Hi everyone,

My name is Kelsey, and I am writing on behalf of my beloved mother-in-law, Nichole Hickman. Nichole has recently been diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic blood disease that causes iron to dangerously build up in her body and stores the iron in her major organs, also making her higher risk certain cancers. Due to this illness not being diagnosed for so many years and being untreated, it has caused many issues with her already declining health. Without proper treatment, this excess iron will lead to organ failure , affecting her liver, pancreas, and heart, eventually leading to a liver transplant. In addition, Nichole is battling several pre-existing conditions, including eosinophilic esophagitis where white blood cells attack her esophagus causing painful spasms, vomiting and choking. This causes scar tissue and structures that can eventually result in a feeding tube needing to be placed. The current treatment for this is repeat endoscopies with dilation and biopsies every 4-6 months along with special medications.

In 2008 she was diagnosed with Intracranial hypertension (also known as a false brain tumor or pseudotumor cerebri secondary to minocycline use), resulting in a total of four brain surgeries with two of those having abdominal surgeries done at the same time. For this severe condition, she has had two brain shunts placed, one in 2016 and one in 2021. The first one failed. The VP shunt is implanted in the right side of her brain, traveling down her neck, through her chest and into her abdomen. This brain disorder mimics the symptoms of a large brain mass causing issues with vision, chronic fatigue, nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination. In 2021 with the second brain shunt being placed, Nichole suffered a brain hemorrhage during surgery causing issues with memory loss.

As a side effect of these chronic illnesses, she also has erythema nodosum, which is inflammation of her tissues resulting in painful knots, joint pain and fevers during flare ups. In December 2024, she also had a cardiac loop implanted in her chest to monitor her syncope episodes from tachycardia with heart rates ranging from 40- 160 beats per minute.

Nichole has also had cancerous adenomas removed from her colon in 2021, that fortunately were not into the intestinal wall and were able to be removed completely. This is managed closely with yearly colonoscopies, as her brother is a colon cancer survivor putting her at an even higher risk.

As you can imagine, all of these combined, complicate her health journey.

To receive the specialized care she urgently needs, Nichole must seek treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The financial burden of managing these complex conditions, combined with travel expenses and ongoing care, has become overwhelming. Not to mention, making it difficult for her dental career, causing her to continually miss work due to sickness, symptoms and appointments. We are asking for your help to ease this strain and support Nichole in her fight for better health.

Your generous donations will help cover:

Essential treatments for hereditary hemochromatosis to helping manage iron levels and preventing organ damage.

Medications and therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis, intracranial hypertension, and erythema nodosum.

Regular diagnostic tests and evaluations at Vanderbilt.

Travel expenses for medical appointments, including transportation and lodging.

Unanticipated costs related to her care and recovery.

Nichole is a kind-hearted and resilient individual who has always been there for her loved ones. Now, we have the chance to support her during this difficult journey. Every contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful impact in easing her burden and allowing her to focus on her health.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your friends and family would be a tremendous help. Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and support—together, we can make a difference in Nichole’s life.