Let’s Help Alexandra Nock —and Give Her Family Relief

To Whom It May Concern:

 I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am John Nock, founder and director of Nock Family Productions. Throughout the years we have done many benefits for schools, the Shrine Hospital, the VFW, and various other deserving groups. We have been honored to help these groups with fundraising endeavors. Recently we have found ourselves in need of similar benefits.

My wife, Alexandra Nock, the cofounder, vice president, and artistic director of Nock Family Productions, became very ill and subsequently was in need of a liver transplant. After many long months of hospitalizations, she received her transplant on May 5th, 2025, at Tampa General Hospital. Although the transplant was a success, what followed were a series of serious complications including seizures, an emergency bayflight, blood transfusions, and more hospitalizations which included stays in the ICU, intubations, and neurological evaluations. All of the above have caused extreme financial hardship on our family. Neither my wife or I have been able to work during the past 6 months. Since our company relies on our ability to work and fulfill contracts we find ourselves in a very difficult financial position. 

It is our hope that you may be able to offer us help in the form of monetary donations or any food or goods to help support our family. Any help you could provide for us would be appreciated more than you can possibly imagine. Should you be able to help us, please contact me directly through messenger. Because this platform doesn’t allow us to post personal contact information.

I greatly appreciate your consideration of my request and any help you can offer us. Thank you again for your valuable time. 

Sincerely,

John Nock

—— The description below was written by Amanda who is a close family friend.

For those of you who are close to John and Alexandra, you likely already know the uphill battle Sandra has been facing for over six months. But for those who aren’t familiar, let me introduce you to a truly remarkable woman.

Alexandra also known as Sandra is a mother of three boys, an eighth-generation circus performer, the modest visionary & creator of the Aerosphere Aerial Balloon, as well as a costume designer, a producer, director, a passionate part-time chef, a loving wife—and a woman who truly does it all.

Back in December, Alexandra (Sandra) began feeling her body shutting down. For someone this strong, it wasn’t easy to admit that something was wrong. By the time she made it to the hospital, both her liver and kidneys were already failing.

January and February were absolutely terrifying for the Nock family. None of us knew if she would make it. Personally, I consider Sandra my “circus mom.” When I got the news, I flew across the country to see her—unsure if I would ever get the chance again.

Those days in the hospital were incredibly hard. Sandra was drained, and anyone who’s spent extensive time in a hospital knows how uncomfortable and disorienting it can be. But in the midst of the pain, there were beautiful moments of love and community. Friends showed up to keep her company, make her laugh, and remind her of her strength. Her mother came every day with home-cooked meals—spoonfuls of love and support. And her husband John—he never left her side. He was there every single day, completely present, praying and fighting for her life with unwavering devotion.

We were incredibly grateful when Sandra pulled through in February and was approved for the transplant list. The challenges didn’t end there—but neither did her resilience. On May 5th, she was blessed with a liver transplant. We know many people never make it to this point, and we’re deeply thankful.

Since the transplant, however, Sandra has developed complications. Her body reacted to the anti-rejection medications, leading to four terrifying seizures—one of which required an emergency life flight. Currently, she’s battling anemia, low hemoglobin, and has already undergone several blood transfusions.

I’m asking for help now because the Nock family has done everything they can just to get by. Yes, they have health insurance—but full-time traditional circus performers don’t get PTO or medical leave. And John, Sandra’s full-time caregiver, hasn’t been able to work in six months.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation. Funds will help cover medical costs, transportation to and from the hospital, groceries, and daily living expenses. If donating money isn’t comfortable for you, they would be so grateful for gas cards or restaurant gift certificates as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read this—and to those who have already been there with visits, meals, and love: thank you, thank you. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Every bit of support helps.