On October 13, 2022, at 15 years old, Zoe Suder was a young rising soccer star known for her incredible skill and passion for the game. College recruiters were already knocking on her door. Zoe’s dreams were as bright as the sun. Then life took a sudden and cruel turn when Zoe was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
The news hit her and her family like a thunderclap. With the fierce determination that had always driven her on the field, she began her fight for survival. She was thrust into a world of hospitals, chemotherapy, limb salvage surgery, and uncertainty. Doctors warned her that she would never play soccer again, never run again and walk with a limp. Through it all, Zoe held onto the hope that she would once again feel the thrill of kicking a soccer ball, the rush of running down the field, and the joy of playing the sport she loved.
Against all odds, with her extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination, Zoe defied her prognosis. She was given the green light to play soccer again in the fall of 2024. It was a bittersweet victory, one that filled her heart with joy. Just as she began to lace up her cleats again, fate dealt another devastating blow. The cancer had returned, forcing her to confront the harsh reality of her battle once again.
However, Zoe’s spirit remained unbroken. Rather than letting fear and despair consume her, she channeled her experiences into something more powerful. She founded “Zoe’s Goal” a foundation dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric cancer, the need for research and funding, and supporting other young warriors like herself. Through her foundation Zoe seeks to educate others, and advocate for research that could change the lives of countless children facing similar challenges.
Zoe’s journey became one of hope, resilience, and unwavering determination. She shared her story through social media inspiring thousands with her strength and positivity. Her message is clear; while cancer may have changed the trajectory of her life, it would not define her. Zoe’s Goal is not just about raising funds for research—it’s about harnessing the passion and power of sport. It’s about uniting us all and channeling that same determination to navigate the unknown waters of pediatric cancer, bringing hope, inspiration and support to our youth.
