My name is Pang, and I am Nick’s aunt. I’m writing on behalf of my brother Michael and sister-in-law Kathie during the most difficult time our family has ever faced.
In December 2025, our lives changed overnight.
Nick—our healthy, strong, funny, and kind-hearted young man—was diagnosed with Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). Valley fever is a fungal spore that is found in dust and dry soil. What started as flu-like symptoms quickly turned into something far more serious. The infection spread to his brain, developing into Coccidioidal Meningitis, the most severe and life-threatening form of the disease.
WHAT HAPPENED-
In symptoms started in late October 2026, but it wasn’t until November 2025, Nick began feeling extremely sick and sought medical care. He was initially misdiagnosed and sent home with antibiotics. As days passed, his condition rapidly worsened—he developed unbearable headaches, high fevers, and severe pain.
Michael took him to the emergency room, where Kathie met them. Nick was admitted, but after a week of testing and quarantine, there were still no clear answers.
-Looking back, this was in quarantine… only three days before our world turned into a nightmare.
After multiple testing, doctors finally discovered a fungal infection. By then, the disease had already spread to his brain. Realizing time was critical and resources were limited, our family pushed for a transfer. Thankfully, Loma Linda University Hospitals accepted Nick.
The Fight For His Life-
Nick was transferred and doctors confirmed the diagnosis. Shortly after, he lost the ability to talk, eat, and move. He suffered seizures, strokes, and dangerously high fevers. There were days we didn’t know if he would survive.
December 2025
Nick, our funny and quirky kid, could no longer talk, eat, or move. The fungus had attacked his brain, causing swelling and severe damage. He suffered seizures, strokes, high fevers over 104°, and dangerously high heart rates.
Doctors worked tirelessly and confirmed Valley Fever Meningitis. A spinal tap was performed to relieve pressure and deliver antifungal medication directly. Even then, his condition remained critical. Every single day that he survived is a miracle.
January 2026 – The longest month of our lives.
Treatment began, but nothing was guaranteed. Doctors warned that even if he survived, he would never be the same. The antifungal medication would likely be lifelong and could cause serious side effects, including liver damage, regular screening would be necessary to make sure his liver would be strong enough for the medication.
Little Visits are the best visits-
It’s hard to tell at times, but visits from his little cousins always brighten his days. Even when he couldn’t move, being able to take him outside for a walk and some fresh air meant so much.
After our visit, There was a setback, additional infections occurred and treatments was given but it did not work as expected. But through it all, Nick has continued to fight. Nick suffered internal bleeding and required emergency surgery. By God’s grace, the surgery was successful.
SIGNS OF HOPE-
February 2026
We saw a glimmer of hope. Nick woke up and finally the feeding tube was removed. He was allowed to eat and slowly began eating minced soft food and thickened liquids.
***When people say it takes a village, it truly does. Aunties and uncles are like second parents, and we are so grateful for them during these difficult times. They show up, they support, and they care. Thank you to Uncle Kee and Auntie Bao for spending time with Nick and helping feed him—it means more than we can express.
Just being able to eat soft minced food was a miracle for us!
He was transferred to a physical therapy facility and started relearning basic skills—like saying “yes” and “no,” and he is undergoing physical therapy to regain movement, any movement, small or big was a huge step.
Thank you, Auntie Sierra, for your love and support—helping Nick with his speech, practicing the basics with him, working on numbers, and staying overnight so he’s not alone. It truly means so much to us.
As painful as this journey has been, we try to keep his spirits up with the things he loves to keep him motivated to fight. We joke, laugh, and do our best to bring light into the room so it doesn’t feel so heavy for him. Pokémon is a favorite I may not have pictures of his friends who brought Pokémon but I wanted to say THANK YOU for the kind gesture also!
But after two weeks, he was rushed back to the hospital. Complication occurred and Once again, we waited, prayed, and held onto hope as hours turned into days and days turned into weeks.
March 2026
The antifungal treatment was not working as hoped. Doctors had to performed another spinal tap and discussed the possibility of placing a shunt to deliver medication directly into his brain.
As Michael took time off work to stay by Nick’s side and advocate for him. Our family rotated shifts—cooking, staying overnight, and supporting one another however we could.
April 2026
Then Kathie lost her job when her company closed, and Michael returned to work. After more treatments and another round of antibiotics for another infection, Nick began showing small signs of improvement.
Now, after weeks in the hospital, he has been transferred back to a physical therapy facility. With daily therapy and the support of family—and his devoted girlfriend Ella—he is slowly regaining strength. He can eat minced food and thicken liquid with assistance and is continuing to fight every day.
Today was a successful day. It may seem small, but these baby steps he’s working so hard to take, fill our hearts with hope.
Ongoing Medical Needs-
Nick is scheduled to be discharged on April 30, but his battle is far from over.
At this point, his current infectious disease team has done everything they can, and we have reached a stage where Nick needs more specialized care. His doctors are now recommending that he be seen by an infectious disease specialist who focuses specifically on fungal infections like Valley Fever.
We are hopeful that the second spinal tap will continue to help manage the infection. However, if it does not, Our goal - the next step will be to have Nick evaluated and treated by a specialist at the Valley Fever Institute, where doctors have advanced expertise in this rare and serious condition.
This level of specialized care is critical for Nick’s recovery and long-term survival.
How your support will help-
As mentioned Nick is scheduled to come home on April 30, 2026.
Nick will require 24-hour care at home. While insurance covers some medical needs, it is extremely limited and does not come close to what he requires long-term.
Your donations will help cover:
• Ongoing medical treatments and
medications
• In-home caregiving and nursing support
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Medical equipment and home adjustments
• Daily living expenses as our family adapts to this new reality.
A Message From Our Family
We are doing everything we can to give Nick the best chance at recovery. This has been an unimaginable journey, and we cannot do it alone.
If you are able to donate—no matter how big or small—we are deeply grateful. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing Nick’s story and keeping him in your prayers. Every bit of support truly matters.
We are also open to any information, ideas, or experiences related to this illness. We are doing everything we can to find the best path forward.
Thank You
We are deeply grateful to everyone (Nick’s friends, Daniela’s family, Uncle Kee, Auntie Sierra, Auntie Bao and everybody…) who has supported us—through visits, meals, donations, and prayers. Your kindness has carried us through the darkest days.
A special thank you to Daniella (Ella), who has been Nick’s light and strength throughout these past six months.
Please Help Nick Keep Fighting
Nick still has a long road ahead, but we believe in his strength. With your support, we are holding onto hope for healing and a brighter future.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please continue to keep Nick in your prayers as he begins this next stage of his journey.
Our hearts go out to all the families going through this same fight. To those who have been fortunate enough to recover from Valley Fever Disease, we celebrate and rejoice with you. And to those still in the battle, like our Nick, please know you are not alone. We are sending out prayers to you all.
This journey is not an easy one, but we hold onto faith and hope. We continue to pray that all our babies out there fighting against Valley Fever Disease find strength, healing, and a swift recovery.