Stand with Nicole: A Nurse in Need

Good Day Everyone,

My name is Laurie Six, a long-time friend of Nicole and George McLean. For those of you that are not aware, Nicole McLean (maiden name: Piazza) has been struggling with some serious health issues. Nicole is just 42 years old and the loyal wife of George since 2008 and the proud mom of 3 amazing boys (Thomas - 14, Nicky - 13, and Chase - 7). Sadly, Nicole lost her parents at young ages while George lost his mom, leading to them having limited help. As her friend of almost 20 years, I can say Nicole NEVER asks for help.

Nicole has been a critical care Registered Nurse in Staten Island, NY for the last 22 years and has devoted her career to helping others, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic where she was on the frontlines holding the hands of our friends and family in their time of need.

She now needs US!

On February 9th, while working her regular shift, she developed some chest discomfort and proceeded to seek out care in the Emergency Department (ED). While in the ED, they discovered she had some abnormal lab results indicating a possible Myocardial Infarction (MI) / Heart Attack. She was then admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), where she had previously been a nurse herself, and was observed, treated, and released home after 3 days.

While at home recovering that week, she was still not feeling like herself and had George drive her up to Weill-Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital in the city to get evaluated as a second opinion. Nicole was admitted right away, and they completed a battery of tests over the course of 8 days where she was ultimately diagnosed with a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD).

SCAD most commonly affects HEALTHY women in their 40s and 50s and is an emergency condition that occurs when a tear forms in the wall of an artery of the heart. SCAD can slow or block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack, heart rhythm problems, or sudden death.

Since this has occurred, the road for the McLean family has not been an easy one. In addition to Nicole not being able to work, George has also been out of work while staying by Nicole’s side throughout this process. George is a devoted husband and father who is juggling the boys, caring for the home, and for his loving wife all while not receiving income.

Since Nicole’s release from Cornell, she has begun Cardiac Rehabilitation to strengthen and heal the damage to her heart. This is going to be a long and arduous road for Nicole and her family as her most recent setback occurred today, 03/24/2025, requiring another ED visit.

Your contributions to Nicole & her family’s GoFundMe will assist immensely with the medical expenses, household needs, as well as tuition for the boys’ education. These donations will help them get through this very tough time until Nicole is well enough to return to work.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

To know her, is to love her.