Coming Together For Nikola

Greetings! My name is Brian and on behalf of Miranda's work family, we are asking for your help in our efforts to support her brave and incredible son Nikola. This tough little guy has been struggling with a variety of ailments so far in his young life. Doctors have recently discovered a brain tumor found in the brain stem. As the Scroggins-Gospodinov family continues their search for answers and treatment for Nikola, the medical and logistical costs have quickly risen with little end in sight. Aside from regular trips to Children's National Hospital in D.C., and the ever-growing team of medical professionals and treatments, the family has had to make regular trips to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as well. Between medical bills, medical supplies, gas, tolls, hotels, lodging, and food, the financial burden continues to grow. As a parent myself, my heart breaks for him, his family, and the emotional impact this has had and will continue to have on them. All of this comes with a significant financial burden, which is where we believe we can have the most impact in our support for Nikola, Miranda, and Ivaylo. I know there's a lot of love out there, and a lot of people that want to help. If you are able to assist with their financial burden, any donation through GoFundMe would be highly, highly appreciated! ALL funds will go directly to Nikola's medical bills and related travel and logistical expenses for Miranda and Ivaylo.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!!

 

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Nikola's story so far from the words of his mommy, Miranda:

 

Nikola's medical journey started in August 2021 (at 6 months old) shortly after attending daycare.

We noticed Nikola became sick almost every week and had a severe case of RSV in which he was hospitalized for several days. After Nikola's hospitalization, he developed pneumonia three times in the following weeks and had issues coughing while eating and nursing. This was unusual and we were directed to Children's Hospital in Washington D.C. Children's Hospital performed many tests and determined he needed to have his adenoids removed along with a scope of his nose and throat to determine if there were any other issues. After the adenoid removal, we noticed that Nikola was still having a difficult time swallowing. The speech therapist determined he needed to have a NG tube installed for all feedings.

During this time, Nikola's Pulmonologist decided we should make an appointment with the Neurology Department to schedule an MRI. The purpose of the MRI scan was to see if there was a particular nerve causing Nikola to have issues with swallowing.

 

On January 28th, 2022 Nikola's MRI concluded that he had a Low Grade Glioma brain tumor found in the brain stem. This particular tumor is unable to be removed due to its delicate location in the brain.

On January 31st, 2022, Nikola had a biopsy of his tumor and a Craniectomy performed. The Craniectomy allowed the release of some pressure in Nikolas brain that was caused by the tumor.

 

The current plan for Nikola is to receive chemotherapy every week for 13 months at Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C. Nikola currently has a G-Tube in place, his only means of receiving nutrition, and now has an appointment scheduled to place a port for his chemotherapy treatments.

 

The goal is for Nikola to regain some of the functionality he has lost, and to lead a normal life where he can go to school again one day and just be a kid.

 

Nikola's dad Ivaylo is his primary caregiver and will attend all future surgeries and appointments.