Nazira's Story

Nazira loves Elmo, she loves music and all her cute sleeping gowns.

Everything instantly changes the moment we find out that we are pregnant. Then to find out that there is not just one baby, but two babies is exciting, and overwhelming all at the same time. On November 29, 2021, Nicole gave birth to twins Nevaeh and Nazira (eight weeks early). Nevaeh weighed 3 pounds 7 ounces and Nazira weighed 1 pound 6 ounces, both girls remained in the NICU for months.

On New Year’s Day, the hospital found an infection in Nazira’s intestines called N.E.C (Necrotizing Enterocolitis). The infection resulted in all but 2 cm of her intestines being removed. The fighter that she is, Nazira was able to pull through five very difficult surgeries.

However, with most of her intestines now removed, Nazira had to have a Hickman (Broviac catheter) placed into her chest (just a couple of centimeters from her heart). This was crucial for her to receive the nutrients needed to survive. With days away from possibly taking her babies home, the doctors discovered two small tumors in Nazira’s liver called Hepatoblastoma (a rare cancerous tumor often found in preemie babies with low birth weight). This was devastating news.

While Nazira is getting ready to begin chemotherapy, Nevaeh was cleared to finally come home on March 16th, 2022. Then came some more unsettling news, with Nazira almost at liver failure, it was causing her spleen to swell, and the chemotherapy was not shrinking the tumor as hoped for. This meant the next step would be a transplant.

On December 23, 2022, the doctors at John Hopkin’s Children's Hospital in St. Peterburg decided to transfer Nazira to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Since then, Nazira has been under close evaluation, making sure she is strong enough to have the transplant. The great news is she was deemed suitable for the transplant and placed on the national transplant list as a high priority. Nazira is tough and has endured more in her one year than most people ever do in their entire lives.

Nicole is a single mother, caring for Neveah at home, all while never missing a day with Nazira at the hospital. However, Nicole and Neveah are currently staying in Miami to be close to Nazira. This has been an emotional roller-coaster for Nicole, but she has continued to be resilient, and motivated by her love for her girls.

This has made it very difficult for Nicole to work, understandably so, but this is also a burden that she does not need to concern herself with now. All the funds that are raised will go directly to Nicole, so she can provide for Neveah (diapers, clothes etc.) as well as all other expenses (gas, food, etc.). More importantly, please lift Nazira in prayer. There is power in prayer. Thank you and we will continue to update everyone on Nazira’s story.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:3-5).