Join the Fight! Support a Mom’s Leukemia Journey

Hey Everyone! 

… My story begins at 14 years old. After an evening softball game, I came home that night and just didn’t feel right. I thought maybe I had over done it at the game and just needed to sleep it off. At 10pm, I felt very faint and my heart was racing. I explained to my mom and dad that I needed to go to the ER now! I had no idea how serious this feeling of just utter exhaustion was and what would transpire that night.  

Everything around me was moving so fast and I felt like I was in a scary dream that I just could not wake up from. After, two hours in the ER, a doctor came in and explained, I will not be going home that night and I needed to be transported by plane that night and was flown to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. 

 After a long week and a half of waiting and wondering and I was give the news, “I have Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a cancer that is treatable but not curable.” I was told the battle would not be easy but could be won. I would have the chance at life where I could have a family, a career and long happy life! 

 After many doctor visits, many bone marrow aspirations and a long-hard battle. A year later, we received the amazing news I entered major molecular remission. I thought the battle had been won. 

 I am soon turning 29 years old this September 2024. That means this battle I’ve been fighting has been more than half of my lifetime!   

 On Wednesday, August 21st, 2024, I was given very scary and devastating news that my leukemia came out of remission. I am at the turning point where if I don’t place all my energy and focus in this fight, I may reach acute phase where I would have to be hospitalized for 4-6 weeks. Therefore, I must step away from my career, which I absolutely love and must put my health first, until this battle is won. I understand everything happens for a reason and have faith! 

 I am a single mother to a very happy, loving 6 year-old little boy and he is my world. He is the reason I will never give in nor ever give up this fight. 

 I am asking for your thoughts, prayers, and support during this very difficult time! 

 I believe we all have a purpose in this lifetime and the cards I have been dealt, I do my best. 

 I will keep everyone posted through this journey and hope you join this fight with me! 

#NICOLE-Strong! #CMLWARRIOR