Zane J. Nissen

September 11, 1991 - March 22, 2021

I was born on September 11, 1991 with a heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and at 27 days old I received a heart transplant. Then at the age of 7, I was diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma and after four months of chemo I was in remission. Lastly at the age of 10, I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis which was what would end up taking my life at the young age of 29. I decided I was done. I had fought long enough. I bravely walked out of my home for the last time and went to Unity Hospice on March 18, 2021 and I died on March 22, 2021. My life was so much more than my illnesses. I found happiness in my life in between treatments, procedures and hospital stays. I enjoyed so many things. One of my greatest loves was music, I loved going to concerts!! I also enjoyed very much going to and watching Packer games, wrestling, and stock car races. "GO PACK GO!" I have known great friendships and I was loved fiercely by my family. I was able to graduate from West High School in 2010 even though some days it was impossible to breathe or for me to find the strength to get up. I still went because I was a warrior. My saying was “Never give up” and I never did. In the end, the disease was just too much and I was no longer able to do the things I loved. I am finally able to breathe now and I am with so many of my family members that went before me, I am free. I don’t want you to cry for me, I want you to find strength from my story. Don’t take a day or a breath for granted. Make every day count. I would like to thank the numerous doctors, nurses, and CNA’s that have cared for me over the years. You are hero’s. A special thanks to Dr. Amy James, Ann, Ida, Brenda, Phillip, and the entire staff from Unity Hospice for being there for my family and I until the very end.