On the morning of July 8th, Nick was in a horrific and life-altering car accident. His dodge durango was traveling west bound when he lost control of the vehicle and drove off the parkway into a tree. It immediately caught fire and Nick was trapped. Within seconds several good samaritans arrived to his rescue. A few men happened to be off-duty law enforcers that were traveling the same path and we recognize them as Nick’s angels on earth that morning. While many passerby stopped and searched for water bottles in their cars in attempt to contain the flames, the men saved Nick’s life by eagerly pulling him out just a split second before the vehicle exploded. Nick's right leg was mangled and amputated in the process. Police, fire trucks and an ambulance arrived to the scene. Upon his arrival to the nearest Hospital, Nick immediately underwent approximately 7 hours of surgery for survival. He suffered a lacerated liver, broken ribs, bilateral broken arms, a left broken foot, amputated right leg and severe second and third degree burns to half his body. Nick received several blood transfusions and was medically induced into a coma and put on a ventilator for assisted breathing. His brain and lungs appeared without trauma.
Nick will be going through a series of complex surgeries as he has already undergone seven. As of a week ago he remains off sedation, is awake and conscious and in immense pain but it is being managed. Nick has been surprising the doctors with his strength and tenacity as he fights through this trauma in the ICU. The orthopedic, plastics, and burn teams as well as the ICU doctors and nurses have Nick in great care.
His recovery will be a long one with extensive rehabilitation. Nick will not only need to take a leave of absence from work but he will need help with the cost of prosthesis, uncovered medical bills and any other unforeseen expenses. Please keep Nick in your prayers, he has a wavering road ahead of him. Nick has so much life to live and we want to help make this transition as easy as possible for him. It’s a miracle he is alive.
A little bit about Nick if you don’t know him personally. He is a Technology Service Specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital and was recognized as employee of the month. Nick is an active member of the United States Coast Guard Auxilary. He quickly went through the requirements of BQ status and became a Flotilla Staff Officer of Human Resources his first year of membership. Nick assisted many new members with their training as well as supporting all members learning a new computer system to report their activity. Nick is such a hard-working, funny, talented and strong man—we know that he will get through this one day at a time.
The continued outpour of support and prayers are a constant source of strength as we navigate with Nick his long road to recovery. On behalf of Nick, myself and our families are eternally grateful for your donation.
With greatest sincerity,
Nick’s fiancé — Kara