Nickolai’s bracelets of hope raise $10,000 for brain tumour research

From a handful of handmade bracelets to a fundraising milestone with life-changing impact, Nickolai’s journey is one defined by resilience, generosity, and hope.

Nickolai is a medulloblastoma survivor, now in full remission after an extraordinary battle with childhood brain cancer. His diagnosis came in 2021, when he was just eight years old, after weeks of subtle symptoms — headaches, vomiting, fatigue, and brief moments of double vision — that were initially difficult to piece together. A CT scan ultimately revealed a mass in his cerebellum, and further scans confirmed additional tumours along his spinal cord.

What followed was an intense and complex treatment journey involving brain surgery, urgent radiation therapy, chemotherapy, multiple hospital admissions, and long periods of recovery. Along the way, Nickolai also experienced significant side effects, including Posterior Fossa Syndrome, temporary loss of movement, and ongoing impacts to his hearing, vision, and mobility. Through it all, he continued to fight.

In August 2022, after months of treatment and uncertainty, Nickolai rang the bell signifying remission. But his connection to science and research did not end there. In a remarkable act of generosity, he donated part of his tumour to help researchers at The Kids better understand childhood brain cancer.

As part of his recovery, Nickolai began making bracelets to rebuild strength and coordination in his hands. What started as rehabilitation quickly evolved into something far more powerful: a fundraising effort supporting our Brain Tumour Research team.

Recently, that effort reached a remarkable milestone — more than $10,000 raised.

Each bracelet carries Nickolai’s lived experience and his hope that future children will experience kinder, safer, and less toxic treatments than those he endured.

Nickolai’s father, Nathan Smith, said his son’s determination to turn his hardship into hope for others was something to be admired.

“We are so proud of how Nickolai has delt with his fight and used his illness to help the kids in the future,” Mr Smith said.

“We always knew he would make his mark of achievement, as he has the drive to do as much as he can, so others don’t have the challenges he now has.

“He will continue to raise awareness and fight this devastating disease. It picked on the wrong kid.”

Nickolai continues to make bracelets, continues to share his story, and continues to turn his recovery into action.

If you would like to contribute to Nickolai’s fundraiser and help advance vital cancer research being conducted right here are The Kids, you can make a donation by clicking here.