In March 2025, I went to the hospital seeking medical help. The next thing I remember is waking up from a medically induced coma five weeks later, with no memory of how I got there. During that time, my body went through catastrophic trauma. I experienced kidney failure, was placed into a prolonged coma, and suffered a cardiac arrest where my heart stopped for 11 minutes. Doctors did not know if I would survive. By every medical measure, I shouldn’t have.

By the grace of God — and what countless doctors and nurses later called a miracle — I was brought back to life.

When I finally woke up, something extraordinary happened: I was fully conscious and cognitively intact, with no brain damage. Over fifteen doctors and nurses came to my bedside, many telling me they had no explanation for how I survived. They said it simply wasn’t my time. A higher power had other plans for me.

But survival was only the beginning.

Because my heart stopped for so long, the damage to my body closely resembled the effects of a stroke. I had to relearn how to walk. I lost significant strength and function in my left arm and hand, and I continue to live with nerve damage on the left side of my body.

Even so, I refused to give up. I fought every single day in rehabilitation to regain my strength and independence. Today, I am stronger than I was — but my recovery is not complete. I still do not have full mobility in my left hand, and without further treatment, it may never fully return.

The next and most promising step in my recovery is nerve stem cell therapy — a groundbreaking treatment that could help repair the nerve damage and restore function to my hand. Unfortunately, this therapy is not available in the United States, which means I must travel abroad to receive it. The cost of treatment, travel, and recovery is far beyond what I can afford on my own.

Before this happened, I was — and still am — an artist, photographer, and activist. I had already applied for my master’s degree and put my dreams on hold while fighting for my life. My goal is to fully recover, reapply for my master’s program in New York City, and return to the creative life I love.

I will say something that may surprise people: dying changed me in the most profound way. It taught me that life is the greatest gift we’re ever given. I no longer take a single breath for granted. Every moment matters.

This therapy could change my future — not just physically, but creatively and spiritually. If you are willing or able to support me in any way, you would be helping me move one step closer to reclaiming my life.

Your love, support, and positive energy already mean more than I can ever express.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I Love you - Nicholas