Meet Zachary Berger- an avid baseball fan, sports podcaster, and an advocate for Lymphatic Malformation.
Each student that walks the fields of the College Park baseball complex has a story to be told. Junior Zachary Berger is no different. This remarkable student is currently making a difference in The Woodlands community, on the baseball field, and across the country, as a voice for thousands like him.
Zachary Berger was born with a birth defect called Lymphatic Malformation, which is the formation of rare masses caused by the abnormal development of the lymphatic system. Even though he has had to face numerous challenges in his life, Zachary is using his experiences to spread awareness for the hope of a cure. In the Summer of 2019, Zachary created Zac's Attack for a Cure, a non-profit that works to support the Lymphatic Education and Research Network.
"Growing up I was always asking the question 'Why? Why is this happening and why to me?' While I still ask those questions, I have come to the acceptance that it is a part of me and I have begun to turn that why into a how," Berger said.
Zac's Attack for a Cure works to help spread the word about Lymphatic Malformation and get people involved in finding a cure. Along with running fundraisers and events around the community, Zachary invests a great deal of time at the baseball field- a sport that he has loved ever since he was a young boy.
"Sports has always been an escape for me. It has been something I can go to and it is always an uplifter," Berger said.
At five years old, Zachary began his sports career as a baseball catcher. He instantly fell in love with the sport and the experience proved to him that even though he had a birth defect, he could do anything he put his mind to. His passion for the game led him to becoming a crucial part of the Cavaliers Baseball Team's success today.
Zachary works on the varsity team's analytics and statistics. He can be spotted at the top of stands at each baseball game and practice with a radar gun taking notes on the team's pitching performance. This position has allowed him to be close to home plate each day and create great friendships with his teammates.
"The baseball team has been so supportive and like a second family. It always feels like they are here for me and have my back," Zachary Berger said.
Not only is Zachary an avid baseball fan and founder of his non-profit, but he is also a podcaster. The Zac's Attack Podcast is centered around sports, baseball, and charity- all of Zac's favorite things. He has had the opportunity to speak to former and current College Park Baseball players and coaches about sports while spreading awareness for Zac's Attack among athletes. He aspires to one day interview his favorite athlete, Astros player Alex Bregman, and speak to him about the Astros, LSU, and his work with local charities.
This will be Zac's third baseball season with the Cavaliers and he is looking forward to enjoying every minute of it. In the future, he hopes to turn his passion for sports into a career by working for ESPN or the MLB Network.
In the meantime, Zachary is focusing on making a large impact on the community in his fight to find a cure for Lymphatic Malformation. He hopes to continue spreading his message of awareness while assisting with the game he loves.
If you are interested in learning more about Zachary Berger and his non-profit, "Zac's Attack for a Cure", please visit www.zacsattack.com.
