Help Nikki through her cancer treatments

I'm Robert, Nikki's brother. I've known Nikki my entire life as she was born just after I turned 13. It was the coolest feeling in the world having a baby sister. A few years later I remember coming home on military leave, riding my "Top Gun" motorcycle and driving her to first grade (for a chance to meet her teacher), apparently I only impressed the 6 year olds.  I remember threatening the neighborhood boy to leave her alone when she was 13. I remember taking her to get her belly button pierced at 16 and signing as her father... and I remember when she followed in my footsteps joining the Air Force at 19.

 

One of my proudest memories was seeing her drive up on Strawberry Hill in Camp Victory, Iraq... she climbed out of her HMMWV, M-16 dragging the dirt, boots 3 sizes too big. I came to her and gave her the biggest hug, thinking how proud our father would be.

 

I've never felt like a father to Nikki. We lost our dad when she was 14. But I have always felt like her guardian and friend, and brother, of course. She is so strong, strong willed, smart, and independent. At 5 foot nothing she holds her own, never quitting, never giving up. Nikki has an incredible ability to balance it all... a mother of four, holds a professional job, all the time in the world for her kids and family... when does she sleep?

 

I have so much admiration for her and nothing is more important to her than her family and children.

 

With so much love and goodness given by our girl, fate has dealt her a sour hand. In May, Nikki was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. This is a rare type of breast cancer for a 39 year old. Something that grows undetected without scans. Unfortunately the cancer has metastasized, spread throughout parts of her body, and is now classified as stage 4 cancer.

 

Nikki is receiving weekly treatments at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. The doctors and staff are great. Many of her treatments require day long and overnight stays to complete a series of labs, scans, and infusions. The cost of the trips, medications, and co-pays are mounting up. Nikki is still able to work close to full-time, but I see the fatigue setting in. Her family is chipping in every way imaginable, but the overall cost are taking a toll.

 

Nikki has decided to sell her house in Indialantic, FL. to help lessen the burden and to keep above float. Personally, I recognize the individual stress of financial struggles, moving, and being sick. Nikki is facing it all at once.. Its insurmountable, but she is taking it in stride. She is diligent with her treatments, keeping with her work ethics, and giving ever spare minute to her children. She is an inspiration to others, focused on getting well, and selfless every minute of the day.

 

Today, Nikki needs our help. She need financial support to complete her move, to have a little time off work, and to help with her treatments, meds, and co-pays. Nikki is all in, pulling ever lever possible to lessen the burden on her friends and family. With your help we can give Nikki time to rest and that peace of mind that she can continue her treatments and provide for her family.

 

I love this girl with every ounce of my heart and I know you guys do too. I would trade place with her in a minute if I could. She is so sweet, caring, tender, and loving, but now she needs our support.  Please keep Nikki and her family in your thoughts and prayers and please contribute if you are able.

 

Thank you and God bless you.