Support Nick Hellem's Cancer Treatment & Recovery

We are starting this GoFund Me account on behalf of our nephew Nick Hellem, who is battling tongue cancer.

March 17, 25 Update

New plan. The surgeon didn’t feel the risk was worth another surgery to graft to his remaining tongue. Nick will meet with his oncologist to schedule his cancer treatments. Nick continues to work on eating, swallowing and talking. He continues to meet with various therapists to improve quality of living including regaining use of his right hand that was damaged somewhere during the surgery or recovery process. We are now expecting it will take 5-6 months for radiation, chemo and rehab before returning to work. Praying all goes well. We continue to rely on God’s provisions and guidance. Thank you for continued prayers.

Update for Nick Hellem

Since last update, Nick has received another surgery to unfortunately due to tissue death remove the tongue graft leaving him with only half of his tongue. At this stage the doctor felt he should heal as is and then move forward with decisions on his radiation treatments and next step in another surgery to graft again. If they are able to stabilize enough he can be transferred to a regular hospital room out of ICU. He has a long road ahead and although this is a major setback we keep our hope and continue our prayers for a complete healing. We have set up a Go Fund Me account for him as he will not be able to return to work for quite some time.

Nick remains in ICU after having surgery to remove half his tongue and 20-30 lymph nodes. He was expecting to be out of the hospital in about a week, with follow-up radiation and speech therapy, but able to go back to work within 2-3 weeks.

Unfortunately, complications have caused an additional 2 surgeries with the final one removing the graft due to tissue death. This will prolong his care and ability to return to work for an extended period of time. He will likely have many additional treatments, surgeries and expenses to cover in the months ahead.

Nick is a polite, kind and gentle person who is always ready to help others. His ICU nurses have commented that he is a rare patient being able to smile at them coming out of surgery and remains calm even when in immense pain.

Nick is a strong believer, and we know the power of prayer. We know we can rely on Him in all situations.

Your love, prayers and support are appreciated.