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(Please see updates below about what's been accomplished and what goal we're currently pursuing for Dylan.)
What Happened to Dylan
In January, 30-year-old Dylan suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while swimming with friends at the beach in Florida.
Dylan is now quadriplegic. And he requires specialized, around-the-clock care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications to live safely and with dignity. Insurance approvals and access to the necessary support can be slow and uncertain. While we navigate that process, our priority is Dylan’s care and helping him and the family adjust to this new reality.
We’re asking our community to come alongside Dylan—to help cover immediate medical needs, essential equipment, home adaptations, and ongoing caregiver support—so his loved ones can focus on his recovery and long-term well-being.
Who Dylan Still Is
Dylan is the uncle who got down on floors to play, the brother who would take a call at 2 a.m., the hard worker who would see a job through no matter what. As a U.S. Marine aviation mechanic from 2014 to 2016, he worked on small UAVs with the same focus he brought to everything else in life. And in 2024, he launched his own business: Bounce Back Lawn Care, LLC.
He's a devoted brother and proud uncle to one nephew and five nieces—the kind of person who shows up, who listens, who makes you feel like you matter. Whether he was playing on the beach with his nieces and nephew, or making his sisters laugh until they couldn't breathe, Dylan has always been all in. That's who he was before his injury, and that's exactly who he remains: a loving son, brother, and uncle who is deeply loved by his family.
The extent of his injury
Dylan's injury occurred at the C2-C7 level of his spinal cord. This means
- He has no feeling below his chest (can't move his legs).
- He struggles to raise his arms and has no use of his hands.
As of February 1, he has spent one week in the hospital and is anticipating a six-to-eight week extensive rehabilitation program after his discharge from the hospital.
We want to thank his care team—especially the Neurotrauma Intensive Care Unit at Delray Medical Center. Through God’s grace and their extraordinary care, he is now able to breathe on his own. We are profoundly grateful that his brain remained intact after the injury, and this ability to breathe independently feels like an immense and humbling gift.
What We're Raising Funds For
After a spinal cord injury like Dylan's, meeting his needs requires specialized expensive equipment. Thus equipment is necessary for preventing life-threatening complications, moving safely, accessing medical care, and maintaining dignity.
We're raising money for Dylan's needs in phases so you can see exactly where your donation goes. We're focusing on four essential items: a wheelchair, an accessible vehicle, a specialized bed, and home modifications.
First Priorities: Getting Dylan Where He Needs to Go (wheelchair and specialized vehicle)
Dylan's recovery depends on getting to medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, and therapy.
Without the right wheelchair and accessible vehicle, he can't access the care that will determine his long-term outcomes.
- Power Wheelchair with Specialized Controls: $50,000–$60,000 (first goal)
- What we're looking for: A specialized power wheelchair with customized seating systems, advanced electronics, and alternate drive controls required for individuals with quadriplegia.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle: $90,000–$100,000 (second goal)
- What we're looking for: A van that has a power lift and additional requisite modifications to accommodate a power wheelchair and space for other equipment for both Dylan and caregivers.
We're starting here: The first months after spinal cord injury are when the most significant recovery occurs. The wheelchair and vehicle are the gateway to everything else Dylan needs to heal and adapt.
Next Step: Making Home Safe for Dylan (Bed and access improvements)
- Specialized Hospital Bed: $7,000–$10,000
Why this matters: Pressure sores can be life-threatening. A specialized bed with pressure relief and motorized positioning options is essential for preventing complications and allowing for safe rest.
- Home Accessibility Modifications: $120,000–$150,000
Why this matters: Our goal for Dylan is independent living. Most homes aren't built for handicap access. To ensure Dylan can navigate a living space, he needs access ramps, widened doorways and hallways, a roll-in shower, an accessible bathroom, and bedroom modifications.
We're taking this one step at a time, showing you exactly where every dollar goes.
How This Page Works
- Managed by Sami Shealy, Dylan's sister, and a trusted family friend.
- Kristi Nickisch, Dylan's mom, is the beneficiary of the donated funds.
- All decisions are made with Dylan's medical team and family.
NOTE: During the donation process, GoFundMe will give an opportunity to provide a "tip." This is built into the website's platform and can't be changed. Donors can choose what level of tip they might offer, starting with $0 and up.
How funds are used
- 100% goes directly to Dylan's mobility and accessibility needs.
- We'll share progress updates as goals are met and equipment is acquired.
Important: Any other GoFundMe pages created in Dylan's name are NOT family-approved. This is our only official page.
How You Can Help
Donate: Every gift moves Dylan closer to the mobility and care he needs.
- $25 moves us toward our goal. Thank you.
- $100 contributes toward specialized equipment.
- $500 makes a significant impact on a major purchase.
- $1,000 helps guarantee we'll get Dylan the equipment he needs.
Share This Page: One thoughtful share can connect Dylan's story to someone who can help. Share on Facebook and social media, in texts, in your church or community groups. When you share, consider adding a personal note about why Dylan's story moved you.
Pray: We believe God is in control even in the hardest circumstances. Your prayers for Dylan's health, our family's strength, and provision mean everything.
Send Encouragement: Messages of support sustain us. Even a simple "thinking of you" reminds us we're not alone.
A Message from the Nickisch Family
We are overwhelmed by the love surrounding our family. Every prayer, message, share, and donation is a tangible reminder that we don't carry this alone.
We're moving forward with faith, hope, and realism. We trust God while taking practical steps to care for Dylan today.
Thank you for bearing this burden with us. Thank you for making Dylan's dignity and quality of life possible.
— The Nickisch Family
(All photos included on this GoFundMe have been approved by the Nickisch family.)