Family and friends of Nikki Lyons are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with her second kidney transplantation.
Nikki had a successful kidney transplant over 5 years ago. All was going well until COVID-19 caused Nikki to reject her kidney and also put her in heart failure. Nikki’s heart is now strong enough to begin the process of another transplant. She is now on daily dialysis and unable to work to support herself. She is on disability and has accumulated medical bills. In order to proceed with the search for a donor, Nikki must demonstrate the ability to cover the cost of her donation. Medicare, through disability services only covers a portion.
Once again, Nikki’s path to her MD/PhD for pediatric neuro-oncolgy is on hold. She is frustrated and anxious to get to work treating children with brain cancer while trying to find cures and better treatments. While her studies are delayed, Nikki continues to advocate, support and contribute as best she can for the pediatric brain cancer community.
The goal is $75,000 so that the transplant team will approve Nikki, to begin the search for a donor.
Nikki is a 22 year old college student and is waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. Nikki suffers from Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This fall she was unable to return to school due to her declining health. Amazing people have stepped up and are offering to be tested as a match for Nikki. We know she will find her “perfect match”soon A kidney transplant is her only hope for realizing her dreams of going to medical school and becoming a doctor specializing in neurological diseases.
She wants to make a difference, a BIG difference.
Nikki is one of a kind! Smart, ambitious, hard working, motivated, determined, and compassionate. A true Jersey Girl who loves living in Chicago. Nikki is a wonderful daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and a great friend to many. She is a graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School, a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, loves music, the beach, her family, friends and life in general. Since the day she was born her nickname has been Sunshine!
While most people her age are worrying about finals or student loans, Nikki now has to worry about paying for her transplant … and her student loans. Even with insurance, the cost of transplant can be overwhelming and there are many expenses that must be paid out of pocket….and the expenses continue for a lifetime.
And Nikki, she has a lot of lifetime ahead of her!
Transplants are life saving but financially draining. Even with insurance, Nikki is facing very high expenses including co-pays, housing, donor expenses, post-transplant medications of up to $1,200 a month, lab fees and more.
To help with the financial burden of Nikki’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 to patients and their families for more than 30 years.
All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the North Central Kidney Transplant Fund, and are
administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only.
Please consider a contribution.
We are forever grateful for Nikki and for your support
Nikki has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
Updates (8)
March 1, 2016
Nikki has a new kidney! She is recovering well and looking forward to feeling better soon. Will post more updates shortly
February 1, 2016
Register for our fundraiser on February 21st! http://www.pinotspalette.com/southbarrington/class/86671
Nikki's donor Kim is hosting the event. Let's support these two amazing women as the prepare for surgery later that week.
January 28, 2016
We have a donor! Kim Murphy is a special lady and she is Nikki's match. We are scheduled for February 26th! Please keep Kim and Nikki in your prayers.
Not only is she donating to Nikki she is also hosting a fundraiser on February 21st. Below is a post she shared on her Facebook Page. Her character shines through!
People cross out paths and we think nothing of it but then one day you realize there is a reason. I met Nikki's mom Ginny a few years ago briefly and met again at an event in late November and now I am the lucky one to be a match for her daughter. I can't image being 22 and having to worry about any of this. I cant image what Ginny goes through worrying about her daugther daily.
I will supply the kidney so I ask that you please take a moment for a prayer, a thought or a few dollars to help Nikki. She will need a lifetime of medications. Our surgery is scheduled for February 26th and with your help we can all do this together!
December 15, 2015
We had our third donor volunteer disqualified last week. So we are starting over with another set of three donors for them to evaluate and begin testing. The process is so excruciatingly slow. I wish we could gather everyone up and test them at one time to see if they are compatible with Nikki. Instead we wait nearly six weeks each time we start with a new donor application. The slow pace is almost unbearable.
Nikki is such a trooper! She has her second round of blood infusions this week which I am hoping gives her some energy and resistance. She is so very fatigued but she keeps pushing through it. I know she wishes she could just get through the donation and get back to school and studies. She misses her medical studies so much that for Christmas she asked for MCAT study guides.
Looking forward to spending Thursday with her even if it is in the hospital for the infusion. The docs told her that she even amazes them! Most people at her level of kidney function can hardly get out of bed and she is still working
Please keep her in your prayers especially for a donor soon.
November 26, 2015
Its Thanksgiving and we have so much to be thankful for. Nikki continues to be an amazing inspiration. She is such a special soul! We are now testing our 3rd donor, my sister Bonnie. Prayers are constant that his time we have a match! They only test one donor at a time and it takes nearly a month to get through the process so each mismatch is another month of waiting.....Today I will have both Nikki and Taylor together for a special day we don't often have now that Taylor is away at school and Nikki lives on her own in Chicago. There will be nothing but joy today with my two wonderful children together with me for an entire day.
