How Nick’s Picks Began
I am often asked how Nick’s Picks started.
I had been born with a pediatric liver disease called Biliary Atresia. I had my first surgery when I was just three weeks old, and that was followed by many hospitalizations, doctor and lab appointments. At age 13, in 2013 I received a life-saving liver transplant at UCLA Medical Center.
Luckily, I was born a very cheerful kid and I was exceptionally good at keeping myself entertained. This talent has been the cornerstone of Nick’s Picks. Each item in the Nick approved backpacks are chosen for maximum engagement and comfort, with each item serving a particular purpose.
When my friend was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 I wanted to do something to cheer him up. I decided to use my allowance to make a care package for him to take to chemotherapy appointments and to have along for hospital stays. Knowing what to put in the care package, that was easy. I had come up with the perfect dozen items that ALL kids should have if they should ever have to spend time in the hospital. My friend loved the collection of activities and the nurses thought it was something all the kids should have. This was the beginning of Nick’s Picks.
I am so proud of the fact that the simple action of one kid wanting to help another has lead to a nationwide organization that has helped hundreds (now thousands) of kids make the best of a bad situation. From our first deliveries to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital we have grown by leaps and bounds. As of March 2017 we are serving fourteen (14) pediatric centers across the United States.
Nick’s Picks is 100% volunteer organized and run. That means that 100% of donations received goes to toward provided fun-filled backpacks loaded with “Nick approved” items.
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