Team Niko Neme

Niko Nemeth is 4 months old and fighting for his life.  Recently, he began not eating well along with inconsistent vomiting which led him to his pediatrician.  The pediatrician sent Niko and his parents to UPMC Children’s Hospital on April 1, 2021 where he was then diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, putting him into severe decompensated heart failure.

Niko’s left ventricle in his heart is enlarged and weak causing insufficient pumping and circulation of blood throughout his body.  Because of this, he was having fluid backup into his lungs and blood was not reaching his vital organs (such as his stomach) efficiently, hence the vomiting.  This type of heart failure can go unnoticed, which is why Niko appeared so healthy and as if nothing was seriously wrong.

Niko is being treated with intravenous medications through a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line.  He is being monitored while on these medications, but is a potential candidate for a heart transplant down the road.  He will undergo more tests in these next few weeks, and is looking at a long hospital stay at Children’s.  His parents, Ericka and Chris, will be taking time off of work to be with him during his stay.  Please help us support this loving and beautiful boy along with his wonderful parents and three siblings (Landon, Charlotte, and Jordyn) during this trying time.  

Niko was born a fighter and will continue to fight!