On Easter Sunday, April 20th, 2025, Nick and his wife Luli were on their way to church to celebrate Mass. While on the train, Nick came down with a severe migraine causing him to throw up. It was clear something wasn’t right, so they headed straight to the emergency room at NYU Langone.
For the past few months, Nick had been struggling with migraines and neck pain. Doctors had previously diagnosed him with a herniated disc in his neck, attributing his symptoms to that. But that day, a CT scan revealed the real cause: a brain tumor pressing on his brain stem, which had also caused hydrocephalus—a dangerous buildup of fluid in his brain. The news was shocking and devastating.
The medical team’s plan was to relieve the pressure in Nick’s brain by performing an ETV surgery and take a biopsy of the tumor. As terrifying as that was in the moment, no one could have anticipated what was to come.
Nick’s surgery was scheduled for Tuesday, April 22nd. But the night before, his tumor began to bleed, sending Nick into a comatose state. He was rushed into emergency surgery in the middle of the night in a desperate effort to save his life. Afterward, the doctors let us know that they couldn’t predict when—or if—Nick would regain consciousness, or whether he had suffered permanent brain damage. In just 24 hours, life changed dramatically for Nick and everyone who loves him.
While Nick stayed in the ICU, the medical team still needed to address the hydrocephalus. Among other procedures he underwent, also had a shunt placed in his brain, which would help drain the fluid from his brain to the rest of his body. Though he remained unresponsive, the procedure was successful, and he was medically cleared to begin rehab—offering a small glimpse of hope.
We were all set to take the next step—just waiting for a room at rehab to open—when, on Monday, May 19th, nearly a month later, the tumor bled again. We were crushed. The doctors sat us down and asked if we wanted to go through with another surgery. They couldn’t promise it would save him. It was a conversation no one ever wants to have. But we knew we had to fight for Nick. We weren’t even supposed to still be in the hospital at that point, and we took it as a sign from God that he hadn’t been transferred to rehab yet—because he still had a chance to be saved.
After 40 days in the hospital, he is now at NYU Rusk Rehabilitation Center. We are still waiting to understand what type of tumor Nick is battling, but the doctors shared he will have to undergo treatment simultaneously with rehab once we know more. In the meantime, he is working every day to regain his strength and relearn how to move, speak, and connect with us. He still can’t communicate or move on his own yet, but he’s fighting. We see it in his eyes and in the small progress he makes each day. We believe in him with all our hearts.
Nick and Luli are expecting their first baby—a little girl—this September. He has so much to fight for. He’s already an amazing husband, son, and brother, and now, he’s preparing to become a dad. Though the road ahead is long and challenging, we believe in Nick’s strength, and we’re inspired by his courage.
This journey has been incredibly hard on our family. We never imagined we would be in this position, but we now humbly ask for help. We want to ensure that Nick has access to every possible resource that could support his recovery and give him the future he deserves.
We are deeply thankful to the doctors, surgeons, nurses, and therapists at NYU Langone who have cared for Nick with such dedication. And to all of you who are reading this, sharing Nick’s story, and supporting us in any way—thank you. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity mean the world to us.
