My name is Jess Vlaskic, and I’m reaching out with care and hope to ask for support for my dear friends, Nicole and Zach, and their young family.

On 29 September 2025, Nicole’s life — and the lives of those who love her — changed in an instant.

What Happened

What began as a normal afternoon quickly turned into a medical emergency no family could ever prepare for.

Nicole suddenly became light-headed and developed a severe migraine. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she collapsed at home and began having seizures.

Paramedics rushed Nicole to Albury Base Hospital, where a CT scan revealed a massive brain bleed. Doctors immediately advised that her condition was critical and that she may not survive the flight to Melbourne.

Within just 90 minutes, Nicole was airlifted to Melbourne for emergency treatment.

Emergency Treatment & Major Brain Surgery

Nicole was taken straight into surgery at The Alfred Hospital, where doctors worked urgently to relieve swelling and stabilise her condition. She spent:

Three weeks in ICU

Two and a half weeks in a medically induced coma

Time on a breathing tube

Underwent multiple critical procedures to stabilise her condition

Doctors discovered the cause was a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) — a condition Nicole was born with but had no idea existed.

On 5 November 2025, Nicole underwent an extraordinary 20-hour brain surgery to remove the AVM — described by surgeons as one of the largest they had seen. The surgery was successful but carried an extremely high risk, and her recovery was uncertain.

Nicole’s Recovery So Far

After months in hospital and inpatient rehabilitation, Nicole has reached an important milestone.

On 8 January 2026, Nicole returned home for the first time since her injury.

While this was a huge step forward, Nicole’s recovery is ongoing and will take time.

She is currently:

Unable to work

Unable to drive

Managing mobility and strength issues on her right side

Living with ongoing fatigue and cognitive challenges

Attending regular physiotherapy, speech therapy, neurology appointments, GP visits, and specialist care

Recovery is expected to take many months, requiring ongoing treatment and support.

The Impact on Their Family

Nicole and Zach are raising two beautiful young children:

Aisha (4 years)

Bryson (1 year)

Zach has been supporting Nicole throughout her recovery while also caring for their children. While his employer has been understanding, the reality is that:

Nicole cannot return to work

She cannot drive to appointments

Childcare is essential so she can attend rehabilitation

Medical, transport, and household costs continue to accumulate

These pressures are ongoing and unavoidable.

Why This Fundraiser Matters

Nicole and Zach did not ask for this fundraiser.

It has been created on their behalf to help ease the financial strain during an incredibly difficult chapter of their lives.

Funds raised will help with:

Rent and household bills

Childcare costs

Transport to medical and therapy appointments

Ongoing rehabilitation and specialist care

Day-to-day living expenses while Nicole focuses on recovery

Every contribution — no matter the size — makes a genuine difference.

Nicole is strong.

She is determined.