Help support Nicole Knapp and her family
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I am setting up this fundraiser for my dearest friend of 33 years, Nicole Knapp, who lost her husband, Jeff, on August 8th.
Jeff had been suffering for a week from fever and respiratory issues when he was admitted into the hospital for what appeared to be pneumonia. While being treated in Emergency Care he suffered from a seizure, went into cardiac arrest, and tragically passed away. The suddenness of it all has left Nicole and their two young daughters, Kaitlyn, 11, and Hailey, 8, devastated. Not only was Jeff a devoted husband and father, but he was also the sole breadwinner for the family - due to an illness Nicole suffered in 2017 when she almost lost her life.
Nicole’s ordeal began benignly enough with what seemed like the flu. After two doctors’ visits, she took an unexpected turn for the worse and was rushed to the hospital because of breathing difficulties. She was immediately checked into the ICU and put on life support because all of her major organs began to shut down as her body went into septic shock. Eventually she was diagnosed with a streptococcus A bacterial infection and had only a 10% chance to live.
Over the course of weeks, Nicole fought through and survived but not without great physical cost. Due to the loss of blood flow, doctors had to amputate parts of each of her feet as well as parts of her fingers on each hand. On her right hand, what remained of her index finger was removed and transplanted on to what remained of her thumb so that she would be able to grasp things. In all, Nicole spent 241 days in the hospital before finally being able to go home for good.
Since falling ill, Nicole has had almost a dozen surgeries and had to learn to walk again. Things we take for granted are difficult for her. She’s in chronic pain due to the amputations on her feet and within 10 minutes of standing, experiences terrible physical, phantom, and nerve pain. Even if she sits, she has pain in her feet just from her legs dangling. She is still unable to create a fist with her right hand and can’t grasp things properly.
Regardless of all of this, Nicole has remained such a wonderful person. Her spirit was never crushed and she never became bitter at the turn her life took. She remained the Nicole I’ve always known and loved: positive, encouraging, selfless, and as funny as ever!
Jeff was always there for Nicole. During her illness, he never missed a single day at the hospital and also managed to be a rock for their children who were not allowed into the ICU. He never wavered in his love or support. Once she was back home, they forged ahead with a great appreciation for life. The loss of Jeff leaves a huge gap in the lives of those who loved him: his generosity, out-sized personality, and ability to make everyone laugh, are qualities that we will all miss.
Now, Nicole is left without an amazing life partner and has to support herself and two young daughters. Though she would like to return to her career one day, her current physical condition does not allow it. To say that the times ahead will be difficult is a great understatement. Presently, not only is Nicole suffering from the crushing grief of losing Jeff, but also the stress of how she’ll be able to keep the home they created for their children and meet regular day-to-day financial responsibilities.
Given the current times, I recognize that offering financial support to Nicole may be difficult for some, but please know that any amount will be greatly appreciated. Collectively it will make a huge difference for her and her daughters. Your donations will go towards paying her mortgage, day-to-day living expenses, and a college fund for Kaitlyn and Hailey.
Below I’ve attached some links to articles that were written about her in 2017 if you want to learn more about her journey.
https://www.mississauga.com/news-story/7272850-mississauga-woman-undergoes-amputations-after-surviving-serious-strep-a-infection/
https://www.mississauga.com/news-story/7973084--we-love-each-other-even-more-savouring-the-little-things-after-surviving-life-threatening-illness/
Jeff had been suffering for a week from fever and respiratory issues when he was admitted into the hospital for what appeared to be pneumonia. While being treated in Emergency Care he suffered from a seizure, went into cardiac arrest, and tragically passed away. The suddenness of it all has left Nicole and their two young daughters, Kaitlyn, 11, and Hailey, 8, devastated. Not only was Jeff a devoted husband and father, but he was also the sole breadwinner for the family - due to an illness Nicole suffered in 2017 when she almost lost her life.
Nicole’s ordeal began benignly enough with what seemed like the flu. After two doctors’ visits, she took an unexpected turn for the worse and was rushed to the hospital because of breathing difficulties. She was immediately checked into the ICU and put on life support because all of her major organs began to shut down as her body went into septic shock. Eventually she was diagnosed with a streptococcus A bacterial infection and had only a 10% chance to live.
Over the course of weeks, Nicole fought through and survived but not without great physical cost. Due to the loss of blood flow, doctors had to amputate parts of each of her feet as well as parts of her fingers on each hand. On her right hand, what remained of her index finger was removed and transplanted on to what remained of her thumb so that she would be able to grasp things. In all, Nicole spent 241 days in the hospital before finally being able to go home for good.
Since falling ill, Nicole has had almost a dozen surgeries and had to learn to walk again. Things we take for granted are difficult for her. She’s in chronic pain due to the amputations on her feet and within 10 minutes of standing, experiences terrible physical, phantom, and nerve pain. Even if she sits, she has pain in her feet just from her legs dangling. She is still unable to create a fist with her right hand and can’t grasp things properly.
Regardless of all of this, Nicole has remained such a wonderful person. Her spirit was never crushed and she never became bitter at the turn her life took. She remained the Nicole I’ve always known and loved: positive, encouraging, selfless, and as funny as ever!
Jeff was always there for Nicole. During her illness, he never missed a single day at the hospital and also managed to be a rock for their children who were not allowed into the ICU. He never wavered in his love or support. Once she was back home, they forged ahead with a great appreciation for life. The loss of Jeff leaves a huge gap in the lives of those who loved him: his generosity, out-sized personality, and ability to make everyone laugh, are qualities that we will all miss.
Now, Nicole is left without an amazing life partner and has to support herself and two young daughters. Though she would like to return to her career one day, her current physical condition does not allow it. To say that the times ahead will be difficult is a great understatement. Presently, not only is Nicole suffering from the crushing grief of losing Jeff, but also the stress of how she’ll be able to keep the home they created for their children and meet regular day-to-day financial responsibilities.
Given the current times, I recognize that offering financial support to Nicole may be difficult for some, but please know that any amount will be greatly appreciated. Collectively it will make a huge difference for her and her daughters. Your donations will go towards paying her mortgage, day-to-day living expenses, and a college fund for Kaitlyn and Hailey.
Below I’ve attached some links to articles that were written about her in 2017 if you want to learn more about her journey.
https://www.mississauga.com/news-story/7272850-mississauga-woman-undergoes-amputations-after-surviving-serious-strep-a-infection/
https://www.mississauga.com/news-story/7973084--we-love-each-other-even-more-savouring-the-little-things-after-surviving-life-threatening-illness/
Organizer and beneficiary
Melanie Chin
Organizer
Short Hills, NJ
Nicole Knapp
Beneficiary
