which they believe signifies their daughter’s strength. Now “warrior princess Z” has become the hashtag for the GoFundMe page.
“I wanted to make this page to try to ease some stress that they are under,” the page reads. “Any amount will help Brian and Zee get through this! Please keep this sweet girl in your prayers and help her beat this cancer! #warriorprincessZ. Zoey you can do this! Zoeygirl you will do this!”
Friends have been sharing their positive thoughts and donations. Donor John Restrepo, wrote: “For a family that has been nothing but sweet and loving! You will get through this and then some! My prayers are with your family. May God Bless you!”
Scott Morin wrote “Best wishes Zoey! One day at a time, you can do this.”
Brian Gorman said he and his wife feel incredibly grateful for the support.
“Truthfully, this has been humbling for our souls,” he said. “It has shown us that so many people love us and love her and just want to help us in anyway they can.”
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