October 5, 2015
This is a slow moving process! I should say VERY slow! I had hoped that by now Nikki would have a new kidney. Silly on my part. We have made progress. Our first donor candidate has been disqualified. We can't thank her enough for stepping forward especially since we have never met! We are now on to our second candidate. He is moving into "phase 1" at best we are 4 weeks out from surgery, if everything goes perfectly. Still week by week Nikki hangs in there. Fighting fatigue, pain, and all the other symptoms of her deteriorating condition. Still she smiles, laughs, and continues to live her life her way. I am so proud of this young woman, this fighter. I am honored to have her as a daughter and inspired by her toughness and fortitude. Please keep us all in your prayers. For total healing, a donor, recovery and the financial ability to sustain it all. Thank you for your prayers and your support. My heart and soul are warmed by all the support. Please share our story and this page so we can continue to raise awareness and funds!
September 18, 2015
Thank you to everyone asking about hosting a fundraiser! Please contact [email protected] She will help with all the flyers and IRS compliance and has some great ideas. Let's have some fun together!
September 10, 2015
What an amazing circle of friends and family we have! Nikki has 3 people who have submitted their health surveys to Northwestern Transplant Team for consideration. We are hopeful that one of these is the "perfect match" if not, we have 6 more waiting to be submitted!
It means so much to me to see so many rally around Nikki. To know that so many people step up and make such a generous offer and sacrifice tells me that they too see what a special person my sunshine is! Bookmark this page and check back for updates on our progress and fundraising. If you want to host a fundraiser in Nikki's honor just contact HelpHopeLive and they will help you put it together. Share our page on your social media and help us start raising money for this transplant!
A very special thank you for all your prayers
Ginny
Guestbook
February 26, 2016
The McLeans are a tough family! Our prayers go out to you and Kim for speedy recoveries. All our love from St. Louis!
Great Aunt Lynda and gang
February 26, 2016
Nikki, I am thinking of you this evening and hoping you can gain even more strength, knowing how much all of us love you. Your amazing and a wonderful young women. Sending prayers your way.
Love you, Dad & Kim
February 23, 2016
My darling granddaughter, Pop pop and I will be on the first flight out of Newark for Chicago Thursday to be with your amazing mom and you. We have tons of well wishes and prayers flying with us for you and Kim. Part of Kim is going to be a true Jersey Girl,can't wait to meet this angel
Love you with all my heart ,MumMum
February 15, 2016
Good luck Nikki
Keeping both you and Kim in my prayers!
Toni Henricks
January 28, 2016
Sunshine-We are less than a month from surgery! You have been so strong and optimistic through this entire process. You are truly an inspiration. I am proud to be your mom. Love you with all my heart
Mom
December 1, 2015
Nikki, my best wishes for a speedy recovery. You have an amazing family, and lots of love and prayers coming to you from N.J. God bless.
Judi Guy
September 21, 2015
Nikki,
First of all. I love and miss you dearly. We have had so many great times together and I am so thankful that you were brought into my life. I know this is a tough situation but just remember, I am here if you ever need anything at all! You are an amazing and incredibly strong person. You will get through this and back to fulfilling all those dreams!
XOXO
Shelbi
September 17, 2015
I remember you from when you hung around with my daughter Becky in high school. I'm truly sorry to hear about your current health situation. My sister underwent a kidney transplant many years ago so I empathize with all that you are going through. I will pray that God watches over you & your family during this difficult & trying time! May he bless you today & always. Peace & love to all!
Nina Meiller
September 13, 2015
Dr. Nakiki--you are a beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk ox. You are also super brave and so strong. We hope our donation will help you out. We all love you and we hope you get better real soon!
Kimi, Sam, Jeff, Matt, and Ryan
September 11, 2015
I am sure that you are an amazing person - my niece/goddaughter (Christina Wellman), told me about what you (and your family) are going through.
It seems like you have a wonderful support team behind you - good friends, family and lots of prayers.
Ann Krause
Ann Krause
September 11, 2015
Nikki,
I cannot even begin to understand anything you're going through right now. All I can justify to you is that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and you my dear, are one of the strongest women I know. You've always gotten along with everyone and you always tend to make the room a little brighter when you walk in. You have so many people that care about Nik! I can't promise you it's going to be easy, but it's not going to be hard with everyone you have surrounding you and fighting for you!
With Love and Prayers
Kellie Yonkers
September 11, 2015
Nikki!
First I want to say that I love and miss you so much. Secondly, I want to say that I'm SO glad I get to call you my friend. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, but if anyone can do it and keep a smile on their face, it's you! I know I already said it, but I love you to the moon and back and I'm always here if you need anything at all! <3 Sending tons of positive thoughts and hugs your way!
