Heartbreak for family as adored son loses cancer battle

The devastated mother has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her boy.

Zach Morrisey's funeral. Picture: Supplied

The devastated mother of a much-loved Gold Coast man who lost a lengthy battle against brain cancer has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her boy, saying she “doesn’t know how I can keep breathing without him”.

Mermaid Waters local Zach Bruce has been fighting brain cancer since 2019. Picture: Supplied

Zach Morrissey was diagnosed with a brain tumour (grade 2 astrocytoma) at just 21 which, despite numerous surgeries, developed into an aggressive, fast-growing tumour.

Mr Morrissey’s 2023 diagnosis of grade 4 – astrocytoma brain cancer meant the then 26-year-old had a 50/50 chance of surviving the next three years.

Zach passed away on October 17.

Zach’s mother Tracey Isles-Morrissey said she was heartbroken by the loss of her son.

“Zach was kind. He was the kindest person you would ever meet. He would do anything for anybody and he was lots of fun. He loved life. He loved every minute of life,” she said.

“He was everything, you think of the perfect human and that’s what he was and I’m not saying that just because I’m his mum.

“His laugh was deep, and from the belly and it was infectious and he had the ability to turn a negative into a positive and turn his pain into humour.

“Everybody who met him felt special just for knowing him, he was generous and he was kind.”

Tracey Isles-Morrissey's at Zach’s funeral. Picture: Supplied

Ms Isles-Morrissey said Zach was about to launch his company when he passed away.

“He was about to launch his company, which is 98 per cent complete, it’s in the AI realm, to do with law,” she said.

“He was planning on donating money from the profits of this business to brain cancer … he’s leaving a legacy, and his family is going to try and complete these to make his dreams come true.

“We’re going to try and help to find a cure for brain cancer and do fundraising to find a cure for brain cancer, because no one should ever have to lose their child or someone they love.

“He was only 26 … brain cancer kills more people under 40 than any other disease so we really do need to find a cure.

“He was a walking ray of sunshine, and people were just magnetised to him … I don’t know how I can keep breathing without him.”

“He wasn’t just my son, he was my best friend. The world looks pretty bleak at there without him but I know that he’s around us.”

Zach Morrissey's friends carrying Zach into his funeral. Picture: Supplied

Ms Isles-Morrissey said she would have done anything to save his life.

“I would have sold my house to save his life. I would have done anything. I begged with God to take me instead.

“It’s just that Zach’s body failed him and I just wish we could find a cure,” she said.

She also said that everybody could take a leaf out of Zach’s book.

“His motto was ‘Don’t be sorry, be better’, he strived to be a better person everyday,” she said.

Mermaid Waters local Zach Morrissey was fighting brain cancer since 2019, pictured with mother Tracey Isles-Morrissey. Picture: Supplied

Friends and loved ones have shown an outpouring of love and support for Zach’s family on social media.

Nicole Clark commented on Ms Isles-Morrissey’s Facebook post.

“Even though I hadn’t seen Zach for many years I watched him grow into an inspirational young man who has left a legacy for us all to follow,” her comment read.

“Your dedication and love for Zach shows why Zach became the young man he is.”

Zach Morrissey in hospital during his battle against brain cancer. Picture: Supplied

Natalie Long said: “I think of you all every day, I am cherishing the memories I have with your gorgeous boy, sending so many hugs and so much love.”

Mimi Wilson commented sending her condolences to the family.

“I have no words, my heart is breaking for you and your family, Zach was a beautiful boy, with amazing strength and determination.

“This world can be so cruel at times and I can never and will never understand death at such a young age.

“Sending my sincere condolences and love to you all at this very difficult time.”

Mr Morrissey’s funeral was held on Friday November 1 at St Alban’s Chapel at TSS.