A paramedic’s own emergency: The LaBrie Family

My brother, Nick LaBrie, has been living with liver disease since age 12. Diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) Nick has endured 30 years of tests, medicines, and hospitalizations.  Many have been unaware of the seriousness of his disease, as he has always been very private. He is now at a critical point in his disease. Nick is unable to work and awaiting liver transplant. Unfortunately living donor is not an option at this time  

Nick has spent his adult life working in service professions. He first had designs on a career in law enforcement, hoping to to become a Maryland State Trooper. Sadly his disease prevented him from moving forward in the process. However, this did not stop him. Nick went to work for the Maryland State Police as a PCO and later joined the Goodwill Volunteer Fire Department. It was there that he found his true calling- emergency services. Nick went on to work for Caroline County Department of Emergency Services, QAC Department of Emergency Services, and part time for both Talbot Count Department of Emergency Services and the Kent and Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad as a Paramedic. Nick is currently employed with Kent County (DE) Levy Court Dept of Emergency services as an FTO paramedic 2 . Though he remains my obnoxious older brother, I am told the people he works with truly like him and that he is simply amazing at what he does. 

Nick is currently admitted to the ICU and is minimally responsive at this time with hepatic encephalopathy. He has great advocates and support from all of his family and friends but being out of work is going to take a financial toll. Nick has a wife, Teira, and two young children, Alaina- 10, and Jay- 6. Co-workers have generously donated leave time but the family is still going to be missing the overtime and second job income Nick was bringing in. The fact that I’m even posting this is miraculous, as Nick in no way wants to ask for handouts or feel as though he can not provide.  Anyone who really knows him will know this to be an understatement. 

If you can spare even the smallest amount, please do. The family has a long road ahead. All donations will go directly to Nick’s wife.  Additional fundraisers are being planned by his work family. I will post updates and information as it becomes available. 

Thank you all,

Michelle