Facing the Future: Zach Smith’s Story of Strength, Uncertainty, and Hope with Huntington’s Disease
As heard on The Lofty Lender Podcast with Kyle Guldenpfennig (#TallMoneyMan)
What would you do if your future felt like a coin toss?
That’s the emotional and complex question explored in the latest episode of The Lofty Lender podcast, where I sat down with my colleague and friend, Zach Smith—son of Eric Smith, who courageously shared his journey with Huntington’s Disease (HD) in a previous episode.
In this heartfelt follow-up, Zach opens up about what it’s like living in the shadow of a hereditary disease that offers no cure, limited predictability, and an uncertain future.
👨👦 A Family Legacy of HD
Zach first started noticing something was wrong when his uncle began acting differently at family gatherings—delayed responses, awkward hand movements, near misses while driving. At the time, the family joked about it, not understanding that these subtle signs were early symptoms of Huntington’s Disease. The diagnosis came later, hitting hard and opening the door to difficult realizations: HD runs in families, and every child of an affected parent has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene.
🎓 From Vet School Dreams to Zookeeper Reality
Zach had once planned an ambitious future: becoming a specialized veterinary orthopedic surgeon. But learning about HD forced him to reconsider. What if he invested a decade in school, took on six figures of debt, and then HD symptoms started? He made the brave decision to pivot his career—accepting a full-time position as a zookeeper and choosing to live fully in the present instead of chasing a potentially compromised future.
🧬 To Test or Not to Test?
Like many in families affected by HD, Zach faces the impossible decision: get tested and know, or wait and see? For now, he’s chosen not to test, understanding how deeply it could affect his mental health. He reasons that since he doesn't currently plan to have children, there’s less urgency—but if that changes, so might his decision. His approach is thoughtful, grounded in logic and self-awareness.
🛡 Preparing for the Unseen
Zach credits his parents for helping him prepare early. They encouraged him to secure life insurance and think critically about benefits and retirement, even as a college student. Now, he evaluates potential employers based on their healthcare and financial offerings—important considerations for someone living with the potential of HD.
💪 Finding Courage in His Father’s Strength
One of the most moving parts of our conversation was Zach’s praise for his dad. Eric got tested—not for himself, but for his sons. Watching his father stay upbeat, pursue research, attend educational events, and remain joyful despite the looming risk of HD has shaped Zach’s mindset. "He’s still Eric," Zach said. And that resilience matters.
🤝 Advice for Others
For anyone just discovering HD runs in their family, Zach offers this advice:
“It’s not the end of the world. Prepare for the worst, but still live your life. If you can squeeze in joy, squeeze it in.”
He encourages people to attend local HDSA events, like walks, galas, education days, and yes—even our annual charity golf tournament. These events not only raise funds but connect families to a powerful support system.
🎧 Hear the Full Episode
This conversation is more than just personal—it’s educational, emotional, and ultimately empowering. If you or someone you know is navigating a family history of Huntington’s Disease, this episode is a must-listen.
🔎 Search “The Lofty Lender” with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded.
You’ll find Zach’s full story—his humor, honesty, and hope—in Episode 47.
📍To connect with Zach or learn more about how we support families through Midwest Family Lending, visit MidwestFamilyLending.com.
Stay curious. Stay compassionate. Stay connected.
– Kyle Guldenpfennig, Host of The Lofty Lender Podcast
#HuntingtonsDisease #TheLoftyLender #TallMoneyMan #HDStrong #FamilyHealth #MidwestFamilyLending #ZachSmith #LivingWithHD #HDYouthVoices
