We adopted this family as a way to help the Branca’s through the holidays but, after hearing more from Nichole & hubby Jimmy, I realize they need so much more. This is Nichole’s story in her own words.......”This year has been the hardest of my life. This is NOT an understatement. I know it’s been rough for everyone. Being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma is something I never thought would happen to me. I always stayed on top on my skin checks, didn’t spend time in the sun. Fast forward to the day my dermatologist removed the mole on my upper arm. I had to practically beg her to remove it  - she didn’t feel it looked different than my other spots. Melanoma doesn’t always follow the “ABCD” guideline. Please remember if something doesn’t feel right FIGHT for it to be checked!

August 2019 I had SNLB & WLE. All margins were clear so I was classified as 1B. I felt so lucky, kept up with my appointments & everything seemed great! 6 months later, I started having excruciating back & rib pain. I saw 6 separate doctors who all said the same thing, “You must have pulled something from lifting your toddler. Here’s some steroids, muscle relaxers & script to PT”. Finally after suffering for months, my insurance approved an MRI  where a large tumor was found in my T7 vertebrae. Further testing showed tumors in my 4th + 5th ribs, 3 in my breasts, 3 in my lungs, and 6 in my brain. Now classified STAGE 4. I was numb for most of the summer. Difficult to even wake up but, HAD to because my children & Jimmy need me. I didn’t want them seeing me like that. I’ve been in the hospital quite a few times lately due to reactions from my treatments which sadly keep getting postponed. I do my best to remain positive. My family & friends deserve that. This is why I’m writing this. I am Thankful for God, Mary, Jesus, all of our Saints & Angels. I pray every single day. This diagnosis has brought me closer to my faith. I am thankful for my husband & children who give me my reason to smile, laugh & feel loved. My kids have been so strong when I need to leave them to go to the hospital each time. Thank God for Facetime. I ❤️ them more than anything. I’m so thankful for Jimmy for literally taking care of EVERYTHING when I feel lousy. Even when I don’t, let’s be honest, he does a lot for me lol. I feel ❤️ from all the beautiful acts of kindness we have been blessed with. I am thankful for the kindness of complete strangers I have met and (still have not met !) along the way who have blessed my family. I still can’t process the beautiful souls I’ve come in contact with! You’ll never know all the kindness is in this world if you focus on the ugly. Thank you for all that everyone has done for us during this difficult time. I feel so much ❤️ from all of you & truly ❤️ you all! Yes, I have stage 4 cancer at 35 years old, but I’m going to fight it with a smile on my face, stay positive and keep praying I can be here to watch my children grow up. Small things are big things now.” Nichole’s Mom & Pop-Pop, her biggest supporters, incidentally moved to FL last year before her diagnosis. Mom was coming up for all Nichole's infusions each month however Pop-Pop was recently diagnosed with laryngeal cancer so, now she can't leave him. Mom also houses and cares for Nichole's sister's 3 children so her plate is overflowing. Jimmy works in construction and between furloughs and needing to take time for his family, they lost their health insurance. After considering all options, Cobra was their best option to avoid change or interruption of care for Nichole which provides peace of mind at $1700 / month. Thank you to all who have donated so far to help cover over 3 months of their health coverage. Unfortunately, with other mounting bills, the family has been forced to withdraw Jimmy’s retirement to stay afloat and they have such a long journey yet to go. PLEASE give what you can, when you can and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! The Brancas could not be more appreciative and actually want to mail a thank you to anyone who contributes!