Nikki's Fight

Nikki’s Journey

At the age of 36, shortly before Thanksgiving 2011, Nicole (Nikki) May was admitted to Jefferson Hospital in PA, diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, and given a limited prognosis. She went through countless tests, surgeries, and treatments before enrolling in a groundbreaking Stage 3 Clinical Trial. In doing so, she was chosen for the surgical side of the trial, which then assisted in setting protocol for all people with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Nikki has been in a fight for her life for the past 12 years, with the odds stacked against her ever walking again. Two weeks after her initial breast surgery to remove the cancer host site, along with extensive radiation, she endured sacral breakdown (where the cancer initially attacked). She learned then that the cancer had spread to the L5 sacral joint. Since then, she has had many setbacks. The medications prescribed to build her bone back up actually led to necrosis (tissue death). She has been diagnosed with new metastases (cancer spread), as well as many surgeries to correct the damage to her spine and back caused by the cancer. Against all odds, she did walk again – and was chosen by Jefferson Hospital to be 1 of 50 catastrophic survivors to walk onto Lincoln Field in Pennsylvania at half time at the Eagles/Detroit game in 2012.

Throughout the years, Nikki has been admitted to the hospital numerous times only to be discharged and re-admitted with pneumonia, sepsis, and severe osteomyelitis that has led to infection after infection. She has endured over 40 surgeries to date, with over 17 of these since December 2022 alone. In this last year, she has acquired septic arthritis and a compression and/or blockage in her veins, pending interventional radiation to determine the exact location and cause. She has received numerous blood transfusions and piggyback intravenous (IV) antibiotics around the clock from weeks to months, with some of these medications now lifelong, and she has endured the extreme side effects of her treatments. Through it all, even in the most painful and difficult of times, she has continued to radiate positivity and fight her fight with her signature smile.

For now, Nikki’s treatment has been combined between The University of Pennsylvania Hospital for Oncology and Infectious Disease, and with Jefferson Hospital in PA for Neurology and Urology. Of Nikki’s 40+ surgeries, the most recent neurosurgery on her sacrum & spine was in April 2023. She continues her treatments and additional studies not only for herself but for all those who suffer with this catastrophic disease, and for their families, to find a cure. 

Nikki remains upbeat with her tenacious spirit and as her physicians asked her "How do you continue to smile with all that you have been through?” and Nikki replied "Taking part of the Stage 3 Trial and assisting in setting protocol for all who suffer with Stage 4 Metastatic Cancer has given me purpose. I've spoken to so many people affected with this illness directly or indirectly and I am happy that I have been able to make even a small contribution in finding a cure."

Nikki has always been known as seeing the positive, never focusing on the negative. She is a daughter, granddaughter, cousin, aunt and friend, who has always been by the side of someone in need. Her kindness, compassion, and love for others has touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have met her, as well as those who have not but have followed her journey. Nikki’s incredible strength, courage, and passion for life has been an example to us all. She brings a voice to the voiceless and hope where there was none.

To pay tribute and honor Nikki the warrior, who continues her legacy of compassion and kindness, we have created a “Go Fund Me” campaign to help support her in her ongoing fight with this catastrophic disease. All contributions made will be put toward Nikki’s special needs including medical costs, supplies not paid or covered by insurance, travel-related costs, and for continuing treatments.

Whether you grew up with Nikki, shared school sports, were a co-worker in her many years in business, a client who became family, have shared stories or discussed treatments with her – we want Nikki to know how meaningful it is for every life she has touched on her ongoing journey. For over 40 surgeries to date, and more to come, no donation is too small. Every single act of generosity carries profound meaning and effect.

Help us to make a difference in the quality of Nikki’s life – someone who has put herself out there not just for herself but for all people with Metastatic Cancer – and who has brought so much life into ours. We thank you for your compassion, love, and support. Let us come together as one, united in our commitment to honor those who have fought the fight - and to Nikki, herself, who continues to fight with strength, positivity, and dignity - always with a smile and never a complaint.

With sincere gratitude,

Jocelyn and Nikki’s Hope for Care friends and family