Support Nick’s Battle with Sarcoma
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Sept 2013, Nicholas Garrett was diagnosed with a rare, benign form of Osteochondroma. Though the tumor is usually situated on the limbs, Nick’s was encroaching on his spine. Luckily, doctors caught it before any damage had occurred; allowing Nick to maintain a healthy teenage lifestyle—pursuing sports and being active with friends. At 14-years-old, he underwent invasive surgery to remove the tumor from his L-5 Vertebra, and was soon thereafter assured he would have the ability to continue his hobbies and maintain an active lifestyle with a low likelihood of recurrence. Sadly, there is no guarantee that protects victims of cancer recurrence.
Unaware of the cancerous cells growing in his spine, for the next 5 years Nicholas pursued his goals. In 2017 he graduated from Arnold High School and enrolled as a marketing student at Troy University and member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. At Troy, Nick began to find himself; becoming friends with members of his university and fraternity and a supportive member of his community. Most would describe Nick as an outgoing, charismatic, and spirited soul with an infectious laugh and positive outlook on life; seeing the values in service to others and always taking the time to include those around him.
Five years later, positioned between Nick’s birthday and Christmas of 2018, he learned that not only did the benign tumor recur, it had metastasized into a massive, malignant Chondrosarcoma engulfing his L-4, L-5, and S-1 Vertebra, as well as burrowing into his pelvis and Spinal canal. In the happiest time of year Nicholas was informed that he may indefinitely lose control of his excretory processes and mobility. For nearly two months, we were left in suspense—turned down by surgeons and hospitals alike due to the complexity of his condition. All the while Nicholas was a beacon of hope, staying optimistic through and through, and not once allowing uncertainty to overwhelm him. Instead, the ill-fated news had motivated him—giving him the perspective of how precious his life really is.
Nicholas believes that all things happen for a reason, and effortlessly held firm to the mantra. He was certain at the right time he’d find the right surgeon at the right hospital. By the grace of God, he was right. Just days ago, on February 12, Nicholas had the tumor removed. He was slotted to undergo 8 hours of surgery; however, the malignant tumor had intertwined so pervasively with his nerves, muscles, bones and cartilage that the scheduled 8-hour surgery had to be extended to over 15 hours. Nick had been right, though. We had found the “right” surgeon and hospital. His surgeon is one of the few surgeons in America that is specialized and confident enough to perform this type of surgery. He was able to scrape the cancer from Nick’s nerves, remove the tissues and bones embedded with it, and prevent him from life long paralysis of the lower body. Some muscles had to be moved around, the previously mentioned vertebrae were all fused, but his quality of life will be preserved for the most part.
There is no guarantee that he will not be in this situation again and there is no certainty of what lies ahead. Whether it be Chemotherapy or additional procedures. Albeit the uncertainty, Nicholas is on the road to recovering—making great strides every day—regaining mobility and overcoming the new obstacles associated with the plethora of hardware in his spine. The years ahead won’t be easy—packed with physical therapy, quarterly visits to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and frequent screenings and imaging to stay ahead of the cancer. Nonetheless, Nick sees that all as a small price to pay for the opportunity to pursue his dreams as a healthy, mobile, young-man. He is thankful for how blessed he is and is ready to conquer every challenge that lies ahead.
We have a long journey ahead of us, and greatly appreciate everyone’s support and prayers throughout this process. All donations will go directly to Nick’s medical bills and travel expenses. In addition, please keep Nicholas in your thoughts and prayers and conversations.
Unaware of the cancerous cells growing in his spine, for the next 5 years Nicholas pursued his goals. In 2017 he graduated from Arnold High School and enrolled as a marketing student at Troy University and member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. At Troy, Nick began to find himself; becoming friends with members of his university and fraternity and a supportive member of his community. Most would describe Nick as an outgoing, charismatic, and spirited soul with an infectious laugh and positive outlook on life; seeing the values in service to others and always taking the time to include those around him.
Five years later, positioned between Nick’s birthday and Christmas of 2018, he learned that not only did the benign tumor recur, it had metastasized into a massive, malignant Chondrosarcoma engulfing his L-4, L-5, and S-1 Vertebra, as well as burrowing into his pelvis and Spinal canal. In the happiest time of year Nicholas was informed that he may indefinitely lose control of his excretory processes and mobility. For nearly two months, we were left in suspense—turned down by surgeons and hospitals alike due to the complexity of his condition. All the while Nicholas was a beacon of hope, staying optimistic through and through, and not once allowing uncertainty to overwhelm him. Instead, the ill-fated news had motivated him—giving him the perspective of how precious his life really is.
Nicholas believes that all things happen for a reason, and effortlessly held firm to the mantra. He was certain at the right time he’d find the right surgeon at the right hospital. By the grace of God, he was right. Just days ago, on February 12, Nicholas had the tumor removed. He was slotted to undergo 8 hours of surgery; however, the malignant tumor had intertwined so pervasively with his nerves, muscles, bones and cartilage that the scheduled 8-hour surgery had to be extended to over 15 hours. Nick had been right, though. We had found the “right” surgeon and hospital. His surgeon is one of the few surgeons in America that is specialized and confident enough to perform this type of surgery. He was able to scrape the cancer from Nick’s nerves, remove the tissues and bones embedded with it, and prevent him from life long paralysis of the lower body. Some muscles had to be moved around, the previously mentioned vertebrae were all fused, but his quality of life will be preserved for the most part.
There is no guarantee that he will not be in this situation again and there is no certainty of what lies ahead. Whether it be Chemotherapy or additional procedures. Albeit the uncertainty, Nicholas is on the road to recovering—making great strides every day—regaining mobility and overcoming the new obstacles associated with the plethora of hardware in his spine. The years ahead won’t be easy—packed with physical therapy, quarterly visits to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and frequent screenings and imaging to stay ahead of the cancer. Nonetheless, Nick sees that all as a small price to pay for the opportunity to pursue his dreams as a healthy, mobile, young-man. He is thankful for how blessed he is and is ready to conquer every challenge that lies ahead.
We have a long journey ahead of us, and greatly appreciate everyone’s support and prayers throughout this process. All donations will go directly to Nick’s medical bills and travel expenses. In addition, please keep Nicholas in your thoughts and prayers and conversations.
Fundraising team (2)
Marlo Kuhn
Organizer
Biloxi, MS
Nicholas Garrett
Beneficiary
Stephanie Garrett
Team member