Honoring Zoey's Memory · Advancing UCD Research
Supporting First-Year Medical Students in the Fight Against Urea Cycle Disorders
Zoey Zalusky was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend whose life was tragically cut short by an undiagnosed Urea Cycle Disorder (UCD). UCDs are rare genetic disorders that affect the body's ability to remove ammonia, and they often go undetected until it is too late.
Zoey's passing inspired the creation of this foundation — to ensure that her memory lives on through meaningful action: funding research that could prevent other families from experiencing the same loss, and supporting the next generation of physicians who will carry this work forward.
The National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation (NUCDF) has shared Zoey's story to raise awareness about UCD and the importance of early diagnosis. We invite you to read it and learn more about why this work matters.
Read Zoey's Story on NUCDF.orgThe Zoey Zalusky Scholarship Foundation exists to honor Zoey's memory by funding the research and supporting the people who can make a difference in the fight against Urea Cycle Disorders.
Each year, the foundation provides a research grant to support critical studies into Urea Cycle Disorders — the condition that took Zoey's life when it went undiagnosed. This grant funds work aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for UCD patients and their families.
An annual scholarship for first-year medical students to apply to, encouraging the next generation of physicians to pursue research and clinical work in rare metabolic disorders and UCD. By investing in future doctors, we invest in the future of UCD care.
Through partnerships with NUCDF and community outreach, we work to raise awareness about Urea Cycle Disorders so that fewer families face the devastating consequences of late or missed diagnosis.
The Zoey Zalusky Scholarship Foundation offers two opportunities: a Medical Student Scholarship for first-year medical students and an Annual UCD Research Grant for researchers working in the field of Urea Cycle Disorders.
Your donation to the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation helps fund critical research, supports families affected by UCD, and raises awareness that can save lives. Every contribution makes a difference.
Donate to NUCDF.orgThe Zoey Zalusky Scholarship Foundation is supported through the profits of AZN ALLTEX LLC — every load funds the future.
The National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation (NUCDF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the identification, treatment, and cure of Urea Cycle Disorders. NUCDF provides critical support to families, funds groundbreaking research, and works tirelessly to raise awareness about these rare but devastating genetic conditions.
Urea Cycle Disorders are inherited genetic disorders that cause a deficiency in one of the six enzymes in the urea cycle. This cycle is responsible for removing ammonia (a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism) from the bloodstream. When the urea cycle is not functioning properly, ammonia builds up and can cause irreversible brain damage, coma, and death. UCDs affect approximately 1 in 8,500 births, but many cases go undiagnosed — as was the case with Zoey.
For questions about the scholarship, research grant, or the foundation, please reach out.