Nick Milazzo's Medical Fund
Donation protected
Family and friends,
Many of you have asked how you can support the Milazzo family. I ask that you please pray for complete healing of Nick. Please pray for Mom (Pat), Dad (Jim), and brother (Mike), for strength as they fight this fight along with him.
I would like try to alleviate some of the financial burden, as well as the mental stress of medical bills. Parking alone at the hospital is $17 each time the family goes, which currently they are going two/three times a day. Here is a way you can assist with supportive donations. Please note that no donation is too small or too large.
Nick has a long, long road ahead of him. Thank you to all who have reached out. It means so much to the family. The thoughts, prayers, and love shown through this difficult time is what helps keeps everyone strong and hopeful. God hears our prayers and miracles do happen!
Please read Nick's journey below.
Early Saturday morning January 25th, Nick's life took a drastic change when he was in a severe car accident. He clipped the back of another car that stopped suddenly in front of him, causing his car to flip, and ejecting him from his vehicle (he was wearing his seatbelt). Thankfully, a police officer had just passed by not even a minute before the accident happened, and was able to rush to the scene. Officer Scott from the Missouri City Police Dept(Nick's guardian angel) arrived on the scene and found Nick laying unconscious and not breathing in the middle of the road. Officer Scott performed CPR and saved Nick's life. He was life flighted to Memorial Herman Med Center with an aortic aneurysm, brain hemorrhage, broken right elbow, broken left knee, sprained ankle and several lacerations.
The heart surgeon was able to successfully implant a stent graft to fix his heart and bluntly said that "he's lucky to be alive". They were able to stop the hemorrhaging. All scans and test, thus far, have shown brain activity is normal. They continue to do scans and tests on his spinal area for precaution. His elbow will be reset tomorrow along with a plate being put in his left knee.They have been keeping him heavily sedated to ease the pain and trauma. They have brought him out of it a little bit from time to time for various testing reasons.
Please continue to read updates from Mike and his Mom below.
Sunday January 26th-am - Update from Mike
This morning they took Nick back for more surgery. The doctors discovered a bulging vertebrae in his neck. This will be the first priority of the day. If they are successful and things go well, they plan on resetting his right elbow and putting a metal plate in his left knee.
Sunday January 26th-pm - Update from Mike
Surgery did not go as expected today. They began by repairing the bulging disc in his neck. They were successful in repairing it from the front. When they turned him over to repair the back of the disc, Nick began experiencing breathing difficulties. They decided not to proceed because of this. The down side to them not being able to repair the back of the disc is that he will be in a neck brace for much longer. Because of the breathing issues they also cancelled the elbow and knee for today.
Tuesday January 28th -Update from Mike
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse last night. Around 12:30am they noticed Nick wasn't being his normal self and was experiencing abnormal breathing. While they were figuring out what was going on they noticed he wasn't moving his arms or his legs. They went to do a scan. The doctors were dumbfounded by what they saw and told us they have never seen this happen before. Unfortunately, Nick had developed a blood clot in a very unusual spot between his spine and his spinal cord. They immediately took Nick into surgery and attempted to remove as much of the blood clot as possible. Because of the location and the spinal cord being involved they couldn't get all of it. They bored out the area to relieve as much pressure as possible. Unfortunately, because of this he is paralyzed. We don't know what the out come of this will be and neither do the doctors. Days, weeks, months, years, never... We are basically playing a waiting game now. What we do know is the spinal cord is still completely in tact and that currently there is a bunch of pressure on it from the clot. We also have the fact that Nick is a 30 year old male in really good shape. They also informed us that he has approximately twelve fractured ribs, eight on the left side which have been bleeding. They are putting drain tubes in his rib cage to drain the blood and relieve the pressure off of his lungs. Please continue to pray for my brother and parents. Everyone's out reach and support has and continues to be so critical to us while going through this.
