As Nick's Ladder 15 family, we're coming together to support our brother during one of the toughest moments in his life. On December 10th, Nick will undergo emergency open heart surgery after the doctors discovered a life-threatening condition that cannot wait.

What started as a precaution due to family history, led to the discovery of a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital defect Nick never knew he had. That defect created a rapidly growing aneurysm on his aortic root, which is 2mm away from tearing.

Nick will be undergoing:

After surgery, Nick will spend about 5 days in the ICU, followed by 3mos of recovery at home. During this time, he can not drive for 2 months, cannot lift anything heavy (including his babies), and will be unable to work for several months.

Nick and Danielle have two young kids, ages 5 and 7, who are the center of their world. With Nick unable to lift, drive, or manage daily tasks for several weeks after surgery, Danielle will need to step away from work during this time to care for him and keep life steady and normal for their kids.

Nick didn't want to ask for help-- any of us who know him knew he'd avoid it if he could. But the situation changed quickly. With loss of income, Danielle taking time off, mortgage and bills are still due. Medical needs and unexpected expenses will accumulate. The financial pressure is enormous at a time when Nick needs to focus on healing.

As his Ladder 15 family, we're asking for help so Nick doesn't have to carry this alone. Any amount helps, and every share makes a difference. Lets care for our brother, Nick, the way he has always taken care of everyone around him.