Many of those close to Guy and Nichole (Bumgardner) Cugini know that Nichole suffered seizures and a terrible fall two years ago. Unknowingly, she had sepsis. She incurred permanent physical injuries, including brain trauma (resulting in memory loss and mental impairment).

Nichole and Guy spent the last 22 years together, building a beautiful life and family together in South Carolina (and, since her accident, with relatives in North Carolina).

They have two children: Isabella, 15, and Gavin, 10.
They've lost their home. Nichole hasn't been able to work for several years, and Guy had to leave his job in order to care for Nichole and the children.

In late May, Nichole appeared jaundiced. They rushed to the ER, and through evaluation and tests, it became clear that she had accidentally, over time, overdosed on the ibuprofen she was taking for ongoing pain. Her gall bladder had effectively stopped functioning. She underwent extensive tests and treatment in one of the country's top medical centers, but was in multiple organ failure. 

Devastatingly, the damage to Nichole's organs was too severe for her to survive, and she was moved to hospice care, where she passed peacefully on Friday, June 24, 2016, at 5:40 a.m. Her father was with her; Guy had been there all night, and he, Isabella and Gavin (as well as relatives and friends) were at Nichole's side around the clock since she entered hospice.

While she hadn't been able to speak since the previous Wednesday, she had opened her eyes several times, responding to touch and to her loved ones' reassuring words. Guy says, "As hard as it is and will be, I'm relieved her suffering is over."

There is no need to stress how unthinkably tragic this is for Guy, Isabella, Gavin and all who love them.  

Guy and Nichole worked hard their entire adult lives, but due to the circumstances of the past few years, they need our help with end-of-life and other expenses. We friends & family set up this fund -- with Guy's reluctant, but grateful, blessing -- to alleviate any possible hardship we can during this terrible time. 

Thank you, and please share this with anyone you think might want to help.