Thursday January 30th - Update from Mike
No news is good news... I guess. First off, Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the overwhelming support. PLEASE keep it coming. I was able to make it to the hospital this evening. Nick is still heavily sedated but was alert and awake. He still has paralysis in his lower body and all of his limbs. It appears that the lines they put in to drain the blood from his ribs were clear. His breathing is still being assisted but he is able to breath mostly on his own. Needless to say he still has a tube down his throat. He is able to make eye contact and is well aware of every one that is there and that has come to see him. (which has been an amazing amount of people), I inquired who had been by to see him. As I said names to him he would nod if they had been by. He was excited and nodded repeatedly when I was able to distinguish that Colton Bach and Colton Shuflet had both come by to visit today. I asked him if he wanted to see Baine Herrera. He opened both of his eyes, looked towards the door and nodded a bunch. He was also already aware of current events such as Kobe Bryant. A few things that stuck out this evening to me, Both of which were quite humorous in spite of the situation. I informed him of the Houston Texans making Bill O'brien G.M. I also informed him that a former girlfriend had inquired about him. Both times he rolled his eyes at me. (love it!!) He was not happy when we had to leave for this evening. He continuously shook his head every time we tried to leave his side. As we were getting on the elevator to leave with our shoulders hung low with regret that we had to leave him; we looked up and saw Scott Watson and his friend Chris coming to spend the last minutes of the day with Nick. With that being said Nick wants to see his friends and we want him to know and feel the support behind him. Please go see him and tell him to keep fighting!! We have made him aware of what has happened and all of his injuries. However, please keep in mind, I do not know if he is aware of his current situation since the latest surgery and we are not ready at this time to divulge that information to him. If you do find the time to visit please keep that in mind.
Friday January 31st - Update from Mike
Nick is continuing to have some difficulty breathing but they want to remove the breathing tube and replace it with a tube going directly into his trachea (tracheostomy) Also plan to insert a feeding tube into his abdomen. Surgery is scheduled for Friday. The only pain he’s having is from the breathing tube. Still no feeling below the shoulders. He’s alert and communicating via his eyes and head movements. Had some light hearted and funny conversations tonight with him. I think he was worn out from visitors this evening. Prayers for surgery tomorrow!
Saturday February 1st - Update from Mike
Surgery went well yesterday. Nick looks a lot more comfortable this morning with the ventilator tube moved from his mouth to the incision in his throat. He has developed fluid in his lungs which they will be draining and testing fro pneumonia. He will be sedated for that but should be awake this afternoon. Doctors say he will be here in STICU for at least several more days. There is no schedule as of yet to repair his arm or knee. It's a gorgeous day outside today.. Step out side, enjoy the sunshine and breath the fresh air. Take a moment to stop and think about the blessings you have received, be grateful for what you have and cherish and hold on to your friends and the ones you love. Go to the zoo. Go to the museum. Take a walk around Herman park and GO SEE NICK! Again we are so grateful for all of your love and support. We couldn't do this with out each and every one of you.
Sunday February 2nd
No new news or changes. Nick has been resting and requested no visitors for today.
Tuesday February 4th - Update from Mom
The surgery to repair Nick’s broken arm went well. He’s alert and trying to communicate. Still has the breathing tube in his trachea to assist his breathing. His mouth is very dry but we were able to use a small sponge dipped in water to swab his mouth and give him some relief. The trauma surgeon said that the main goal now is to start therapy to strengthen his diaphragm so that he’ll be able to breathe on his own. Small steps each day but always moving forward. ❤️
Wednesday February 5th - Update from Mom
Nick had a rough morning. The nurse said his heart rate got so low that they had to give him chest compressions for about 2 minutes. Then he continued to improve on his own. He was alert and smiling when we saw him. We're back at the hospital now. Everything seems to be okay.
Thursday February 6th - Update from Mom
We’re at the hospital. Been watching Nick sleep most of the day. His temperature is holding at 99.3. Heart rate is good and breathing is improving. If all continues as is, he’ll have the surgery on his left knee some time tomorrow. For now he just needs to rest, so we’re going to make an early night of it and try to get home by 8:00 or so.
Friday February 7th - Update from Mom
Nick's knee surgery was this morning. Just heard from the surgeon. Surgery was successful and he's in his room. We're on the way to see him now.
Sunday February 9th - Update from Mom
Visited with the doctor that is overseeing Nick's care. They did a cat scan of his neck this morning and have an MRI of his spine scheduled later today. They are still working to get his breathing up to par. He does have an infection in his lungs that is being treated with antibiotics. He'll continue to be in STICU for the time being. He's alert. Asking a lot of questions and getting frustrated. He knows the next step is to rehab at TIRR. He's anxious to DO something.
