(no subject)
Dear friends of Nichole,
My name is Jill Avalos, one of Nichole's good friends. I'm sure there are more of you out there that have realized the absence of her presence just as I have. I had posted once before in the reply section of her last entry as a call for information. Thanks to an individual that I'll leave nameless (not sure if you wish to be mentioned), I was able to finally contact her uncle last evening for an update.
There is no easy way to say it. Nichole Baxter lost her life to lung disease. It was explained that it was a rare sort. I think her uncle suggested that it didn't even have a name for it. On the eve of October 26th, her lungs collapsed. She was brought to the ICU where she remained under their care. She was on a heart and lung machine for roughly 30 days before the doctors realized they couldn't do much for her. She passed on December 2nd. It was also explained that she went through a few "procedures" during this time as well. I didn't get details on these. I just know they didn't work.
During this time she was never alone. Her uncle and his family was with her as much as they could be. Nola (that I'm sure she's mentioned in this LJ several times) as well as others she's met on her journey were there with her. Always there was at least two nurses by her side. I also wish to mention that she was NOT in a VA hospital. (Which should ease some who have been just as frustrated as I that they continually brushed all of her symptoms off as "depression".) Her uncle Roy said the care was state of the art and she had good people on her side.
There was also a memorial service given with those that could be found and could come that wished to celebrate her life. If her uncle knew how to reach any of us sooner, we all would have been invited. She was laid to rest in a military cemetery somewhere in Texas. I'm uncertain of the name. If anyone would like it, I could find out that information for you.
I have been asked by her uncle if I can spread the word to all of those online that knew her. Although relative strangers to me, I'd like to ask you all a favor. If you know more people that would benefit from this news, please pass it along to them. We'd all appreciate it. I'm sure Nicky would also.
In closing, I'd like to ask for anyone with questions to post them here or email them to me (Jill.Avalos@yahoo.com). I'll be glad to call her uncle Roy again for you to gather more information if I don't have it myself. I also have her uncle Roy's email address if you wish to speak directly. If you feel so moved, you may also share whatever it is you want about Nicky here. This could become our own little memorial service for her. Please share!
Bless you all!
With love and Light,
Jill Avalos
This was taken on her last trip to Orlando Florida. I know I could have picked a better photo, but she just loved the dolphins. She talked about them for days.
I love you, Nicky! I'm glad I knew you! Until we meet again!
EDIT Jan 4: I spoke with her uncle on the phone again this evening. I misunderstood the burial process. The ceremony was for her cremation. They are waiting for a time where they can place her ashes in a new military cemetery in Queen Texas (I hope I got that right.) He's going to call again with specifics. I also have an updated email address for him. Those that want it can send me an email. (jill.avalos@yahoo.com)
I have also been through as many accounts of hers that I am aware of to search for tidbits of things to share with everyone. I was able to get a hold of these images in case others would like to see them.
Sitting Pretty
Orlando Florida/Sea World 1
Orlando Florida/Sea World 2
Orlando Florida/Arabian Nights
Reiki Master Retreat in NY
My name is Jill Avalos, one of Nichole's good friends. I'm sure there are more of you out there that have realized the absence of her presence just as I have. I had posted once before in the reply section of her last entry as a call for information. Thanks to an individual that I'll leave nameless (not sure if you wish to be mentioned), I was able to finally contact her uncle last evening for an update.
There is no easy way to say it. Nichole Baxter lost her life to lung disease. It was explained that it was a rare sort. I think her uncle suggested that it didn't even have a name for it. On the eve of October 26th, her lungs collapsed. She was brought to the ICU where she remained under their care. She was on a heart and lung machine for roughly 30 days before the doctors realized they couldn't do much for her. She passed on December 2nd. It was also explained that she went through a few "procedures" during this time as well. I didn't get details on these. I just know they didn't work.
During this time she was never alone. Her uncle and his family was with her as much as they could be. Nola (that I'm sure she's mentioned in this LJ several times) as well as others she's met on her journey were there with her. Always there was at least two nurses by her side. I also wish to mention that she was NOT in a VA hospital. (Which should ease some who have been just as frustrated as I that they continually brushed all of her symptoms off as "depression".) Her uncle Roy said the care was state of the art and she had good people on her side.
There was also a memorial service given with those that could be found and could come that wished to celebrate her life. If her uncle knew how to reach any of us sooner, we all would have been invited. She was laid to rest in a military cemetery somewhere in Texas. I'm uncertain of the name. If anyone would like it, I could find out that information for you.
I have been asked by her uncle if I can spread the word to all of those online that knew her. Although relative strangers to me, I'd like to ask you all a favor. If you know more people that would benefit from this news, please pass it along to them. We'd all appreciate it. I'm sure Nicky would also.
In closing, I'd like to ask for anyone with questions to post them here or email them to me (Jill.Avalos@yahoo.com). I'll be glad to call her uncle Roy again for you to gather more information if I don't have it myself. I also have her uncle Roy's email address if you wish to speak directly. If you feel so moved, you may also share whatever it is you want about Nicky here. This could become our own little memorial service for her. Please share!
Bless you all!
With love and Light,
Jill Avalos
This was taken on her last trip to Orlando Florida. I know I could have picked a better photo, but she just loved the dolphins. She talked about them for days.
I love you, Nicky! I'm glad I knew you! Until we meet again!
EDIT Jan 4: I spoke with her uncle on the phone again this evening. I misunderstood the burial process. The ceremony was for her cremation. They are waiting for a time where they can place her ashes in a new military cemetery in Queen Texas (I hope I got that right.) He's going to call again with specifics. I also have an updated email address for him. Those that want it can send me an email. (jill.avalos@yahoo.com)
I have also been through as many accounts of hers that I am aware of to search for tidbits of things to share with everyone. I was able to get a hold of these images in case others would like to see them.
Sitting Pretty
Orlando Florida/Sea World 1
Orlando Florida/Sea World 2
Orlando Florida/Arabian Nights
Reiki Master Retreat in NY
