San Jose, Calif. — Holding a simple glass of water now represents something much bigger than an everyday task for 30-year-old Evan Zappe. It means independence, renewed confidence and the beginning of a new chapter after living with an essential tremor since childhood.
The moment carried even greater significance because Evan’s journey came full circle at Good Samaritan Hospital. Born there 30 years ago, the Morgan Hill native returned this week as one of the youngest patients in the United States to undergo Insightec focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor. The non-invasive procedure uses MRI guidance to precisely target the area of the brain responsible for tremor.
Zappe, who was diagnosed at age 4, has spent his whole life adapting to a neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking. Essential tremor is often confused with Parkinson’s disease, but the two are different neurological conditions. While both can cause tremors, most people diagnosed with essential tremor do not have Parkinson’s disease.
Although essential tremor most commonly affects older adults, it can begin at any age – even in childhood, as it did for Evan. “The hardest part isn’t always the shaking,” Zappe said. “It’s the frustration that I feel and that people assume that I’m nervous, cold or something else entirely.”
Growing up, Evan refused to let essential tremor define him - although the condition remained a daily challenge. He played baseball, participated in Boy Scouts, graduated from Live Oak High School and San Francisco State University. He built a full life surrounded by family and friends.
When Zappe learned that Good Samaritan Hospital was offering Insightec focused ultrasound, he researched the procedure and realized it was the opportunity he had been waiting for.
“For 30 years of my life, I never thought something like this was real,” Zappe said. “To think I might look down and see a steady hand … it means the world to me.”
The outpatient procedure on Zappe’s left hand was performed by Dr. Fahd Khan, neurosurgeon and Chief of Staff at Good Samaritan Hospital. “Most of the patients we treat are in their 60s and 70s because that’s when essential tremor is most likely to interfere with daily life,” said Dr. Khan. “Evan’s age makes his story unusual, but it doesn’t change who may benefit from this treatment. Candidacy is determined by a comprehensive evaluation, not by age alone.”
“Helping someone regain confidence in everyday activities is incredibly meaningful, especially for someone who has lived with essential tremor since childhood,” Khan said. “Evan’s story reflects why bringing leading-edge technology to our community matters.”
For Zappe’s family, the impact was immediate. Overwhelmed with gratitude immediately after the procedure, Zappe wiped away tears and reached out to shake Dr. Khan’s hand - a moment that captured the significance of what he had just experienced after 30 years of living with essential tremor.
One of the first things Zappe did was pick up an open cup of water and take a drink. For most people, it would be an ordinary moment. For Zappe and his family, it represented something much bigger - the ability to enjoy everyday activities with greater confidence.
The only downside Zappe said was having to shave his head. He took it in stride, joking that it was a “free haircut” and a small price to pay for the possibility of a steadier future.
He hopes sharing his story encourages others living with essential tremor or Parkinson’s-related tremor to seek treatment. “You’re not alone,” Zappe said. “There are people in your corner, and there are options.”
Good Samaritan Hospital continues to invest in advanced technology and innovative treatments designed to improve the lives of patients and families throughout the South Bay – bringing groundbreaking care closer to home for the communities it serves.