Going the distance for Nickolas
There’s no bond stronger than family, and locals showed that by helping a family raise money for their loved ones miles away.
On Saturday, the fundraiser, ‘A Ride for Nickolas,’ was held at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township for 5-year-old Nickolas Silva’s family to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for him.
Nickolas, who lives in Richmond, Va., with his parents, was born with Miller-Dieker syndrome and was not expected to live past age 2. The rare brain condition renders him unable to walk and talk.
Since no programs provide assistance with purchasing wheelchair-accessible transportation, Nickolas’ grandmother, aunts and uncles banded together to host a local fundraiser.
Jessica Gregory, Nickolas’ mom, is originally from Butler. She and Nickolas’ father, Mark Silva, were able to attend the event. Nickolas was staying at his grandmother's house in Richmond during the event due to being immunocompromised.
Gregory said she and Mark were humbled by the community support.
“There’s so many people involved, the community has stepped up, and people we don’t even know are here,” she said. “We’re so humbled by the kindness and generosity.”
The event was sold out at 300 tickets, and boasted food; music by local band Old School; over 70 raffle baskets; specialty prizes, such as a TV, grill, and Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins jerseys; and a 50/50 raffle. The proceeds went toward paying off the used van for Nickolas, which can cost upward of $40,000.
Friends of the family made up a majority of the crowd, but Butler community members such as Nedra Casey and Sami Roth came purely because it was a good cause.
“We wanted to support the event even if we didn’t know them,” Casey said. “If I have the ability to bless someone else ... it makes you think about how blessed you are.”
“The best part is seeing people come together,” Roth said.
Nickolas’ cause was supported by people of all ages, including 9-year-old Adam Marshall, whose parents are friends of the family. During the fundraiser, Adam’s story of his desire to support Nickolas was told, and he presented his own donation to the Nickolas’ parents.
DeLynn Cunningham, a friend of the family and an event organizer, said the event was such a success they had to turn folks away for lack of tickets.
“With one parent who can’t work because they’re taking care of their child, and the van is so much more expensive than a regular one, we’re grateful to everyone who supported,” Cunningham said.
Gregory said despite her son’s condition, science and research has allowed him to thrive and expand his life expectancy.
“He’s vibrant. For him being nonverbal, his personality shines through,” Gregory said. “He’s doing well.”
With Nickolas growing up, Gregory said it’s become a challenge to maneuver him without assistance. The van will allow easier transport to doctors’ appointments and, hopefully, vacations, she said.
“Our child will never be able to ride a bike. My child will never be able to play baseball. He needs this van so we can build memories,” Gregory said. “We’re hoping to take a beach trip eventually, he loves the beach.”
