Zauri’s Fight, Our Faith

On May 17, 2025, life changed in an instant for the Nicholson family.

Zauri, the vibrant 14-year-old oldest daughter of Zachary and Cyndia Nicholson, is known for her talent, strength, and gentle heart. A dedicated dancer, Zauri has trained in contemporary, modern, and ballet—including pointe. She is a beloved big sister to her younger sibling, and her presence lights up every room she enters.

That day, after a long rehearsal for an upcoming recital, Zauri told her mom she had a severe headache and moments later, she collapsed. She was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center for an emergency CT scan, which revealed severe bleeding in the back of her brain. She was then airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Zauri was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening brain condition—a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in her posterior fossa. Since then, she’s been in the fight of her life. She has undergone multiple procedures, experienced swelling in critical parts of her brain.

Despite these challenges, Zauri is showing signs of strength. She opened her eyes. She responds to voices. Her care team is encouraged by her progress, but the road to recovery is long—and it’s one no family should walk alone.

Through it all, Zachary and Cyndia have stayed by her side, believing in God’s power and trusting in full restoration. At the same time, they are grieving the loss of Zachary’s mother, Tracie Lynn, who passed away just one month before Zauri’s collapse. The emotional and financial strain of this season is immense.

This fundraiser is to support the Nicholson family with:

• Medical expenses and ongoing care needs

• Travel and lodging as they remain near the hospital

• Loss of work income

• Any future therapies and recovery support Zauri may need

Please give what you can, share this story, and most of all—pray. Pray for Zauri’s brain to heal, for swelling to go down, for her airway to strengthen, and for her family to be surrounded by peace and hope.

Zauri is a fighter. And she’s not fighting alone.

#ZaurisFight #OurFaith #NicholsonStrong