Hi, my name is Heather, and I am fundraising for my best friend since 5th grade, Nikki Ruiz, that suffered an Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) caused by bleeding within the brain tissue — a life-threatening type of stroke on Wednesday, August 24th.

The stroke caused the entire left side of her body to become completely paralyzed. She gained feeling within a day or two at the hospital but has a long road to recovery. After seven days at the hospital, she still can't control her left arm and has little control of her left leg. As a result, Nikki has to relearn how to do the basic functions we all take for granted. The doctors hope to move her to rehab in the next few days. The plan is for her to go through 3 hours of intensive rehab daily.

Nikki is only 36 years young and has a loving husband and two young children, Mila, three, and Kane, 1. She is also five weeks pregnant with her third baby, who is doing fine. However, with the baby, Nikki can't do the routine tests to see why she had the stroke, which makes it difficult for a speedy recovery.

If you know Nikki, you know she is a fighter! She will stop at nothing to be back with her family, holding her children, and at work with her clients. Nikki is a hair stylist of 12 years and works hard to ensure that she can continue supporting her immediate and extended family.

Nikki and her family need our support as much as ever. We want her to fully recover without the stress of bills, Mila's school tuition, and any possible medical bills. Please share with all your friends and family; anything helps.

Thank you for your contribution. We will keep you posted on her progress throughout her road to recovery.