The No Bad Days Project: Zac Yarbrough
How Stage 4 Breast Cancer Fighter Zac Yarbrough Continues to Have No Bad Days
These words from Jim Valvano at the first ESPY Awards Show on March 4, 1993, announced the V Foundation, and since that day over $353 million has been poured into cancer research grants across North America. This research has had a lifesaving impact, but equally important is the mantra Jim left us with: “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”®.
Our friend Zac Yarbrough keeps those words in his mind every day. Since we last shared Zac’s story, he’s described his journey as a “roller coaster.” He surpassed the five-year anniversary of his diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, and it’s been quite a journey, but his positive attitude and motivations continue to keep him going.
New Options, Thanks to Research
During his five-year journey with cancer, Zac has endured many ups and downs. The primary focus of his treatment the last couple of years has been three modules on his lungs, where his original cancer spread. His doctors have kept him well informed of new developments in treatment options, and he’s seen the benefits of game-changing research within his own battle.
Zac and his doctors had previously found a chemotherapy treatment regimen that greatly slowed the growth of these nodules, allowing him to keep fighting every single day. A couple months ago, scans revealed that one of the spots on his lungs had grown rapidly in the last year. He underwent radiation and things looked successful after that.
After radiation, his oncologists opted to pause treatment, take a step back and reevaluate the options available to them. Because of cancer research, Zac is preparing to begin a new treatment option an oral chemotherapy, recently on the market.
“It’s awesome that there are new drugs, new tests, new things coming out every single day that can help fight these battles,” Zac said. “My last five years, I’ve gone through many different treatments and cycles with chemo and radiation. Every day, it’s awesome knowing that there is a brighter side on the end hopefully.”
Every breakthrough in research and new treatment that becomes available provides hope to Zac during his battle.
No Bad Days
Part of Zac’s mindset is evident on his Instagram account. He feels that even through difficult experiences – from cancer to anything someone is facing – any day we are here is not a ‘bad’ day.
“There are rough, tough, horrible things in life we all experience. Whether you are battling cancer, personal issues, family, whatever it is, we all experience it. As long as we realize there are truly no bad days, it keeps me moving every single day.”
Zac is living his philosophy by doing extraordinary things even while in his battle with cancer. A quick scroll through his Instagram, and you’ll see him living his life to the fullest. Some highlights from his summer include seeing one of his favorite bands, Stick Figure, in concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, countless adventures at fishing tournaments from New Orleans to the Northeast with his team, and alligator hunting in Florida.
It’s an exciting life, and while he fully believes there are no bad days, there can be heavy days. Enduring rigorous treatment for over five years is taxing. It’s humbling. But he remains hopeful every step.
“With my positive mindset, I still can’t believe I’m fighting cancer every day. It’s tough to try to feel good and then walk in and hear you’re sick. It’s just waking up every single day and appreciating what we have, the opportunity to go forward. The sun sets, the sun rises, it’s the little things that go a long way.”
Through every scan, every needle poke, and every difficult moment, Zac’s motivations remain the same – his two daughters.
“My daughters are a blessing, and they keep me fighting every single day. They are 7 and 10 years old now. It’s just great to see them blossom and become independent young women and see their growth. As a dad, that’s all I want. Every single day, I’m fighting for that chance to walk them down the aisle one day.”
Don’t Ever Give Up…
Zac is an angler on a boat that competes at tournaments along the East Coast. The professional fishing industry can be tough. There are long days, a lot of travel, and high-pressure situations to capitalize on the few opportunities available.
Last season, during a tournament, Zac had an experience that resonated with him deeply. After years of cancer, he wasn’t sure if the 2023 season would be his last on the boat because of his treatments. But he couldn’t give up.
Zac was on the back of the boat battling a giant blue marlin. He described it as well over 800 lbs. and landing it would have produced one of the biggest payouts in fishing history.
The whole competition, he thought of all those who had fought cancer and all they had been through. He wanted to land the fish for them, and for himself. Everything in those moments correlated to his personal journey with cancer.
Unfortunately, after hours, the fish broke the line.
“I literally wanted to give up from the fishing industry, which was crazy. You never want to give up,” Zac said. “The same thing Coach V said all the time, “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”®. I wanted to give up so many times before that. I still have that saying tattooed on my hand and look at it every single day.
Zac was able to return to the boat again this season. And it’s been an extremely rewarding season – from winning an award as an angler to finishing first place at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland. He will never give up.
Zac’s been busy living, and he isn’t stopping anytime soon. He’s checked a lot of things off his ‘bucket list’, and there’s only one thing left to do.
“I’ve been so fortunate to cross off a lot of things… for me, it would be to find that cure for cancer. That’s the only thing on the bucket list.”
