Nicole's Wellness Fund

Hi my name is Alexa Donnelly. I am putting this fundraiser together for a friend and colleague, Nicole Manos (previously Forgione). Nicole has battled a variety of health conditions throughout her life including surviving cancer, but her recent condition has severely impacted her daily living. Approximately a month ago Nicole woke up and her eye was swollen. After it getting worse through the day she went to the hospital and within 24 hours she lost control of her vision.

Nicole spent 14 days in the hospital undergoing testing and the doctors came to the diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) a disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. The attack occurs at the connection between nerve and muscle (the neuromuscular junction) and interferes with the ability of nerve cells to send signals to muscle cells.

Nicole has not had her sight in over a month. This has impacted her ability to work, attend nursing school in which she had just enrolled and care for her family. Nicole is working with supports, services and doctors for treatments in hopes of regaining her vision while also preparing to continue life without her vision.

Nicole has dedicated her life to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She works tirelessly helping people more into their own apartments and live independently. We are hoping to rally our community together to support Nicole in being able to maintain her living expenses and medical bills for 3 months while she figures out her next steps.