Support Building A Better Future For Jess & Nikki

Hi, my name is Nikolette Dancik. I lost my best friend, my dad, last week to cancer. He passed away at the young age of 58. I am sharing my emotions here and asking for support which is something I am uncomfortable doing, but I know my healing and others, require me to step forward into my grieving, to begin the process of not only adding to my dad's legacy and building my own.

I am only 18 and the whirlwind of emotions that I am experiencing is overwhelming and very confusing at times.

The last few years have been more challenging than I could have imagined watching my father’s body fail him, me trying to understand this pandemic (not only did I get Covid and my family, but we have lost family members to this virus as well) while I graduated from high school and began my first year of college at CGC studying psychology.

I am our family’s first to go to college, love my major and I am looking forward to the path I have chosen. My dad always told me how proud he was of me doing so well in college and his desire for me to stay in school to become a doctor of psychology one day. I am even more committed to becoming a clinical psychologist.

My dad had mental health issues his entire life. I want to help others and be part of their healing who also struggle with mental health. I have so much to learn understanding this field of study and with humility, I am asking for help and support in this process while spreading awareness of this critical need.

My father was able to help me financially getting started in college and I could count on his support. With him now gone, the financial support has diminished, at least in the short term, and my sister and I need help financially for college needs and getting back on our feet. I am taking a full course load of 5 classes while working part-time.

We need help financially to pay for the funeral and memorial expenses. I do not understand at all why it costs so much money when someone dies, but this is one of many things that "adulting" is opening my eyes quickly to. I never imagined this would be something I'd have to deal with as a teenager.

My sister Jessika and I are my father’s only children. We come from a divorced family. This crowdfunding effort will allow my family (friends and strangers as well) on both sides to contribute to our needs moving forward as we walk out our grieving and rebuild our lives, honor our dreams and dreams my father had for us.

I am hurting deeply. I so want to hear my dad’s voice right now and have him hold me again, wiping away all these tears that come and having him tell me, “everything is going to be ok." I miss my father so much. If you are able to help support my sIster’s and my journey ahead financially, we are forever grateful. Whether it is prayers for wisdom and courage and/or monetary support, helping us move through this difficult time.

Please know that every dollar raised will directly support expenses left behind with my father, memorial expenses, our education, health and welfare. We hope this fund becomes a lasting tribute not just to a father we loved, son, brother and friend but also a tribute to his two daughters, creating a better life that our parents would be proud of.

I will post here a few times during the week, sharing more pictures and videos, while we attempt to reach our fundraising goal. ❤️❤️