UPDATE: October 16, 2025:

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Truly. The kindness, generosity, and support everyone has shown to Mom and our family has been overwhelming—emotional, even, at times. We are so grateful.

Since we started this fundraiser, several things have happened that we wanted to share:

First, Mom has temporarily stepped away from her job to be Nick’s full-time caregiver. Words can’t express how important it is that he has someone with him around the clock. Many people see him out in public and may not understand his needs, but Mom’s choice was clear: she needed to be there for him. While it has been a difficult decision, she knows this is what Nick needs most right now.

Second, since Nick’s release from the hospital, he has several recurring medical expenses (sanitary supplies, catheter replacements, medications), and he now needs to attend appointments two to three times per week. Mom’s car—the only one she has to take him to these appointments—is less than reliable. Her brakes just went out this week. We were able to get them replaced for her, but you get the idea.

Lastly, Mom recently became very sick herself and was hospitalized for three days. Shortly after returning home, Nick experienced a serious bleeding issue and had to go back to the ER.

We share all of this not to burden anyone, but to explain why we must keep the GoFundMe active. Asking for help is incredibly difficult and not something we do lightly. But at this moment, it is necessary. Your support continues to mean the world to us, and we are hopeful that Nick will continue to make progress, and Mom will eventually regain some breathing room.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your ongoing kindness and generosity.

Original post:

Can I tell you about my brother Nick, his disease, his heart, his faith—and my mom?

In early 2002, Nick was a bright and driven engineering student in his second year at the highly exclusive Northeastern University in Boston. That December, he came home for the holidays, suffering from mysterious pain and balance issues.

An MRI revealed a large clusters of lesions on his brain. Soon after, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Many of us know people with MS, but I’ve never seen anyone affected by it the way Nick has been.

What began as manageable pain and mobility issues quickly escalated. Nick suffered from temporary blindness. He began to need the use of a cane. Then a walker. And finally, a wheelchair.

But that wasn’t the end. Nick began to suffer from seizures—unpredictable and relentless—eventually causing permanent brain damage, erasing his short-term memory.

Recent crisis

On the morning of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, our mom found Nick in his bed, having another seizure. She called 911, and he was rushed to the hospital. Today, he has been relocated to a rehab facility, where he is still trapped in seizure activity and is now unable to communicate effectively.

On top of everything, he is also currently fighting an aspiration pneumonia.

Nick is only 43 years old.

Nick’s faith, and his joy, never faltered

Despite everything, Nick has always met the world with a smile. He is joyful, gentle, and kind. His faith has never wavered, even as his body and mind betrayed him. I’ve seen him in the front row at church, tears in his eyes, clinging to the promises of God, as our Pastor speaks about the love of Jesus.

Nick knows what he’s going through, but more importantly, he knows what is ultimately his in Christ.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace … will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10

But Nick doesn't just know what he is going through. He knows what our mom is going through, and he desperately doesn't want to be a burden on her.

Which brings me to Mom

My mom didn’t want me to create this fundraiser. She’s never been one to ask for help. I reminded her that caring for those in need isn’t a suggestion for Christians—it’s evidence of the love of Christ at work in us.

Back in 2017, her husband—my stepdad—passed away suddenly. Mom's main source of income was gone, and Nick’s condition was worsening. He now needs 24/7 care.

Imagine trying to leave someone alone who has no short-term memory, who doesn't remember that he can’t walk, drive, or even go outside safely. That’s just a glimpse into Nick’s reality. Every moment he is alone is a risk.

My mom studied to enter the medical field, only very recently landing a work-from-home job so she can earn an income while caring for Nick. But now, she’s again on extended unpaid medical leave, spending her days with Nick, coordinating his care, managing his appointments, and praying for a miracle.

Why we’re asking for help

This recent crisis will likely mean several months without steady or any income for my mom, while bills and medical costs continue to mount by the minute. Even when Nick is released to return home, he will continue to need around-the-clock care for a long time.

Our family is doing what we can to help financially and practically. But it’s not enough.

Someone close once said to me about my mom: “There but for the grace of God go I.” Her husband also died suddenly many years ago, and her words reflect a heart that understands each of us stand in the shadow of an almighty God and can do nothing apart from Him.

Even while many of us have been blessed with health and success, at any moment it could all be taken away, and all the hard work and determination in the world could do nothing to stop it.

There but for the grace of God go every single one of us.

How you can help

So we convinced my mom to let us ask for help—to let others love and care for her as she continues to love and care for Nick.

If you feel moved to help, we would be deeply grateful. Whether it's a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this story, it all matters.

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul … There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds … and it was distributed to each as they had need.” – Acts 4:32-35

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. Thank you for your generosity.