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NICKY'S STORY |
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Saving Nicky
“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since
the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the
end of the world there will not be, another child like him.”
- Pablo Casals
Little Nicky proved miracles could be born out of great love.
A fighter from conception, he withstood the several medical
complications which arose during a difficult pregnancy, and
arrived on February 21, a healthy 7 lbs, 8 oz. baby boy. Only
his immediate family knew of the obstacles Nicky and his parents,
Jenn and Nick, had already faced, but everyone who met him believed
he must have been a miracle; which other newborn could captivate
a room with just a sparkle in his eye and a charming half-gurgle
half-giggle? He inspired wonder and awe in all – from
the enamored hospital staff to his delighted and joyous family.
The harmony was tragically short-lived. At four months of age,
Nicky stopped smiling. But he didn’t cry either. He showed
very little emotion. Jenn and Nick sought medical attention,
but their concerns were dismissed.
A few weeks later, on August 1, their world began to crumble.
Nicky was struggling to breathe and was admitted to the emergency
room only minutes from cardiac arrest. Jenn and Nick were asked
to leave and returned to find their child sedated and on life
support. And thus began the terrifying 13-day nightmare toggling
the ICU at two hospitals. Every day, the family prayed, hoped,
kissed him and held his hand. As the medical experts struggled
to determine a diagnosis, Nicky had to endure a series of tests
and procedures that few experience in a lifetime. At times he
was unresponsive and he could no longer eat on his own.
On the sixth day, they rejoiced. Nicky was freed from life support
and his parents were able to hold him for the first time in
over a week. This relief, however, was fleeting. As they prepared
to take him home, he relapsed. He suddenly seized and suffered
multiple seizures in just a short few hours.
Nicky was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease called
Leigh’s Syndrome, a rapidly degenerative and terminal
condition. After seven days, the family was told that Nicky’s
time was limited, and thus sent him home to be with his loved
ones.
The sweet child who once lit up a room with his bright eyes
now struggles to breathe and swallow. His face remains mostly
expressionless as if he is aware of the pain around him. But
he continues to fight to live, spending his days immersed in
physical and occupational therapy, and feeds through invasive
tubes in his tiny nose.
Every time he seizes, he fights a battle with his own body.
But every time, he triumphs, and proves that his family’s
support and love is making him stronger. Because where there
is great love, there are miracles. Nick and Jenn have thus chosen
to challenge Western Medicine and strive to save their son.
They will leave no stone unturned and no option on the table.
And that’s why - on Nicky’s behalf - we ask you,
our loved ones, to please consider helping in any way possible.
We thank you for your contribution, love and support and are
certain that together, we can find the miracle to save Nicky.
Thank you,
Nick & Jennifer Torpey |
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ClickOnDetroit.com
(Channel 4 video coverage about Nicky)
ClickOnDetroit.com
(Channel 4 article about Nicky) |
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