Help Nicole

RECOVERING UPDATE: Everywhere I go the first thing people say, "How is your wife doing?" If you are close to me then you know my best friend, my better half, my confidant, my mother of my kids, my lover, my soulmate and my wife of 35 years, contracted viral pneumonia and a very bad lung virus infection on April 30th. It started out as a simple cough and high fever. It actually was death's doorway. She could not breath, eat, talk, swallow, etc. It was bad to the point the doctors told us she had a 50-50 chance of dying. To hear a doctor say that will rattle you to your core.

Nicole has been hospitalized (actual 3 different hospitals, 2 rehab facilties) since then including 28 days on critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of Christ Hospital (Oak Lawn) in a sedated Medical Coma. She does not remember the entire month of May. She did not open her eyes or even move any part of her body the entire time. She had tubes, lines, wires and machines everywhere. That was very hard to watch and experience with her. The day she opened her eyes was the greatest day ever.

Wait! The lung machine that saved Nicole”s life also created a major complication in her recovery. Upon removal of the tubes she developed a very damaged main artery and bacteria again settled in her leg. Major emergency surgery at Northwestern Memorial was required to repair her leg along with another follow up surgery a week later. Yes, Nicole was set back to square one.

Today is Day 104. and it has been a real learning and humbling experience for our family. The bottomline is we almost lost Nicole and through your prayers and some amazing doctors / nurses she defeated the virus that attacked her lungs. And now she is defeating her leg injury as well. Nicole is the strongest human I know.

I could write a book on the last three months. But God is good and very real. He tested Nicole and she passed the test. She is now at the best rehab facility in America, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (Downtown Chicago) relearning all her motor and mental skills. She should be coming home in two weeks. The doctors expect her to have a full recovery and Nicole expects to return to work. Coming home and getting back to her passion - motorcycles has been a real motivator for her. 

With this all said Nicole’s medical and personal bill’s have skyrocketed past $1,5 Million. Yes insurance will cover some but not all. Friends and family, ANY donation to her Go Fund Me goal will help off set her bills and aid her recovery. Please find it in your heart to help Nicole and donate today