Morgan’s Story

Site created on September 8, 2023

Morgan's cancer journey started at the beginning of the summer at 16 weeks pregnant when her NIPT results indicated genetic abnormalities across all test markers. She was referred to a study being conducted at the NIH called IDENTIFY an Incidental Detection of Maternal Neoplasia Through Non-invasive Cell-Free DNA Analysis. That same week she was flown out to Maryland and had a full body MRI performed and the following day after flying home the doctor called and confirmed our worst fears. Morgan's MRI showed breast cancer that has metastasized to her liver, lung and bone.

With the help of friends and family we were able to quickly schedule a biopsy and find an amazing breast oncologist that had experience treating pregnant women. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed that the cancer was triple negative reducing options for treatment and made continuing the pregnancy not possible for us. As emotional as this decision was it ended up being crucial in the weeks to come. There was fortunately a silver lining in her results showing high PD-L1 levels that allowed immunotherapy to be added to her treatment plan.

Morgan was getting ready to start her first chemotherapy treatment at the end of July when an acute event occurred that put her in the hospital. Not wanting to delay her treatment she was discharged with no real answers. Her condition worsened throughout the week after the first therapy. By the time she was admitted back to the hospital she was blind and unable to walk. An emergency MRI of the spine and brain showed multiple lesions on the spine and sever inflation of the optic nerves. Her doctors reacted quickly by prescribing a high dose intravenous steroids and referring neuro-ophthalmologist that would be joining her cancer fighting team. Due to the metastatic nature of Morgan's cancer and the findings on her MRI a lumbar puncture was performed. The results showed no cancer cells in her spinal fluid which gave us the first good news in a month. 

The MRI was still worrisome enough that a 10-day course of radiation along the spine and brain was performed over the following two weeks. Morgan being the bad ass that she is refused to miss any of her scheduled chemotherapy treatments during this time. Towards the end of August, we got results from further testing of her spinal fluid that was sent to the NIH. The results showed high levels of AQP4 antibody's and confirms the diagnosis of paraneoplastic neuromyelitis optica syndrome. This is a rare disorder that effects 1/10,000 cancer patients where the cancer produces a protein and triggers an antibody response from the immune system that attacks the nerves. Fortunately, this diagnoses only adds an additional infusion for B-cell therapy and is compatible with her chemo and immunotherapies. 

This summer has been the most difficult time in our lives but hoped that Morgan could now concentrate on her treatment for the disease. Fate had other plans as this version of cancer was truly insidious. Despite making all the right decisions and going through the harsh treatments her cancer had progressed rapidly across the spine. With her condition getting worse we agreed to directed chemotherapy to the spine in hopes this would halt the progression. After two days it was clear the treatment was ineffective so as a last try, steroids were given multiple full body plasma exchange treatments were done. We hoped her neuropathy was related to the paraneoplastic disorder as this treatment would see immediate relief. The reality was it was probably always the cancer causing her neuropathy and despite all our best efforts nothing could prevent the spread.

Morgan was paralyzed within a few days; I could tell she was tired and in pain. Her oncologist had an honest conversation with us in that she saw no viable treatment path forward, indicating days. I have no doubt Morgan's will to be here for Eliza is stronger than ever, but the body can only take so much. She was able to make the decision that she wished to be moved to comfort care where she could be best taken care of and is allowed to get the rest and peace she deserves.  

Newest Update

Remembering Morgan Zora

Journal entry by MacKenzie Zora —

Close to 200 friends and family gathered to celebrate Morgan’s life on her birthday, October 28th. It was a perfect fall day that Mo would have loved and having a slice of pizza and a beer with the people she loved most would have made her so happy. While the memorial was incredibly difficult, we felt at peace knowing Eliza was able to look around and see a room full of people who loved Morgan for the person she was. Throughout Morgan’s cancer battle she continued to say people are so good. While she was dealing with unimaginable pain, she couldn’t help but notice how kind people are. We have also felt and experienced this as we navigate the unthinkable. THANK YOU to all who donated, sent us meals, flowers, shared memories of Mo, and supported and surrounded us with love. We will be forever grateful and know Mo is too.

We did also want to add a special thank you to the Shoalwater Bay Tribe. Morgan was a proud tribal member, and we are grateful for the beautiful blanket, the necklace in Morgan’s favorite color yellow, the financial support for the memorial, and your presence and words to celebrate Morgan’s life. We are so thankful Eliza will know and celebrate this part of her family and her history.

Please bear with us as we try to navigate this new normal which seems to get harder by the day. We may be slow to respond to emails and texts but please know that we do appreciate everyone that has reached out and connected with us in the last few months. If you ever think of a memory of Morgan and want to share, know we talk about her every day and we want to hear it.

We have a video of Morgan to share with everyone as we memorialize this Caring Bridge site -  Celebrating the life of Morgan Christine Zora

Some of Mo's fave songs included in the video:

  • Caribou -  Can't Do Without You
  • Japandroids -  The House That Heaven Built
  • LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends

Please feel free to continue to leave thoughts and memories on the Caring Bridge site or send to us directly at mac.zora@gmail.com.

Morgie - we love you and feel your presence every day. We miss your contagious laughter, witty comebacks and just the everyday joy you brought to our lives. You made us all better and we will be forever thankful for that.

With Love, 

MacKenzie, twin to Morgan

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