Nick Del Hierro, 40 Seconds

40 SECONDS FROM NOW

Nick Del Hierro, husband to Melanie (Logan), father to Gwynn and Dylan, suffered a brain aneurysm and two strokes on January 8th. Nick is only 48 years old with a birthday in March. He is in the Neurological ICU at Swedish Hospital and has been fighting for his life for four weeks. We write this to update our many family and friends and anyone who has been faced with a tragedy that changed your life within just 40 seconds. Nick is our brother, son of Michael and Colleen Del Hierro, brother-in-law/son-in-law to the Logan family and friend to so many.

Since January 8th, Nick has endured brain surgery to “clip” the aneurysm, “reconstruct” and remove blood clots, several strokes, pneumonia, infection, fever and more. He has gone through more than anyone should. His amazing wife Melanie, the Del Hierro family, the Logan family and countless others are by his side. At this time, he can only open his eyes and shed tears when spoken to. He will have to relearn how to speak and relearn everyday movements that we all take for granted.

Nick is the primary income earner for the family. After serving his country in the Army, Nick has spent his entire career as an electrician. He accepted a new role just two months ago, so he does not qualify for long-term or short-term disability. The family’s medical benefits will end on February 28th. We are searching for ways to help the family navigate through medical bills, monthly expenses, long-term care needs, new procedures and devices that are necessary for Nick’s long-term recovery as we expect him to be out of work for some time. Melanie has been working part-time but will need these next few months to focus on Nick.

We have prayed, discussed, and prayed more about what we can do to help as a family. It takes a “village,” and we ask our “village” to donate monetarily to Nick’s expenses and recovery. No matter how large or small, every contribution and gift will help tremendously. There are many unknowns at this time, and we are hoping to ease the financial stress of this unexpected life-changing event for Nick, Melanie and the kids.

We are making his story public as there has already been a massive outpouring of people wanting to help. We appreciate the many cards, meals, calls, texts, monetary donations, conversations, support, prayer meetings and love. GoFundMe is an opportunity for those who have asked to donate to do so and to help us streamline the donations.

o Our Goal - $50,000.00

o To Date - $25,000.00 has already been donated by the immediate families, extended family, friends and co-workers, which will not be reflected in the GoFundMe total in order to maximize every dollar

o Medical insurance for Nick will end at the end of February, but steps are being taken to secure coverage under Medicaid

*Please note any size donation will help us get to our goal. No amount is too small.*

As of January 30th, Nick is opening his eyes and becoming more alert as they reduce sedation. We are taking things one day at a time and celebrating the small victories and words of encouragement from the excellent medical staff. We are 100% behind Nick and optimistic about his recovery. Nick may not be able to do everything as before, but our goal is to provide him with a good quality of life.

Our Brother Nick is loving, kind, quiet. Nick has never been one to take center stage or want to stand out in the crowd. His smile can warm up a room. His laugh can make you giggle. Nick is a man who will sit quietly in a room but be the first one to offer his seat or help someone in need. So many memories have been flooding into our minds. We each want to hold on to the last time we saw Nick. We each cherish the moments, the silliness, sometimes grumpy, Nick.

Nick is a loving Father to his two beautiful children. Two children who have learned to love nature, camping, skiing, and building forts in the middle of the living room for weeks on end because their parents nurture their creativity. A Father who allows his kids to be silly, throw footballs in the house and play tag. A husband who loves more than anything to sit on his back porch and watch the sunset with his wife and capture the view of the Colorado Mountains.

This tragedy happened way too early in Nick’s precious life. However, we are standing together to send our positivity, prayers and love to Nick, Melanie, Gwynn and Dylan. We are on a journey, and we all stand strong fighting alongside Nick. God Bless you and your family, and thank you for your donation, time, prayers and concern.

FACTS MOST OF US DID NOT KNOW UNTIL NOW-

DID YOU KNOW THAT SOMEONE IN THE UNITED STATES HAD A STROKE WITHIN THE LAST 40 SECONDS?

• Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. 

• High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and is the main cause for increased risk of stroke

among people with diabetes.

• Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are

first or new strokes.

• Temporary stroke symptoms are called transient ischemic attacks (TIA). They are warning signs prior

to actual stroke and need medical attention immediately.

• Stroke recovery is a lifelong process.

https://www.utmbhealth.com/services/neurology/procedures-conditions/stroke/stroke-facts

Cards and words of encouragement are welcome.

Sincerely,

The Del Hierro and Logan Families