Zaida (ZAY-da) turned 3 in September 2007. We learned she had cancer a month later on October 31st. After eight very difficult and scary days in the hospital, we learned it was peritoneal carcinomatosis, resembling ovarian cancer and mesothelioma (neither of which should happen to a 3-year-old). She was an energetic and bright girl, even after all she went through. She passed away on March 10, 2017, after nearly 9 1/2 years of battle.

Click on 'Read More' below for more information about Zaida and how to DONATE TO ZAIDA directly through Zac's Legacy. 

Using the "Donate To Caringbridge" button will allow you to donate to CaringBridge, NOT TO ZAIDA AND HER FAMILY!

Zaida was a cancer patient for over 9 years!  She had 3 years of various chemos and significant surgeries. After this, we had 22 months of remission, treatment-free! Zaida relapsed in April 2012, and had surgery and radiation (first time for radiation) over the summer. Then, she had 2 years of post-radiation chemo, and again went off-treatment in October 2014.

In December 2014, we learned that Zaida was having another relapse, and we must fight cancer again. Zaida had another lengthy surgery and hospital stay in April 2015 at MD Anderson.  We've also learned that the cancer has spread to her chest. She had chest radiation in October 2015, and continued with chemotherapy. We explored more options and hoped to find a more promising treatment.

Zaida has a sister Runa (age 15) who is wonderful and supportive! They both love Minecraft, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda, Harry Potter, fairies, magic, and animals.

Please help support us in creating history, and the story that Zaida continues to tell. We welcome your love and support. Please sign our guestbook and read our journal. 


There is a fund set up for Zaida's medical care.

Donations can be sent to:

Zac's Legacy Foundation, Inc.



2990 W. 29th Street, Suite 1

Greeley, CO 80631

Please write 'Zaida Mattson' in the memo portion of your check.

Visit www.zacslegacyfoundation.org (http://www.zacslegacyfoundation.org). Donations marked for Zaida will go directly back to the family. Also, visit www.zacslegacyfoundation.org (http://www.zacslegacyfoundation.org) for information on a tax deductable receipt.


If you prefer to donate with a credit card, a page has been set up here: http://www.gofundme.com/zaidamattson

Thank you!