Thea's First Yurchenkos

She did 3 by herself for the first time.

The Gravity of Nika's Situation

march 16, 2008

Nika is a sweet child of 14 today, who I taught her first backhandspring to when she was in a rec program around the age of 5-6. Since that time, she's taken her gymnastics to the next level and has competed successfully through levels 4-7 and is now training level 8. Along the way have been a series of setbacks. The latest of these is as follows:

"With her Turner's Syndrome and Madelung's Deformity diagnoses in June of 2010; a syndrome in which the female baby is born without the second X chromosome, time isn't on her side without meds. The surgeon removed two bones out of Nika's arm, during Christmas. The meds work together to try and grow the bones. As of Feb 1, the pharmacy has stopped sending the meds due to the outstanding bill. Anthem Blue Cross has paid it's portion, the mother has made several payments nearing 1500. however with the nature of this particular drug, the bill of 2700. needs to be cleared before sending any more to the patient. Nika has not grown nor developed as a 14 year old girl thus far due to the lack of estrogen and growth hormone not being produced in her body. At this juncture, the mother has lined up patient assistance for the co pay (7000 co pay per year!), however will not take effect until April 1. Let's get this little girl the meds she needs now. "

Needless to say, she's been sidetracked yet again, currently wearing a cast and in a good deal of physical pain and discomfort. The financial stresses has been pretty enormous for Nika and her mother (whose father just passed away this past Monday, February 7, 2011). None of you may personally know Nika, but we each can exercise our influence upon the world. If you are able to afford it, please consider donating to Nika's fund. There is no such thing as "too small" an amount and every penny is appreciated and the family is deeply moved by any gesture of generosity (even so much as spreading this story to others who may be in a position to help). If this reached 50,000 people who donated only a buck, dilemma solved. I think it's a shame that giftberry doesn't have an option where you can donate anonymously because I'm wondering if people might feel too embarrassed to donate, thinking they'll be judged by others based upon dollar amount contributed. That's nonsense (especially since the ones who are being asked to consider donating don't even know her). I perfectly understand that we all donate to various charities and have only so much to spread around without bankrupting ourselves for every worthwhile cause both personal and distant. Truly, whether it's a penny or a thousand dollars, there's no such thing as "too little". Just spreading the message around is a service that is not taken for granted as the more it reaches, the more chance of finding more potential donors.

Here's a republish of a video I made for her a few years ago:




Go here to donate.

Nika is a very kind-spirited soul who could use some help and support. Even if you are unable to donate money, please at least pass this message along.