<div><strong>Fundraiser Update</strong> 
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<div>Nicholas’s Ongoing Battle
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<div>The past two weeks have been incredibly challenging for Nicholas, with a series of medical setbacks.
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<div>After initially showing progress and moving out of the ICU, swelling in his head led to the discovery of an infection on the plastic covering over his brain. This required emergency surgery to remove the infected material, along with the insertion of drains to manage fluid buildup. While the cranial drain was recently removed, the spinal drain continues to relieve pressure on his brain.
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<div>This morning (March 29th), Nicholas suffered three severe seizures, requiring sedation and anti-epileptic medication. He is currently unresponsive and has been moved back to the ICU. If he does not regain consciousness, an MRI will be conducted to assess possible brain damage. Additionally, his blood count has dropped, and he is receiving a blood transfusion while doctors monitor for potential internal bleeding, though no source has been found yet.
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<div>We remain hopeful and are incredibly grateful for your continued support. Thank you for standing with us. 
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<div>Dear  Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,
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<div>Hi, my name is Mikayla, and I am Nicholas’s older sister.
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<div>Nicholas is a son, brother, uncle, friend, and so much more. As a family, we have no choice but to set up this fundraiser to support our brother on his long road to recovery. We deeply appreciate you taking the time to read our message and understand our need to help Nic in any way possible. Our hope is to make his life, once he is in that position, a little easier and more comfortable.
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<div>On February 13th at 5:10 AM, Nic was in a devastating accident in Belmont. He was hit head-on by a car, and while details are limited, the only witness—an off-duty police officer—acted quickly, calling first responders and ultimately saving Nic's life before he could receive professional medical care at John Hunter Hospital. The driver was not at fault, but Nic was left in a coma on life support for seven days.
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<div>At just 19 years old, Nic is facing an unimaginable battle. He is incredibly intelligent, with a passion for building computers, gaming, history, languages, and sharing fascinating facts that he loved to challenge us with. Our greatest heartbreak is knowing that his brain has been severely affected, and doctors have told us that he may never fully return to the Nic we know and love.
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<div><strong>Nic’s Injuries &amp; Condition</strong>
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<div>Nic’s condition remains critical. His injuries include:
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<div><strong>Brain damage</strong>—loss of oxygen, bruising, and haemorrhaging.
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<div><strong>Skull</strong>—58 staples along a scalp. The left side of his skull was fractured and removed to relieve swelling, a lifesaving measure.
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<div><strong>Lungs</strong>—one collapsed, the other bruised. A drain was inserted to remove fluid buildup.
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<div><strong>Ribs</strong>—several broken.
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<div><strong>Internal injuries</strong>—a tear in his spleen, a laceration to his colon, and bruising to his kidneys, liver, and stomach.
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<div><strong>Pelvis</strong>—severe fractures, including to his sacrum (tailbone area).
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<div><strong>Fractures</strong>—shoulder blade and humerus.
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<div><strong>Spinal injuries</strong>—fractured discs.
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<div><strong>Surgeries &amp; loss of function</strong>—abdominal surgery, muscle loss, memory loss, and significant challenges with speech and movement.
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<div>Doctors estimate he will need to stay in the hospital for <strong>6–9 months</strong>, and his journey to recovery will be long and uncertain.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>Our mother lives in the small country town of Tambar Springs, 50 minutes away from the nearest town. Nicholas’s rehabilitation will take place at John Hunter Hospital and in Newcastle, four hours away, making travel and long-term care a significant challenge. The financial burden of medical expenses, rehabilitation, and disability modifications is overwhelming.
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<div>Initially, we only hoped to raise funds for a medical helmet, a wheelchair, and a gaming device to help stimulate Nic’s brain once he is able. But as reality sets in, we realise we will need far more support to bring him home and give him the best possible chance at recovery.
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<div><strong>Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward:</strong>
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<div>❤️ Medical treatments and rehabilitation
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<div>❤️ Long-term care and recovery support
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<div>❤️ Disability modifications to home
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<div>If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Your kindness, prayers, and positive energy mean the world to us. Let’s rally together and show Nic and our family that they are not alone.
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<div><strong>Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.</strong>
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<div>— Mikayla, Jesse, Jack, and Family
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Jem Fidyk

Anne Mackintosh

Bec Stammers

Nicole Curtis

Haydyn Labuts

Harley Johnson

Anonymous

Jack Sharvin

Eden Hollis

Anna Teixeira

Alyssa Falk

Lia Kefalianos

Ian Hanbury

Jessica Rits

Katie W

Marnie Benney

Help Nicholas on His Long Road to Recovery

Help Nicholas on His Long Road to Recovery

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