Won't you Join us Saturday, April 7, 2012 from 2pm to 7pm at Bourbon Street?

A Message from my Mom...lend her your ear!

Affecting less than 1% of the population, Qualitative Platelet Function Defect took hold of our son Nick at a young age. By six years old, he underwent major surgeries including a skin graft and massive blood transfusion – all prior to being diagnosed. Because Nick’s platelets do not work properly, he is constantly susceptible to hemorrhage, internal bleeding, and joint/ muscle bleeds at any time and continues to struggle with the effects of iron deficiencies. 

In addition to his platelet, blood, and skin surgeries and the associated medications required to keep him alive, we need to have Novoseven on hand at all times. Novoseven is a very powerful clotting factor used to treat people with certain types of hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders.  Novoseven has a very short half life and must be used every 2 hours when a bleed occurs, making it quite costly and hard to find. We are responsible for finding the medication, keeping it on hand at all times, and transporting it to the hospital with Nicky when a bleed occurs. Without this medication, a hemorrhage could be life threatening.

Not only has this debilitating condition as well as surgeries and medications taken an emotional toll on our family, but we are also struggling to make ends meet. We would do anything for Nick and are trying every method and means to make it work. And we are asking for some help, any help at all.

Nicholas’ disorder is severe and so costly – upwards of more than $50,000 a year – and to make matters worse, he is soon to exceed the lifetime maximum benefits set by the insurance company. 

In holding this fundraiser, “Nick’s Dream,” we want to foster the sentiments of hope and empowerment for Nick. He struggles daily and in ways most people could not even fathom, and it is our sincere desire to make his days comfortable and full of hope, happiness, and laughter. Our goal is to make sure that the financial burdens of his condition never stand in the way of him receiving the medications he needs to survive, and we hope someday live on to lead a normal life. He will always face many challenges due to his bleeding disorder but we hope that with your help, we can answer his question once and for all – yes honey, your dreams will come true.

For more information on attending the fundraiser or how you can help, please contact Dorothy Fricke at nicksdreambenefit@gmail.com or call Bourbon Street at 708.388.8881. If you are interested in making a donation, please send checks to Archer Bank made payable to “Nick’s Dream” or you can donate online by clicking the Donate button to the right. We thank you for your support!