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Meet Nick Phifer, happy, healthy 12-year-old boy that loved being competitive. He was the one that wanted to run the fastest, jump the highest and shoot the most hoops.
That wonderful, normal life came to an abrupt halt in July of 2018 when Nick was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma. The family’s world was turned upside down as Nick was taken to Vanderbilt hospital for immediate rounds of chemo therapy. He was an incredible trooper thru all the struggles and illnesses from chemo therapy and persevered through it all. After 6 rounds of chemo Nick faced a radical surgery to remove the tumor and part of his thigh bone. Cadaver bone and tons of hardware replaced what was once his normal, healthy leg. Nick was incredible as he pushed on with prayers and support of his family, especially his brother Jack and now extended group of friends. After surgery 8 more rounds of chemotherapy had to be completed.
At last, after all the chemotherapy, in April 2019, all scans were CLEAR and Nick went home to try to return to somewhat of a normal life. Around August 4, 2019 Nick was ready to begin school with the help of his brother at this side.
However, there is more to Nick’s story. He began feeling tired, having headaches and nausea. His blood counts did not look good so he had a bone marrow biopsy. Findings revealed that Nick now has - Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). This is a pre-leukemic condition likely caused by the chemotherapy and the treatment is radical. Nick must have a stem cell transplant. This involved rigorous additional chemotherapy that will completely knock out his immune system. A stem cell transplant, probably from his beloved brother Jack, will come next, followed by days and weeks of treatment to assure the stem cell transplant is effective.
All of this leads to my request asking you to help support this family financially. Nick will have to be in Nashville for about 6 months. He will be hospitalized a minimum of 1 month and after that he and a family member or caregiver will have to stay close to Vanderbilt for a minimum of 100 days.
I don’t have to tell you of the financial toll this is taking on this family. Let’s join together in helping share this burden by donating to #NICKSTRONG GoFundMe page.
Your prayers are coveted and donations appreciated.
That wonderful, normal life came to an abrupt halt in July of 2018 when Nick was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma. The family’s world was turned upside down as Nick was taken to Vanderbilt hospital for immediate rounds of chemo therapy. He was an incredible trooper thru all the struggles and illnesses from chemo therapy and persevered through it all. After 6 rounds of chemo Nick faced a radical surgery to remove the tumor and part of his thigh bone. Cadaver bone and tons of hardware replaced what was once his normal, healthy leg. Nick was incredible as he pushed on with prayers and support of his family, especially his brother Jack and now extended group of friends. After surgery 8 more rounds of chemotherapy had to be completed.
At last, after all the chemotherapy, in April 2019, all scans were CLEAR and Nick went home to try to return to somewhat of a normal life. Around August 4, 2019 Nick was ready to begin school with the help of his brother at this side.
However, there is more to Nick’s story. He began feeling tired, having headaches and nausea. His blood counts did not look good so he had a bone marrow biopsy. Findings revealed that Nick now has - Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). This is a pre-leukemic condition likely caused by the chemotherapy and the treatment is radical. Nick must have a stem cell transplant. This involved rigorous additional chemotherapy that will completely knock out his immune system. A stem cell transplant, probably from his beloved brother Jack, will come next, followed by days and weeks of treatment to assure the stem cell transplant is effective.
All of this leads to my request asking you to help support this family financially. Nick will have to be in Nashville for about 6 months. He will be hospitalized a minimum of 1 month and after that he and a family member or caregiver will have to stay close to Vanderbilt for a minimum of 100 days.
I don’t have to tell you of the financial toll this is taking on this family. Let’s join together in helping share this burden by donating to #NICKSTRONG GoFundMe page.
Your prayers are coveted and donations appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Norma Phifer
Beneficiary