Stand by Nicholas: Community Hero Fights Cancer

Hello, my name is Sara Jane Murray, and I have a story to tell. On September 4th, 2004, I was working at the Thirsty Turtle and met a man. He picked me up that evening after my shift, and I didn't know it at the time, but we went out for one of the most amazing nights of my life. We woke the next morning to a very bad storm pounding South Florida, and we stayed together for 3 weeks. Then it was time to get back to reality. We kept in touch with one another and kept tabs on each other. I checked on him frequently, as well as he checked on me, but we both had different lives. Eighteen years later, a mutual friend brought us back together. Rest in Peace Jr.

If any of you ever met Nicholas or known him, then you know, but for those of you that don't know him, he's a man of few words. A lot of people stereotype him because they see the tattoos; he's a little scary looking or intimidating. But what you don't know is what he does for the community. During the holidays, he buys and prepares food and goes and feeds the homeless throughout the towns of Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, and Salerno. He passes out clothes and blankets during the winter to the homeless. Unfortunately, he's the first to take his shirt off his back or money out of his pocket to give it to another man, woman, and child in need. He is a very generous individual, smart, very aware, alert, loving, honest, truthful, the most amazing father, and the best partner a woman could ask for. He is so patient and my best friend.

A short time into our relationship, he told me that he had some medical problems, some I had already known about because he was recently injured, the others I wasn't aware of until he told me. Now is where the real story begins, and it's been rough. On top of the several surgeries he's already had, he has been battling skin cancer for the last 15 years. He has melanoma, as well as three other flesh-eating skin cancers. He has had previous cancer removed on his face and has had plastic surgery. He now has numerous lesions on his chest, top of his head, on his back, and face, and it is taking a toll on him.

I am reaching out to ask if anyone could help out and help me save my best friend. It would be more than appreciated. It's not just the medical; it's everyday living on top of numerous things between the physical therapy, doctor visits, and upcoming surgeries. It's never-ending, very physical, mental, and financial, and we pretty much ran through our savings and everything under that. If you can't help financially, prayers are always welcomed. Anything is welcome. We love you all either way. I just don't know what else to do. I am just trying to use all my resources possible. I am waiting on the state to reply for his benefits for the insurance and hopefully get Social Security. I do know he has been working since he was 12 years old and paying his taxes.

Well, thank you for taking the time to listen to my story, and hopefully, you can find it in your hearts to help me save my best friend. Hope to hear from you soon. Love you, God Bless, and have a wonderful weekend!