Nikayla's Urgent Need: Save Her Sight

Hi, I am Lori, Nikayla's mother. This has been a very long journey for my daughter. I know this is the last thing we want to be doing, especially her. If you know Nikayla, you know she's a fighter, a determined strong-willed mother who will do anything for her kids and people around her even through these sick days. She hates asking for help, as do I, but with so many unknowns in the near future and it already being a long year and a half, we are running out of resources that have gotten her this far. We are trying to keep a roof over her and the boys heads, and out of debt as much as possible ... We are asking for our small community to come together for this young single mom and my grandbabies who need their mom healthy and feeling more hopeful through this time of so many unknowns.

Here is Nikayla's story...

Just over a year ago, she ended up in the ER working night shift as a MEDtech with a horrible migraine and not being able to breathe. The ER doctor had noticed her thyroid protruding out of her neck and recommended she follow up with an endocrinologist. Shortly after, Nikayla was diagnosed with a multinodule goiter, Hashimoto's, and had a full thyroidectomy on April 3rd, 2024. The surgery ended up being more complex, and healing time took longer, leaving her 6 weeks out of work and having to switch jobs. In June of 2024, she started having worsening migraines and visual issues like having the wrong lenses on your eyes. She kept being brushed off by every doctor, telling her thyroid just needed to be in range. She has seen a total of 16 different doctors in one year, 2 of which have agreed more is going on than just a high TSH. She has been in the ER 3 times and has had multiple tests, infusions, and treatments. Being post-procedure hypothyroid with a high TSH of 291, we thought was the worst of this journey. If we could just get that leveled, everything was going to be okay, so she was told.

A month ago, Nikayla's eyesight and headaches/migraines have gotten worse, and an eye exam showed major swelling of the optic nerves (papilledema), which meant there is pressure somewhere in the brain. She was started on a diuretic, had another eye exam and second opinion, and had to have 2 spinal taps, the last one reading an opening pressure of 44 (average is 15-18). On April 4th, 2025, they drained 20ccs of fluid out and got her down to a normal pressure range. Her neurologist raised her dose of diuretic, which causes its own issues, and since she was diagnosed with what they are calling IIH (intracranial idiopathic hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri), meaning false brain tumor. Nikayla has a buildup of CSF fluid in her head that is adding pressure to her brain that acts like a brain tumor. The problem is there is no cure or a lot of options as they learn more about this condition. Since the procedure, she has gotten worse. Her migraines have increased, her pressure has increased, causing her vision and peripheral vision to worsen. If we do not get this condition figured out and under control, Nikayla could completely lose her eyesight and is at risk for a stroke at 27... We are seeking out-of-state help at the Barrow Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. With progressive medication treatment and possible surgery options, we are looking at more tests to check for blood clots and her venous sinuses. We hope to get more answers soon. Right now, this financial burden is really weighing on her.

Due to the many doctor's appointments, debilitating migraines, and visual loss, Nikayla has not been able to hardly work even part-time since April 2024. We are asking for prayers and any help anyone can offer while she continues to battle this unknown journey. All expenses will go to day-to-day bills, medical bills, and all the expenses to come for her Arizona trip to see specialists and the time she will need off for that. We are beyond thankful for anything. Kind thoughts, motivational words, prayers, Nikayla is in the hardest spot she's ever been in her life. I wish I could take this pain and financial burden away for her. Thank you for your time and reading.