Ashi
September 10, 2015
Nikki,
I am so grateful to have met you during my time at U of I. You are such a bright, joyous, and kind person and I know you will do amazing things in life. Keeping you in all my thoughts and prayers, love ya sunshine.
Molly Weslow
September 10, 2015
Hey snooks
Love you and miss you. Praying one of us three are a match
Aunt Bou
September 10, 2015
Nikki!! I was so shocked when your mom told about all of this! I couldn't imagine something like this could happen to someone so close to me. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers!! Hope to see you soon!! Stay positive and keep your head up. I love you and wish you the best with your transplant!! xoxo
Nicole S
September 10, 2015
Nikki,
I know we haven't talked in a long while, but I couldn't imagine my going through high school or even part of college without you. I miss you and I wish you the best.
<3 Your French and Neuroscience Lover
Amanda Vanderplow
September 10, 2015
About 6 or 7 years ago you were adopted into the best friend group in the world. We had all been friends since elementary school and no one ever seemed to break into the bond we had, until you, and I wouldn't want it any other way! When I heard that you needed a kidney transplant I was shocked. But honestly, you are one of the strongest people I know, and if anyone can keep a smile on their face and persevere through all of this, it's you! I wish I could be there for you through all of this, but California is keeping me hostage, so you'll just have to accept lots of texts and snapchats instead. Love you so much Nikki and I hope you feel better soon!
Becky
September 10, 2015
Chase misses you...and I do too. See you soon.
Uncle Rob
September 10, 2015
Nikki Lyons!
I love you! You are such an amazing person! I am so glad that I met you in high school, having you as a friend definitely changed my life for the better. You are so cheerful and loving! Even though we lose touch because of college, I couldn't imagine my life without you in it as a friend. Never change who you are!!
Alexia Lyons
September 10, 2015
Nik niki! My little!
I LOVE YOU. You are so smart and ambitious, I am certain you'll make big changes in the world. You know how to make people laugh, feel loved, and get inspired by you.
You wrote a note on the flap of a little green journal I got in high school, and I use that journal everyday. You wrote me words of encouragement and love. I smile every time I look at that note :) Thank you.
I miss you so much, can't wait until you give in and just go to UW already! ;) Really though, I love talking with you over the phone or text and, when the planets align just right, IN PERSON *gasp* ! You keep yourself so busy, I'm inspired by your drive, to constantly challenge yourself and push yourself to accomplish those goals. You never cease to amaze me.
I'm so lucky to have a best friend like you. I love you, little. As soon as I heard you needed a kidney, I, like many others, looked up how to donate a kidney. I need you at your full potential, I can't wait to see what you do next.
Please rest up a bit when you can. I need you to get well!
XOXOXO
Big Nik
Big Nik
September 10, 2015
Nikki, I have had the joy of watching you grow for these past 14 years into an amazing, independent person, who lives life as it was meant to be lived. Prayers, prayers, and more prayers for your health, future, and well-being!
Darryl Kronsted
September 10, 2015
Nikki Lyons, it is almost scientific fact that the amount of courage and strength you have in your little body is double that of the biggest men in the world. I have not an ounce of doubt in my mind that you are capable of taking on this fight and winning, but in moments of weakness, never hesitate to reach out for support, any way you need it. You have an army behind you. My love, my heart, my soul is with you all the way, brave girl--sending good vibes, big love, and loud prayers your way. Biggest XO's to you, princess!!!
Ewa
September 10, 2015
Nikki!
You're confidence and positive energy definitely rubs off on the people you're around. You can make the unhappiest person in the room smile (you could probably even make those royal British guards laugh!) I have no doubt that you'll fight through this and come out stronger than ever! WLFEO always <3
Carli
September 10, 2015
Nikki,
Thinking of you lots and sending you tons of love! Keep kicking ass and taking names and you'll do amazing things in life :) <3 <3
Emily Etzkorn
September 10, 2015
Nikki,
Thinking of you love! I know that you are going to get through this. Sending you lots of love!
Cat
September 10, 2015
Hey Nakiki!
You're awesome and really pretty, and I know you can get through this even though it sucks and is going to be hard. But you've gone through so much already and have always ended up on top! Love you!
Tink
September 10, 2015
Mum Mum & Pop Pop will be with you always H T. Love you so much
Loving grandparents McLeans
September 10, 2015
Love you Munchkin!!!
xoxo
Aunt Linda
September 10, 2015
Nikki
Know that I always love you and will be praying for you
Dad
Chris Lyons
September 10, 2015
Nikki, you're a strong sister. LITB
Barb M.
September 10, 2015
Nikki, we are keeping you in our prayers.
Connie G
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Help Hope Live
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In honor of Nikki Lyons
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Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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