On March 26, 2025, in Aurora, Illinois, our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Nicole, a vibrant 34-year-old, was shot by her abusive ex-boyfriend in a horrific act of domestic violence. The bullet tore through the left side of her body, damaging her colon, tearing the main artery in her left leg, destroying one ovary and one fallopian tube, fracturing her hip, and stopping just short of her spine. Losing 3/4th of her blood, Nicole’s courage and quick thinking allowed her to call 911, saving her own life before police and medical teams arrived. She was rushed to a local hospital and later airlifted to a specialized trauma center in Illinois for emergency surgeries.

Nicole underwent four major surgeries to repair life-threatening internal injuries. Surgeon’s decided to leave the bullet in her body due to concerns of causing more damage while trying to remove the bullet. Now, she faces a grueling recovery: months of physical therapy to regain mobility, ongoing mental health counseling to heal from the trauma, and the challenge of rebuilding her life. As an office worker, Nicole is unable to work due to her injuries, leaving her without income to cover mounting medical bills, rent for a safe apartment away from her abuser, or even basic necessities like food and utilities. Her family is doing all they can, but they, too, are stretched thin by their own expenses.

We’re reaching out to our community—friends, neighbors, and kind-hearted strangers—to help Nicole reclaim her future. This campaign aims to raise $60,000 to cover critical medical costs, secure a safe home, and provide essentials during her recovery. Your support will give Nicole the chance to heal physically, emotionally, and financially in a safe environment, free from fear.