Nicko is a smart, generous kid who loves all things outdoors. He loves history and has a profound history of his own.
Nicko was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and his back was completely open when he was born. At two days old, he underwent his first surgery, a kyphectomy, where three vertebrae were removed. He underwent his second surgery a few days later and had to recover from both surgeries in the neonatal intensive care unit.
After 16 years of surgeries, tests, and check-ups, Nicko and his family have gotten used to being at the hospital.
“Once, when Nicholas was young, we did have to go to the Stollery in Edmonton for a procedure. But we’re very thankful that since the opening of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, we have been able to stay in province,” says Nicko’s mom, Heather.
Nicko doesn’t let anything hold him back and he loves hunting, music and playing basketball.
As a 16-year-old who has taken on daunting medical challenges, Nicko believes it is important to give back to other kids in the hospital. He has dedicated his time to representing Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation for many events and sharing his heartfelt story. Most recently, Nicko emceed a live, in-person Two Million Dollar major gift announcement, and kick-off of their Harvest for Kids Campaign.
His commitment to helping other kids makes him the epitome of a true champion.
Thanks to your support towards research and discovery, and through foundations such as the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, local children’s hospitals are exploring new frontiers in genetic disorders like Nicko’s via advanced technologies, data-driven developments, equipment, and highly skilled scientific staff!
