There has been way too much grief in Nicole's life. In 2020, her beloved brother Jason passed away at age 18. In 2022, her mother Jen was diagnosed with, and treated for, advanced cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer returned and despite her best fight, this strong and fiercely independent woman passed away on May 1st 2024, at Elk Valley Hospital.

Nicole is 13 years old, in grade 7. Jen was only 43 years old.

Jen and Nicole had been living off long-term disability for a couple of years, and while it was enough to pay the rent on their apartment and their living expenses, there wasn’t much money to save for the future. Jen’s ex-husband lives in the Philippines and has not been involved with them at all.

Thankfully, a truly wonderful Fernie family has stepped forward to take guardianship of Nicole as there are no other relatives who are able to do so.

To honour Jen’s memory and to help secure Nicole’s future education - because she is definitely a kid with a bright future! – we’re asking some of the big-hearted people of the Elk Valley to contribute. Any amount that you can give will help. Funds raised will be directed to help offset Jen’s funeral expenses and the remainder will go to the family that has taken in Nicole, for her living expenses and towards an RESP.