Help Nova Heal: A Journey of Strength, Faith, and Hope

Over the past six months, our lives have changed in ways we never could have imagined. Nova Schmees—our strong, brave, and spirited girl—has been battling an incredibly painful condition while continuing to show courage beyond her years.

Nova was diagnosed with an aneurysmal bone cyst, a rare non-cancerous tumor on her spine. She underwent surgery in November to remove it, but heartbreakingly, it returned and doubled in size. Since then, she has been receiving injections to try to shrink it. While these treatments are working, it has been a slow and painful process. The injections can cause significant discomfort, especially in the days following, as her body adjusts.

Last Thursday, Nova had to be taken by ambulance to Children’s Hospital due to severe pain. After further testing, including a CT scan, doctors discovered that the tumor is now pressing on her nerves and has caused a fracture in her spine. She has now been in the hospital for several days, with a dedicated pain management team working daily to try to bring her relief.

Despite everything, Nova continues to show incredible strength. She often hides her pain, especially around her peers, and keeps her fierce personality and smile. But the reality is, no 15-year-old should have to endure this level of pain and uncertainty.

This journey has not only been physically exhausting but emotionally overwhelming as well. Nova has missed significant time from school, sports, and being with her friends—things that mean everything at her age. All she wants is to get back to a sense of normalcy, and we are doing everything we can to lift her spirits and support her through this.

Today brought very heavy news for our family. Doctors have determined that Nova must now undergo a very complex and difficult surgery scheduled for Thursday, expected to last around six hours. While her medical team is doing everything possible to ensure the best outcome, this procedure comes with significant risks, and the road ahead will not be easy.

Even in the midst of this, we continue to hold onto hope. We have seen small victories along the way and truly believe in the power of prayer, love, and community.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support—messages, visits, prayers, and kindness—that have helped carry us through these past months. It means more than we can ever express.

However, the financial burden of ongoing treatments, hospital stays, and now a major surgery is overwhelming for our family. We are asking for your help so we can focus fully on Nova’s healing and recovery.

If you are able to donate, share this page, or continue to pray for Nova, we are beyond thankful. Every bit of support helps us move forward.

Nova is strong. She is brave. And she is not fighting this alone.

Thank you for standing with Nova.