Nikki's battle to defeat cancer

Hello. My name is Cindy, and I am fundraising for medical costs for Nikki McElroy Turner and her battle to defeat cancer.

Life can change in a heartbeat… and unfortunately, it’s not always for the better.

As a family, we have watched Nikki struggle through some health issues for the last several years and tried to support her in getting some answers.

Nikki is a wife and mom of three with a heart of gold. If you know her, you already know how genuine and kind she is and how hard she pushes despite any circumstance. Nikki quickly volunteers for her children’s school activities and community programs. She and her husband have recently moved two daughters back to college, one in her Senior year and one just beginning her first year. Their youngest son has just started his junior high years. Unfortunately, we have watched her health dampen her vibrant, energetic joy. Although she continues to do what is needed to support her family and their activities, she struggles to keep up and can end up in bed for several days, trying to recover.

Nikki has strived to keep life balanced with no disruption to her children's lives, but her health battles have been many. Throughout it all, however, she has faced every obstacle head-on and remained hardworking, humble, and a robust support system for her loved ones.

Recently diagnosed with invasive maxillary squamous cell carcinoma, Nikki now faces her greatest battle. At that point, we realized we needed help from our family, friends, and community. So, with a treatment plan already set in place, we are seeking to raise the funds she so desperately needs to assist her with getting the best care possible so that she can once again overcome and go on to live the life she truly deserves.

For several years, Nikki has been fighting through sinus infection after sinus infection, headaches, and eye issues. She has had countless appointments with general physicians and specialists with no relief. She had been referred to an ENT who told her to seek an allergist. Then, she was referred to an allergist who told her to pursue an ENT. She has been bounced from specialist to specialist for over a year. Although discouraged, Nikki knew something was wrong and continued to push for answers. Her family physician continued to support her and pushed until she was finally referred to a great ENT, who quickly addressed the issues. After numerous tests, CTs, ultrasounds, and an MRI, the doctors discovered a mass in the sinus cavity that had invaded the bony structure. A PET scan following the initial surgery to remove the malignant mass showed that additional surgery would be needed. She has had two surgeries within a month. The above is only a very brief description of what Nikki has been through this last year… simply the waiting and being away from her three children has been a lot to handle.

The situation is still very fresh, and many questions remain unanswered. However, the costs for Nikki and her family continue to pile up. Therefore, to relieve some of the financial burdens they will endure, we have decided to start this GoFundMe page. Your donations, no matter how big or small, will go towards the costs of hospital stays, treatments, travel, gas, and other essential items she and her family might need.

We humbly ask that you share this link with friends and family. Thank you to all for the unwavering support, prayers and well wishes. This is a stressful and heartbreaking time for Nikki and her family. However, the fight will continue, thanks to your contributions. Any note of encouragement or small donation would be greatly appreciated.