In the summer of 2020, our son, Nick, died at the age of 15. He will forever be 15. He had such a bright future – he loved politics, geography, Jesus, his friends, art, soccer, helping others, and so much more. Stories have poured in that confirm that he was exactly who we thought him to be in life. He was kind, considerate, loving. He had a great sense of humor. He was relentless in his pursuit of happiness. He loved life. From an early age, we knew he would do great things, but we didn’t know that he’d do them all while so young. Even in his death, Nick helped others as an organ donor.
Nick had his whole life ahead of him. He was supposed to get his learner’s permit the month that he passed. He was going to begin his sophomore year in the fall of 2020. He was to be the starting varsity goalkeeper for his high school soccer team, playing with his older brother. We were to travel again once Covid restrictions were lifted. We had plans. His death caught our family, even our community, off guard. Nick was an athlete, without any known health issues. He died from a brain aneurysm. We never saw it coming. No signs whatsoever.
The death of a child rarely makes any sense, and that’s certainly true in this instance. We want to remember Nick and not let him be forgotten. Nick lived. Nick mattered. Through his Foundation, we will share his story, and perhaps we can accomplish our goal of ensuring Nick continues to matter. And, we will help others, which is exactly how Nick lived his life.
On our site, you will notice the use of the colors green, blue and burgundy. The first two represent organ and tissue donation. Burgundy is the color used for brain aneurysm awareness.