Please consider a donation to support Nicole & Wes

Please consider helping Nicole and Wes during this horrible time. Last week Nicole was diagnosed with stage IV Cervical cancer and will start treatment in the upcoming weeks. Two months after Nicole's diagnosis, her son, Wes was rushed to the CHOP with stomach pain. Unfortunately, it was confirmed that Wes has cancer. Nicole is well known in our community as a loving mother, wife, fantastic photographer, and always willing to help others in need. Please consider donating to help Nicole, Wes, and her family with the medical bills that will quickly add up once treatments start. Any amount will go a long way. We are one fantastic community in the NJ/PA/DE area, and I know we can all show up to support one of our own.

Thank you so much for supporting Nicole & Wes during this trying time.

Speakeasy & Mama Tog Admin team

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A post by Nicole on 9/3/2022

Exactly two months ago today, I made the decision to go public with my cancer diagnosis and actively share my story, no matter which direction it went. I felt deeply that this diagnosis was a much larger part of my life story, and not something to be hidden. I knew there would be curveballs. I did not expect one of them to be what I'm about to share now. Two months ago I told the world I didn't know how to find the right words, so I would just say it plainly. I come today with that same sentiment, because there are no words. Lately I have found myself asking, is this even real life? Once again, after a lot of consideration on whether or not to share this, I think it's important to. And once again, I will just say it.

On Thursday I took Wesley, our 4 year old son, to the ER for severe stomach pain. It was there that the doctors discovered a large tumor on his kidney. He was rushed to CHOP (almost by helicopter but it turned out in that situation ground would be faster) where it was confirmed that he has cancer. He was admitted Thursday night and will be monitored until he can have surgery on Tuesday to have the tumor and his left kidney removed. He will have to go through conventional treatment after that: 6 rounds of chemo and radiation. Our family's story will now track the healing and recovery of 2 of its members instead of 1. How could this happen? What are the odds?

You can believe me when i tell you that I've gone through ALL the feels in the past few days. All the fears, tears, and disbelief. But I'm writing to you now from a place of peace and calm. I do believe whole heartedly that our family will get through this. I know Wesley is a strong boy and will recover. But as I rest in that peace, I also am absolutely floored by the strange, surreal nature of it all. I've almost been feeling out of body lately, just completely awestruck that this is reality. Because... really, honest question... HOW is this reality?

I've spent a lot of time imagining "my story" when it comes to cancer. I've pondered on how it's changing me as a person and where it will lead me. What I've learned now is that it's time to let go of the "story" because God has written one SO MUCH BIGGER than I could ever have imagined. I never, in a million years, would have written it this way. But he has. And nothing he does is without purpose. God loves our son more than I ever could with my human heart, and he has a plan for both of us, and he has designed it this way for us to walk the road together. I didn't choose this, but I'm ready for it, I accept it, and I surrender to it.

The most unfortunate thing right now is that our sweet boy is in a LOT of pain, and there is nothing beyond pain management we can do until he has his surgery. He will feel SO much better after that, and we are so eager to get him to and through Tuesday as fast and smoothly as possible. I humbly ask for your continued prayers for Wesley, for our family, for my husband, who is somehow keeping this whole ship afloat. He has so much on his shoulders. Alex we love you so much. Thank you for taking care of us all so well. ❤

Thank you to our church family, who has rallied continuously for us throughout this experience. Thank you to my photography community, who has helped my business continue running and serving its clients well in the face of unimaginable adversity. The waves keep crashing down on us, but the beautiful people in our lives have picked us up every single time as the water recedes. Never underestimate the power of community when it comes together with purpose and love. The love i have felt in my life these past 2 months is nothing short of unforgettable and transformative. Love really is the most powerful force in the universe.

I'm ending this one with lyrics from a song my sweet friend Kristen sent me. They have brought me so much comfort. I'll be checking in again soon. Thank you for your continued prayers. We would love for the prayers to be for Wesley this upcoming Tuesday, for a successful surgery that will bring him infinite relief and comfort. Thank you so much.

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