Goleta Magazine 2017 - 15

JEFF ZAMORA AND FAMILY

Drawing strength
and support from
the Goleta community
J E F F Z A M O R A I S A P R O D U C T of the
Goodland. Both of Zamora's parents are San Marcos High
School graduates. He was born and raised in Goleta, is a
Dos Pueblos High alum and played football at Santa Barbara
City College.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska in
Lincoln, Zamora decided to return to Goleta. "I knew I
wanted to come home," he said. "I wasn't a snow person."
The long-time resident is a 22-year employee of Cox
Communications, where he met his wife, Erika. He
is an unwavering supporter of the Teddy Bear Cancer
Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is near and dear
to the Zamora family.
In 2006, the Zamoras became recipients of the foundation's
services themselves when their 18-month son, Jeffrey,
was diagnosed with leukemia. Jeffrey died soon after, and
Zamora said the family was overwhelmed at the community's outpouring of support and love.
"Some high school classmates traveled to pay their respects
when my son passed away," Zamora said. "It was touching.

That's the great thing about Goleta, it's a small town and a
great place to live. The community rallies around helping."
Zamora has been a Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation ambassador, donating his time to families, as well as advocating
for pediatric cancer awareness.
He also shares his journey and his family's personal experience with pediatric cancer at numerous local events, and he
supports families as a positive role model and mentor.
"As a father, you can never imagine losing a child, let alone
them being sick," Zamora said. "It's amazing how many people I have been able to touch by telling his story. "Anything
we can do to help raise awareness and a cure is the goal."
A pencil drawing of Jeffrey hangs in the Zamoras' home
in Goleta, and their three young children have the middle
name Jeffrey in honor of their brother.
"I hope when they get older, they will continue to fight
against pediatric cancer research and also share their
brother's story," Zamora said. "It means a lot that they
remember him."

Pictured above:
Jeff Zamora with his wife,
Erika, and their children.

B Y B R O O K E H O L L A N D , N O OZ H A W K S TA F F W R I T E R

2017 * 2018 EDITION

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Goleta Magazine 2017