Help Niki Pay for Heart Surgery and Care After Job Loss

My amazing cousin, Niki Poulos, went to the hospital at the end of December with what EMTs thought was a stroke. During this visit, Niki was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. However, this Bell's Palsy diagnosis is what ended up saving her life, as doctors also found a severe issue with her aortic valve during testing, determining 60% aortic stenosis that could have ended her life if left untreated for much longer. After further examination, the specialists determined that her aortic valve needed to be replaced in the very near future. This surgery will require major open-heart surgery to replace her aortic valve with a mechanical one, which should last for the rest of her life. On Tuesday, 1/21, Niki had a heart catheterization. During this pre-op procedure, doctors determined that the mechanical aortic valve replacement surgery needs to be expedited, so Niki will meet with the surgeon next week to get the surgery scheduled for as soon as possible. Niki will also begin taking lifelong medications to support the valve replacement and treat the Bell’s Palsy.

As if all of this wasn’t enough bad news, Niki was laid off from her job the week before the heart cath procedure. Now, Niki and her family are faced with the loss of Niki’s medical insurance and income right as the valve replacement process is beginning. Niki’s doctors are adamant that her heart needs to undergo surgery quickly to prevent heart failure, so Niki doesn't have a choice but to move forward as planned. Her fiancée, Kendell, will be the only one able to work as Niki faces long recovery times, while also providing Niki with post-op support and caring for their young daughter. Niki's serious medical conditions will require countless additional expenses in addition to the surgeries, specialist appointments, and prescriptions, all which she will be facing without insurance. After some convincing, Niki has agreed to let us all help her and her family during this extremely difficult time, as the expenses they’re facing seem insurmountable. However, with your support, Niki and Kendell will have help in easing these challenges so that Niki can focus on her health.

If you know Niki, you know that even in the worst situations, she finds a way to make people laugh with a joke or witty remark. In keeping, Niki’s sense of humor despite all these recent events is still going strong, and her attitude is positive while facing these immense challenges. She has unknowingly been experiencing symptoms from the value stenosis and Bell’s Palsy for quite some time, so she remains hopeful that she’ll feel much better after surgery and with the proper medications. Niki has such a good and generous soul, as she loves her family and friends fiercely and always puts others before herself. She truly is the kind of person who would give her last dollar to a stranger if they needed it, and it’s time for the world to show Niki the gentle kindness that she has shown to so many people.

Every bit helps at this time, so even if you just have a few dollars to spare, please consider donating it to help Niki and her family. If you don’t have the extra funds, please share this Gofundme across social media, as you never know who might be inclined and able to chip in! Any funds raised beyond the goal will go towards medical bills and cost of care expenses.

Please keep Niki, Kendell, their daughter, friends, and our family- especially Niki’s sister, nephew, and father- in your thoughts, good vibes, and prayers. Your support and encouragement are appreciated beyond words!