On March 13, 2009, Nikia Jernigan’s life changed in an instant. While visiting friends, an argument occurred and tragically Nikia was shot in the head. Medical personal at the ER gave Nikia only 48 hours to live but the prayers of family, friends, the gifted hands of the surgical team and the mercy of God, brought her through.
Nikia was diagnosed with left side hemiplegia and began countless hours of rehabilitation and care. Rehab consisted of physical and mental therapy. Learning to talk, walk and coping with the tragedy of the incident have been constant struggles for her. Many of her treatments are not covered by insurance and help is needed for transportation to and from treatment. Since Nikia is confined to a motorized wheelchair, she is in need of vehicle transportation that is wheelchair accessible.
Nikia has always been carefree and outgoing, full of life, always laughing and smiling. She had gotten a job working on the Detroit Princess Riverboat and loved her job and being of service to others. The goal of her continued treatment is to keep her functioning physically and socially at the highest standards possible.
To help with the financial burden of Nikia’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community based fundraising guidance for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible and held by HelpHOPELive in the Great Lakes Traumatic Brain Injury Fund and are administered by HelpHOPELive for illness related expenses only. Please, consider a donation.
For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.
We will be planning fundraising events soon, so keep an eye on this campaign page. Regular updates will be posted. If you would like to volunteer to help, please call me at 313.646.1346. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Sincerely,
Marcella Madison
(Nikia’s grandmother and primary caregiver)
MARCELLAMADISON32@gmail.com
