Support the Romeo Family's Medical Journey

Hi there!

My name is Ciara Gross, and I am a friend of the Romeo family. I've had the joy of knowing Heather since junior high school, and over the past decade, I’ve also had the privilege of getting to know Nick. In the last five years, my friendship with Nick has deepened through serving together at our church—from his faithful work in our special needs ministry to both him and Heather now lovingly and faithfully teaching our two-year-olds in Children’s Ministry.

The Romeos are a special family who have poured so much love and joy into the lives of others. Now, they are walking through a difficult season, and I’m inviting you to come alongside them with support and encouragement.

Help Nick Romeo walk, sit and stand without pain again.

Nick has been battling a rare and debilitating condition called Bertolotti's Syndrome, caused by a congenital spinal deformity, for over two years. Despite countless visits to doctors and specialists, rounds of physical therapy and various conservative treatments, lasting relief has remained out of reach.

Now, there's finally hope.

Nick has found a highly skilled surgeon- Dr. Colin Haines in Virginia- who specializes in this rare condition and is confident that a surgical resection can offer Nick the chance to return to a normal life.

Nick is a dedicated husband and father of two boys, as well as a hard working electrician who has made multiple attempts to return to work- even using crutches at one point. He wants nothing more than to be the provider he once was for his family.

Unfortunately, due to the rarity of this syndrome and procedure, insurance will not cover enough of the necessary care, and finding doctors with the knowledge and experience to treat it has been incredibly difficult. The limited number of experts in this field are out-of -network, making the cost overwhelming for the Romeo family.

Procedure total: $42,675

Travel cost: $1,656.37

Total: $44,331.37

***UPDATE: Nicks surgery has been scheduled for 8/28/25, so The Romeo family plans on traveling 8/24-8/30. ***

Your support- whether through a financial contribution or simply sharing this page- means the world to them. Let's help Nick get the surgery he needs and reclaim his life.

Thank you for standing with the Romeo family.