Stacy’s Fight to Walk, Breathe & Speak Again
Help Stacy Rise: A Fighter’s Healing Journey
From a coma to recovery — your support means everything right now.
Hi everyone — it’s Stacy Nicole.
In the beginning of June, my life changed overnight. What started as bronchitis quickly escalated into complete respiratory failure caused by the Human Metapneumovirus. I was rushed to the ICU, placed into a medically induced coma on June 9th, and intubated for four days to save my life.
I was finally discharged from the hospital on June 18th, but the hardest part of this journey is just beginning.
Where I Am Now
Since coming home:
* I’ve lost the ability to walk without a walker.
* My vocal cords were damaged during intubation, leaving me unable to speak without pain above a whisper. I now have a consult with an ENT to discuss possible reconstructive surgery.
* My heart was impacted during the coma and/or high-dose steroid treatments. I’m experiencing severe tachycardia episodes and currently wear a heart monitor 24/7.
* I require daily breathing treatments, oxygen therapy, physical therapy, and have lost nearly 15 pounds, leaving me too weak to lift a drinking glass.
* I’ve been medically restricted from driving for at least 4 weeks, making it difficult to attend the 1-2 doctor appointments I now have nearly every day, and now I pay for every medication, food, and household need to be delivered.
* Temporary brain trauma, even the most basic coordination efforts like “Rub your tummy, pat your head” is nearly impossible for me at the moment.
* To make things even heavier, I’m experiencing intense trauma nightmares from the coma. Being pulled in and out of a coma while restrained was not a peaceful sleep — it was terrifying. The only way I can describe it is like the way Quynh died in The Old Guard, endlessly drowning, unable to breathe or speak, only to come back and suffer again. I haven’t slept more than a few hours at a time without waking up in a nightmare, so there is PTSD that I’ll need therapy for.
Compounding Life Struggles
As if the medical crisis weren’t enough, in the past several weeks:
* May 29th – I underwent an emergency endoscopy/colonoscopy for Crohn’s disease-related issues ($3,900 out-of-pocket because it was the 2nd time this year).
* On June 3rd – My home’s electrical panel almost caught fire and had to be replaced ($3,800).
* At some point while I was in the coma, a recent storm severely damaged my roof. Allstate denied coverage, and the repair cost is about $13,000 (and this price is with help from a neighbor) — financing isn’t an option as my resources are depleted.
On top of everything, I live with Crohn’s disease and severe food allergies (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, meat-free, no tree nuts, coconut, shrimp, or strawberries). Maintaining my health now requires even more care, specialized meals, and support.
Why I’m Asking for Help
I’ve always been someone who gives and rarely asks. But this situation has truly brought me to my knees. As an OG Apache since 1987, I know the power of community, and now — I need my village.
Your Support Would Help Me Cover
* Medical bills and ongoing treatments
* Mobility and breathing equipment
* Home repairs to keep me safe and healthy
* Specialized food and recovery supplies
* Transportation assistance to critical medical appointments
Every donation, meal, message, or prayer means the world to me! I’ll be setting up a meal train for those nearby when I’m stronger.
From Paddleboards to Comas — and Back Again
Just days before all of this, I was doing headstands on my paddleboard. Life flipped fast — but I’m not done fighting. The love and support from so many of you these past weeks has given me strength to keep pushing through, one step, one breath, and hopefully many more heartbeats until I overcome this.
Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and holding me up with your kindness.
With love, hope, and deep gratitude,
Stacy Nicole
