When my cancer treatment required a grueling 9-hour drive from North Carolina to Ohio, I knew my aging Nissan wouldn't survive the trip. The last thing I wanted amid health battles was car shopping, but with such a difficult journey ahead, I had no choice.
That's when an unlikely hero entered my life – Zach Shefska from CarEdge. I discovered Zach and his dad's CarEdge YouTube channel for auto advice and reached out on a whim to share my story. To my surprise, Zach immediately offered his Concierge service free of charge. He felt compelled to help after his mom's cancer fight, and Zach strikes me as a "help first, worry about everything else second" person. Cherish those people when you find them since they will enrich and smooth out your life.
What happened next changed everything. Zach didn't just suggest vehicles; he guided me through negotiations, calling out dealer tricks. After one dealer obfuscated, Zach helped me stand firm until they met his fair price. With Zach in my corner, the whole process became understandable and achievable despite my compromised state.
Ultimately, I purchased the perfect 2023 Nissan Rogue at a reasonable price on Zach's recommendation. I cannot overstate the relief. Rather than anxiety, I felt equipped for the extended treatment trek ahead. I promised Zach I'd pay the kindness forward by donating to cancer research in his honor.
Now, "crowdsourcing" my care plan looks different. It's not just an oncology dream team; it's cross-institutional, drawing strength wherever needed – medical expertise or auto assistance. Zach and CarEdge are as integral to my survival crew as any hospital hero.
Battling cancer expands your definition of a life-saver. Where I once saw only doctors, I now see life's under-appreciated helpers, offering compassion that preserves life's joys. With unlikely allies like Zach lightening the load, impossible roads become possible.