Many of you have asked how you can support the Milazzo family. I ask that you please pray for complete healing of Nick. Please pray for Mom (Pat), Dad (Jim), and brother (Mike), for strength as they fight this fight along with him.
I would like try to alleviate some of the financial burden, as well as the mental stress of medical bills. Parking alone at the hospital is $17 each time the family goes, which currently they are going two/three times a day. Here is a way you can assist with supportive donations. Please note that no donation is too small or too large.
Nick has a long, long road ahead of him. Thank you to all who have reached out. It means so much to the family. The thoughts, prayers, and love shown through this difficult time is what helps keeps everyone strong and hopeful. God hears our prayers and miracles do happen!
Please read Nick's journey below.
Early Saturday morning January 25th, Nick's life took a drastic change when he was in a severe car accident. He clipped the back of another car that stopped suddenly in front of him, causing his car to flip, and ejecting him from his vehicle (he was wearing his seatbelt). Thankfully, a police officer had just passed by not even a minute before the accident happened, and was able to rush to the scene. Officer Scott from the Missouri City Police Dept(Nick's guardian angel) arrived on the scene and found Nick laying unconscious and not breathing in the middle of the road. Officer Scott performed CPR and saved Nick's life. He was life flighted to Memorial Herman Med Center with an aortic aneurysm, brain hemorrhage, broken right elbow, broken left knee, sprained ankle and several lacerations.
The heart surgeon was able to successfully implant a stent graft to fix his heart and bluntly said that "he's lucky to be alive". They were able to stop the hemorrhaging. All scans and test, thus far, have shown brain activity is normal. They continue to do scans and tests on his spinal area for precaution. His elbow will be reset tomorrow along with a plate being put in his left knee.They have been keeping him heavily sedated to ease the pain and trauma. They have brought him out of it a little bit from time to time for various testing reasons.
Please continue to read updates from Mike and his Mom below.
Sunday January 26th-am - Update from Mike
This morning they took Nick back for more surgery. The doctors discovered a bulging vertebrae in his neck. This will be the first priority of the day. If they are successful and things go well, they plan on resetting his right elbow and putting a metal plate in his left knee.
Sunday January 26th-pm - Update from Mike
Surgery did not go as expected today. They began by repairing the bulging disc in his neck. They were successful in repairing it from the front. When they turned him over to repair the back of the disc, Nick began experiencing breathing difficulties. They decided not to proceed because of this. The down side to them not being able to repair the back of the disc is that he will be in a neck brace for much longer. Because of the breathing issues they also cancelled the elbow and knee for today.
Tuesday January 28th -Update from Mike
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse last night. Around 12:30am they noticed Nick wasn't being his normal self and was experiencing abnormal breathing. While they were figuring out what was going on they noticed he wasn't moving his arms or his legs. They went to do a scan. The doctors were dumbfounded by what they saw and told us they have never seen this happen before. Unfortunately, Nick had developed a blood clot in a very unusual spot between his spine and his spinal cord. They immediately took Nick into surgery and attempted to remove as much of the blood clot as possible. Because of the location and the spinal cord being involved they couldn't get all of it. They bored out the area to relieve as much pressure as possible. Unfortunately, because of this he is paralyzed. We don't know what the out come of this will be and neither do the doctors. Days, weeks, months, years, never... We are basically playing a waiting game now. What we do know is the spinal cord is still completely in tact and that currently there is a bunch of pressure on it from the clot. We also have the fact that Nick is a 30 year old male in really good shape. They also informed us that he has approximately twelve fractured ribs, eight on the left side which have been bleeding. They are putting drain tubes in his rib cage to drain the blood and relieve the pressure off of his lungs. Please continue to pray for my brother and parents. Everyone's out reach and support has and continues to be so critical to us while going through this.
