My name is Ronni, and I am Nick’s aunt. Nick’s dad, Danny, and I are actually cousins. We grew up together and spent most of our childhood together.

As an aunt, there is nothing more terrifying than getting a phone call that your nephew’s heart has stopped. On July 11th, my nephew, Nicholas, went into sudden cardiac arrest while jogging with friends. What started as a normal day quickly turned into a life-or-death emergency. Nicholas collapsed without warning, and thankfully, his friends with him immediately began CPR until help arrived.

Schiller Park Police arrived on the scene. Their quick response and the use of an AED helped save Nicholas’s life before paramedics rushed him to the hospital. Nicholas was first taken by ambulance to the nearest pediatric hospital, where doctors stabilized him. Because Nicholas needed more advanced and specialized cardiac care, he was transferred by ambulance to a second hospital for escalated treatment. On July 16, Nicholas underwent a procedure to have a defibrillator implanted to help protect him in the future and prevent another cardiac emergency. This procedure was a critical step in ensuring his long-term safety and recovery.

Although Nicholas is recovering, this sudden medical emergency has brought unexpected medical bills and ongoing cardiac care expenses that no family plans for.

For those who don’t know Nicholas, he is a kind, active young man who enjoys spending time with friends and staying active. It is hard to believe something like this could happen so suddenly to someone so young and healthy.

While Nicholas is recovering well, this unexpected medical emergency has created significant medical expenses, including:

• Emergency ambulance transportation

• Two separate hospital stays

• A second ambulance transfer for specialized care

• Defibrillator implantation procedure

• Follow-up cardiac care

We are incredibly thankful to the Schiller Park Police Department, paramedics, and hospital staff whose fast actions saved Nicholas’s life.

Any donation, big or small, will help ease the financial burden on Nicholas and his family. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Nicholas in your thoughts and prayers.

Nicholas was given a second chance at life, and our family is incredibly grateful.

Thank you for supporting Nicholas and our family during this difficult and emotional time. ❤️