Honoring Niklas Petersen's Legacy Through Organ Donation

Nik was my beloved 23 year old nephew. His dad, Erik Petersen, is my brother. I am Nik's Aunt, Kimberly Petersen Danas, who is coordinating this. I am writing to seek support not only financially, but to also beg you to consider becoming an organ donor, if you are not already. This will help ensure Nik's legacy lives on, for which we would be eternally grateful.

Nik would be embarrassed we are reaching out, he would truly dislike all the attention! But we do this out of necessity and love. Bless each of you, for loving Nik, and in turn, his Dad, Erik and Mom, Aleecia, and siblings, Sean, Bevy, and Levi, as well as two older adult siblings, Kaylin and Ashley, who reside on their own. Our family is shattered and we are only getting by with your love, kindness, and prayers. A whole lotta prayers.

To know Nik was a blessing. If you didn't, you really missed out! He was something extra special. To lose him has been a devastating loss to our family, and even more so, at such a young age. Likewise, Nik's friends, co-workers, teammates, community, medical providers, and anyone whose life Nik's briefly touched, have all been burdened by his passing. The world is simply not as bright.

A little background: As a toddler, Nik was hospitalized as result of a contracted illness, ultimately causing irreparable kidney damage and failure at only age two. He had a long stay at Washington, D.C.'s Children's Hospital, and after much praying and medical intervention, Nik overcame all odds and was able to go home.

Under doctors' medical care, close monitoring, diet restrictions, and medications, Nik was able lead a fairly normal, fulfilling, beautiful life, forging deep bonds with those he loved.

Nik was an avid outdoorsman. He loved everything about nature: hiking, fishing, swimming, and just simply reveling in its beauty, and wildlife. He was especially fond of areas where his family was based: MD, CO, WV, DC, MA, and NH's White Mountains, becoming a devoted fan to all their professional sports teams, at a very early age. He was especially loyal his beloved Patriots and Bruins, having been such a fanatic that he insisted on touring both of their facilities, coming from out of state at just 5 years old!

He also loved the Capitals, Colorado Eagles, Buffaloes and Avalanche, as well as Ohio State. Nik always had aspirations of playing football, but he was prohibited, as an impact would put Nik's kidneys at greater risk. Instead, he tried T-ball as a little guy, but moved on to hockey as goalie. It was there that he flourished, having won five championships.

Nik would proudly wear his MA sports gear regardless of what part of the country he was in! That's just how Nik was, proud, steadfast, loyal, and true to himself. He loved his family. And he was cherished. If Nik counted you as a friend, you knew he had your back. Any friend of Nik's referred to him as their "best friend"! He made everybody feel special. He made people, not "things" his priority. He was loving, sweet, honorable, hard-working, compassionate and joyful. You couldn't help but smile when you were around him. And you couldn't have asked for a better son or brother.

From the time he was little, he had a wise soul, and Nik was very introspective, seeking out how things worked, and why. He was very appreciative of life and relished it. And his humor? Goodness, Nik had lightning wit and timing. That was classic Nik, spending times with loved ones, just enjoying their company and making others happy. Those are the memories we hold onto.

Throughout Nik's entire life, there was always an overshadowing of doctors, needles, medications, scans and hospitals. As Nik grew, his kidneys became more taxed. Yet, Nik always maintained a positive outlook and demeanor, regardless of how poorly he was feeling. Doctors were amazed that he never complained, others were awed, but most of all, it just made us proud and grateful that he was in our lives.

Nik graduated high school, working full time until his kidneys weakened, limiting Nik's abilities. Being the eldest son, he proudly donated to his family's finances in support of his mother and school-aged siblings. He was disheartened when he was not able to do so.

There had always been health concerns and eventually, as doctors predicted, they caught up to Nik- He required a kidney donation to live and ultimately was graciously gifted one. For a short time, the transplant was successful, and more memories were made, more life was lived, for which Nik and the family could not be more grateful.

However, time and luck ran out on September 28, when, at the age of only 23, no more could be done. After med flights, multiple hospitals, and an extended hospital stay, medicines, dialysis, and heroic medical intervention, nothing could override God's will. Nik fought valiantly throughout his lifetime. He did it more so for those he left behind, than himself. But the family knew it was time to let him go. Nik was tired. He deserves to be free of the struggles and pain. Heartbreakingly, there was no choice but to remove life support, and bid our beloved son, sibling, nephew, cousin, grandson, teammate, coworker, and best friend, farewell. It is the hardest thing we've ever had to do.

Nik's final act of generosity was to become an organ donor in honor of the person who so generously donated to him. Nik's selfless gifts will enrich the lives of four others, giving them a second chance to continue on life's journey. Nik was unable to pursue a medical career as he would have liked (second only to being the Bruins starting goalie, of course), due to his medical restrictions, but he always wanted to help others.

Through organ donations, Nik made that dream come true. He helped others, in a huge way! He aided complete strangers and their families, and their potential future generations. There is no greater gift, to bestow upon others, than the gift of life. Nik did it gladly. He had no regrets and was ready to move on. Nik was deemed a Hero by the organ donation team. In our book, he always has been.

If, at all possible, we ask for your financial assistance. Any donation would be deeply appreciated. At this time there are extreme expenses, including an emergency med flight, end of life costs, not to mention the nearly month long associated medical costs, flights, hotels, meals, etc. prior to Nik's passing.

Additionally, going forward, Nik's siblings and family will require financial support. Lastly, it is a dream that we hope to bring to fruition, is to establish a scholarship or organ donor sponsorship in the future.

Please consider becoming an organ donor and please spread the word about this page. Hug your loved ones. Make more memories. There can never be too many. We thank you with much gratitude and love. And Nik thanks you too. xxoo