Thursday January 30th - Update from Mike
No news is good news... I guess. First off, Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the overwhelming support. PLEASE keep it coming. I was able to make it to the hospital this evening. Nick is still heavily sedated but was alert and awake. He still has paralysis in his lower body and all of his limbs. It appears that the lines they put in to drain the blood from his ribs were clear. His breathing is still being assisted but he is able to breath mostly on his own. Needless to say he still has a tube down his throat. He is able to make eye contact and is well aware of every one that is there and that has come to see him. (which has been an amazing amount of people), I inquired who had been by to see him. As I said names to him he would nod if they had been by. He was excited and nodded repeatedly when I was able to distinguish that Colton Bach and Colton Shuflet had both come by to visit today. I asked him if he wanted to see Baine Herrera. He opened both of his eyes, looked towards the door and nodded a bunch. He was also already aware of current events such as Kobe Bryant. A few things that stuck out this evening to me, Both of which were quite humorous in spite of the situation. I informed him of the Houston Texans making Bill O'brien G.M. I also informed him that a former girlfriend had inquired about him. Both times he rolled his eyes at me. (love it!!) He was not happy when we had to leave for this evening. He continuously shook his head every time we tried to leave his side. As we were getting on the elevator to leave with our shoulders hung low with regret that we had to leave him; we looked up and saw Scott Watson and his friend Chris coming to spend the last minutes of the day with Nick. With that being said Nick wants to see his friends and we want him to know and feel the support behind him. Please go see him and tell him to keep fighting!! We have made him aware of what has happened and all of his injuries. However, please keep in mind, I do not know if he is aware of his current situation since the latest surgery and we are not ready at this time to divulge that information to him. If you do find the time to visit please keep that in mind.
Friday January 31st - Update from Mike
Nick is continuing to have some difficulty breathing but they want to remove the breathing tube and replace it with a tube going directly into his trachea (tracheostomy) Also plan to insert a feeding tube into his abdomen. Surgery is scheduled for Friday. The only pain he’s having is from the breathing tube. Still no feeling below the shoulders. He’s alert and communicating via his eyes and head movements. Had some light hearted and funny conversations tonight with him. I think he was worn out from visitors this evening. Prayers for surgery tomorrow!
Saturday February 1st - Update from Mike
Surgery went well yesterday. Nick looks a lot more comfortable this morning with the ventilator tube moved from his mouth to the incision in his throat. He has developed fluid in his lungs which they will be draining and testing fro pneumonia. He will be sedated for that but should be awake this afternoon. Doctors say he will be here in STICU for at least several more days. There is no schedule as of yet to repair his arm or knee. It's a gorgeous day outside today.. Step out side, enjoy the sunshine and breath the fresh air. Take a moment to stop and think about the blessings you have received, be grateful for what you have and cherish and hold on to your friends and the ones you love. Go to the zoo. Go to the museum. Take a walk around Herman park and GO SEE NICK! Again we are so grateful for all of your love and support. We couldn't do this with out each and every one of you.
Sunday February 2nd
No new news or changes. Nick has been resting and requested no visitors for today.
Tuesday February 4th - Update from Mom
The surgery to repair Nick’s broken arm went well. He’s alert and trying to communicate. Still has the breathing tube in his trachea to assist his breathing. His mouth is very dry but we were able to use a small sponge dipped in water to swab his mouth and give him some relief. The trauma surgeon said that the main goal now is to start therapy to strengthen his diaphragm so that he’ll be able to breathe on his own. Small steps each day but always moving forward. ❤️
Wednesday February 5th - Update from Mom
Nick had a rough morning. The nurse said his heart rate got so low that they had to give him chest compressions for about 2 minutes. Then he continued to improve on his own. He was alert and smiling when we saw him. We're back at the hospital now. Everything seems to be okay.
Thursday February 6th - Update from Mom
We’re at the hospital. Been watching Nick sleep most of the day. His temperature is holding at 99.3. Heart rate is good and breathing is improving. If all continues as is, he’ll have the surgery on his left knee some time tomorrow. For now he just needs to rest, so we’re going to make an early night of it and try to get home by 8:00 or so.
Friday February 7th - Update from Mom
Nick's knee surgery was this morning. Just heard from the surgeon. Surgery was successful and he's in his room. We're on the way to see him now.
Sunday February 9th - Update from Mom
Visited with the doctor that is overseeing Nick's care. They did a cat scan of his neck this morning and have an MRI of his spine scheduled later today. They are still working to get his breathing up to par. He does have an infection in his lungs that is being treated with antibiotics. He'll continue to be in STICU for the time being. He's alert. Asking a lot of questions and getting frustrated. He knows the next step is to rehab at TIRR. He's anxious to DO something.
Fundraising team (3)
Trisha Milazzo Thompson
Organizer
Missouri City, TX
Michael Milazzo
Beneficiary
Michael Milazzo
Team member
Apollo Companies
Team member