Support Niki's Recovery from Heart Surgery

**Support for Niki Walker: Help a Young Hairdresser Recover from Open Heart Surgery**

Dear Friends and Kind-Hearted Strangers,

We are reaching out to you to support Niki Walker, a vibrant, kind and talented young hairdresser, who recently underwent a life-saving open heart surgery for an Open Thoracic Aneurysm Repair with Roots Replacement. Niki’s journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that has profoundly impacted her health.

Marfan Syndrome caused her heart to have a bicuspid valve instead of a tricuspid one, leading to the connective tissue in her heart becoming overly stretchy. This resulted in her heart pumping so hard that she suffered an aneurysm, necessitating urgent surgical intervention.

Niki has been in the ICU for two days and will remain in the hospital for a minimum of five days. Her recovery is expected to take at least eight weeks, during which time she will be unable to work and will have no income.

As a self-employed hairdresser, Niki’s livelihood depends entirely on her ability to work. The upcoming weeks will be challenging not only physically and emotionally but also financially. We are asking for your generous support to help cover her medical bills, daily living expenses, and to ensure she has a safe and stress-free recovery period.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in Niki’s life. Your kindness and generosity will provide her with the peace of mind she needs to focus on healing and getting back to doing what she loves.

Thank you for your support and for being part of Niki’s recovery journey.

**6/11/2024 UPDATE**

Niki has had all tubes removed and is ready to start her recovery journey.....a long road but one that she is prepared to handle with the support of her loving friends and family. The Doctors are hopeful that this will be the only surgery she needs but she will know more in 2 weeks at her first post-op appointment. The next 2 weeks will be rest for the necessary intense rehab that is forthcoming.