If you've ever met my brother, Nick, chances are you've left smiling and remembering his name long after you've met him.
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He's the kind of person who lights up every room. He's funny, charismatic, endlessly kind, and the first person to show up and lighten a room. Even while living with constant pain, Nick has always found a way to make other people feel welcome, and feel loved.
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For years, Nick has been fighting battles that most people can't imagine.
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He lives with Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), a rare autoimmune disease, and Crohn's disease. Together, these illnesses have left him severely immunocompromised and have led to countless hospitalizations, treatments, and 29 surgeries- a number that continues to grow.
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On July 20th, Nick developed a severe infection that became life-threatening with terrifying speed. He was rushed into emergency surgery, admitted to the ICU, placed on a ventilator, and has since endured daily surgeries, painful procedures, blood transfusions, countless tests, and around-the-clock intensive care as his medical team fights to repair his life.
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This has been the most devastating hospitalization he has ever faced (knowing what he has enduredā¦ that speaks volume)
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I've watched my brother fight through unimaginable pain for years, but I've never seen him like this. It has shaken our entire family.
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He had JUST started catching up on bills. He also had been feeling quite healthy, incredibly peaceful and happy prior to this unexpected infection.
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Nick is a special education teacher, and his students mean everything to him. After every surgery and every hospitalization, he has always rushed back to the classroom long before he was fully healed because he never wanted to let his students down. He pushes through chronic pain every single day with incredible strength, rarely complaining and never asking for sympathy.
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The fact that Nick has given me permission to create this fundraiser says everything about how serious this situation is.
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He had finally started catching up financially after years of overwhelming medical expenses. Just as life was beginning to feel manageable again, this unimaginable medical crisis changed everything.
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Every donation will help relieve the enormous financial burden of this hospitalization, ongoing treatments, therapy, and the long recovery ahead, allowing Nick to focus on healing.
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And if you're unable to donate, thoughts and prayers for Nick would mean the world.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.
