is the ergonomics and human factors company that specializes in the research and development of innovative and unique products and services that not only improve the quality of life of children, but that help parents and babies feel closer to each other.
Our company was founded by Yamile Jackson (PhD in ergonomics and human factors engineering and licensed professional engineer) using her own personal experience, work and education to invent the Zaky, the first product patented by Zakeez, Inc.
Zachary, her son and loving inspiration is the CIO (Chief Inspirational Officer) of our company.
She gave birth prematurely to her son that weighed less than 2 lbs. Soon after that, Tropical Storm Allison flooded Houston and shut down the hospital and all the life-support machines that were keeping her fragil son alive. For 8 hours she, her husband and nurses kept Zachary alive "by hand". He survived the most incredible odds while he was hospitalized for 5 months.
For at least 10 hours everyday Dr. Jackson was in the hospital but her agony was to leave him for 14 hours. She wished she could cut-off her hand to leave her touch, warmth, scent, and ability to comfort with her fragile son - so she invented The Zaky for her own son.
She noticed many items in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that had a plaque that read "Donated to __ in Memory of (a name of a baby)" and she felt sad to see that very few items were donated "On Behalf Of ___". Her promise to God was to help babies but she pleaded for the opportunity to do it on Zachary's BEHALF and not in his Loving Memory.
Once at home with her fragile baby (now a healthy, smart, funny and happy boy), she started brainstorming about how to help babies. She did 3 years of research and improvement of the 'home made" Zaky that she made for her baby. The Zaky is appropriate for all NICUs even with the most critically ill premature baby, that one size fit all (eliminating the need for Small/Medium/Large or Light/Medium/Heavy), and helps the baby know that he/she is part of a family that was longing to be with him/her.
Our first product is the award-winning “The Zaky®.” and it is used in hundreds of hospitals and thousands of homes and child-care facilties, and by preemies, ill, healthy and special-needs children around the world.
Research by the University of Texas Medical Branch in Houston was presented at the XVIII Annual International Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Conference in May 2004,and indicates that the Zaky was rated in the top 3 items preferred by the nurses to give comfort and support to their patients at the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Units), and that it helps babies, mothers, and nurses alike.
The Zaky and Zachary's story have been featured in the Rachel Ray Show, TV/Radio health and medical reports, newspapers, magazines, and even a movie – Visit our Media Coverage to learn more.
