Last Wednesday, our world changed forever.

Our 19-month-old son was badly burned in a tragic accident at home.

I rushed him to the hospital, and within hours, he was flown by helicopter to the pediatric burn unit at St. Christopher’s Hospital in Philadelphia, where we’ve been ever since.

He’s scheduled for skin graft surgery this coming Wednesday. Doctors will be taking skin from either his thigh or his scalp to repair the areas where he was burned. He’s so little—just 19 months old—and the pain he’s in is more than any child should ever have to endure.

We’ve been told we’ll likely be here at least two more weeks, possibly longer depending on how he heals. Nothing is guaranteed. Every day is full of uncertainty, and our only focus is making sure he gets through this surrounded by love and support.

Our home is 2½ hours away. I’ve had to stop working completely to be by his side, and my fiancée Noelle is back home with our three other children, trying to keep things together and still work full-time. The emotional and financial toll on our family is enormous. We’re doing everything we can to stay strong…for our son, for our other children, and for each other…but we can’t do this alone.

We are a Christian family, and we are leaning on our faith more than ever. We believe God has our little boy in His hands, and we trust in His plan even when it’s hard to see through the pain. Despite our faith it’s so incredibly difficult for us to reach out for help. We don't believe it’s easy for anyone to reach out for help, but with our backs up against the wall we’re humbly asking for that help.

Your support will help us:

• Cover gas and travel costs between home and the hospital

• Manage household bills while I’m out of work

• Care for our children back home

• Support our son’s long recovery after discharge

If you feel it in your hearts to help us through donation, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And even if you can’t donate, we ask you to please pray for our son, and share this with others who might be able to help.

Thank you, and may God bless you for your compassion.

With love and faith,

Nicholas, Noelle, and Family

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18

Nick’s Recovery Update Thank you all so much for the continued love, prayers, and support — it truly means the world to us. Nick is doing so much better! He’s back on his feet, playing, smiling, and full of energy. His foot has healed enough for him to walk again, and he’s been eating really well. It’s been amazing to see his spirit shine after everything he’s been through. We’re still not out of the woods just yet. We won’t know until next week if his skin grafts have fully taken, and we still have a long road ahead with follow-up appointments and scar treatments. I’m still out of work to care for him full-time, and we’re doing our best to manage on a single income while staying on top of bills and travel costs. If you’re able to donate or share, it continues to make a huge difference. Thank you again for standing with us through all of this. With love, Nick, and Noelle!