Still Standing

My name is Niconnia, and I am a loving wife, mother, caregiver, former business owner, and someone who continues to hold on to hope despite a life-changing medical journey.

Family has always been at the center of my life. My husband and I raised six children—three biological children and three children who became part of our family after we obtained custody of them through foster care. Caring for children has always been more than a job for me; it has been part of who I am.

In 2007, I turned that passion into a career by becoming the owner of a daycare. For approximately 16 years, I had the privilege of caring for children, supporting families, and operating a business that meant so much to me.

Unfortunately, my life changed dramatically in 2023.

After suffering a serious medical issue involving a slipped disc in my spine. My health deteriorated to the point that I could no longer continue operating my daycare. After so many years of building my business and caring for others, I was forced to close its doors.

What followed was a medical journey I never imagined.

Since 2023, I have undergone five major surgeries—two brain surgeries related to Chiari Malformation Type I and three lumbar spine surgeries. Before I was forced to close my business, I had already undergone two ankle surgeries as well as weight-loss surgery.

Today, I continue to live with several serious and painful medical conditions, including Chiari Malformation Type I, degenerative disc disease, Lumbar spondylosis, diabetic neuropathy, Sciatica, Lumbar spinal stenosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Anemia. Intracranial pressure on the brain, Fibromyalgia, Carpal tunnel, osteoarthritis in both knees, and a meniscus tear in my right knee and osteoarthritis in my right ankle. I am going to need three more surgeries in the near future, which is Thyroid surgery, because I have enlarged left thyroid , right knee and ankle surgery .

My daily life can include chronic pain in different parts of my body such as neck pain ,shoulder pain,, headaches, dizziness,, mobility issues, blurry vision, and nerve damage pain affecting my spine , legs, ankles, knees, and other areas of my body. Some days are better than others, but every day requires perseverance.

Despite everything my body has been through, I still have dreams for my future.

During this journey, I continued investing in myself and my education. I earned my master’s degree in teaching because education and helping children remain incredibly important to me. I hope that one day I will be able to use my degree in a way that works with my physical limitations and allows me to continue making a difference in the lives of others.

For so many years, I was the person caring for children, supporting families, raising my own family, and building a business. Asking others for help is not easy. But my medical circumstances have changed my life physically, emotionally, and financially.

That is why I am asking for support through Help Hope Live.

Funds raised will help ease the financial burden associated with my medical journey and ongoing needs, allowing me to focus on my health, recovery, independence, and quality of life.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, means more to my family and me than I can express. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing my story with others is another meaningful way to help.

I have been through eight surgeries, and I suffering from chronic pain and nerve damage. I been through a lot of unexpected changes, and the loss of a business I spent years building—but I am still here.

Still standing. Still hoping. Still dreaming.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for keeping my family in your thoughts, and for helping me continue this journey toward a more hopeful future.

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