Support Nick's Battle Against Leukemia

Family and friends, I'm sure it is coming with great surprise to you, as it did our family, that our Nick was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Nothing in life prepares you for the word "cancer" especially when you're a 25-year-old (soon-to-be 26 on February 12) Illini alum, working two jobs, and living your best life in your 20s.  On January 23, Nick had gone into his local urgent care with complaints of left abdominal pain. He was advised to go straight to the ER. It was a day later when he was transferred to Rush University Hospital in Chicago IL and was admitted to the hematology/bone marrow transplant unit. After numerous blood draws, CT scans, and a bone marrow biopsy, he was officially diagnosed with ALL on January 25th, 2024.

Since then, Nick has undergone multiple chemotherapy sessions and will remain in the hospital for the rest of February…However, throughout this challenging and heavy time, Nick has maintained a positive mindset with high spirits, calling his diagnosis a, "bump in the road." Some days are more difficult than others but being flooded with visitors including immediate family, childhood best friends, college buddies, and even off-the-clock nurses showing support has meant the world.

Anyone who knows Nick, even for a moment, knows how hospitable and warm he is to everyone he meets. By day, he works professionally in the HR department for Will County, and by night he's serving Scarletto at Cooper's Hawk in Burr Ridge (if you know, you know).  At all the family get togethers, he is the life of the party with his quick-witted responses and stories; he is the same even from his hospital

bed

Unfortunately, there is a long and tough road ahead of him, we are all staying optimistic and respecting Nick's wishes to not be treated any differently.

Along with thoughts and prayers, many people have asked about ways they can contribute and support him monetarily throughout his journey.  After speaking as a family, we thought this would be the best way. We're hoping to lessen the financial burden on Nick as he gets back on his feet and enters the working world once again.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and offered their warm wishes, prayers, treats, and love for Nick and his family.  Your love and support has meant the world to us all!