Zoey Kathleen-Lyn Land

Zoey aka ZoZo was born on November 10, 2017, at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, arriving one month early and weighing just 3 pounds, 9 ounces. From the very beginning, Zoey showed everyone around her what true strength looked like. Born with only half a heart, becoming a CHD warrior, she faced more challenges in her short life than most people ever will. She endured multiple open-heart surgeries and spent much of her life in and out of the hospital, yet she never let her struggles define her. Through every procedure, every hospital stay, and every difficult moment, Zoey continued to shine brightly. She never showed pain — only courage, resilience, and a fighting spirit that inspired everyone who knew her. Even on the hardest days, she kept her family smiling and always kept her loved ones on their toes with her personality, strength, and spark. Zoey was deeply loved by her family, especially by her two older sisters, who adored their little sister with all their hearts. They were the best big sisters anyone could ask for, always loving, protecting, comforting, and cherishing every moment they shared with Zoey. Even though she is no longer physically here, her sisters continue to keep her memory alive every single day. They carry her with them in everything they do, speaking her name, sharing her story, and holding onto the love and bond they will always have with her. Through them, Zoey’s light continues to shine, and a part of her lives on in every way. Zoey peacefully passed away at home on June 15, 2020, surrounded by the love of her mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and sisters. She literally put up the best fight her little body could endure. Though her time here was far too short, the impact she made will last forever. Zoey was our moon, our brightest star, and our sunshine on the darkest days. She was truly one of a kind — a little girl who may have only had half a heart, but carried twice the fight. She is deeply loved, endlessly missed, and will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

A special thank you to Zoey’s mom (Taylor) and dad (Jared) for sharing her journey, her strength, and her beautiful life with all of us. Through your love and openness, so many people were able to witness the incredible little girl Zoey was and continues to be in all of our hearts.