The Nick Family Story

In March of 2020, our 12 year old son Jay was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. He was transported by ambulance to Children’s MN for surgery to remove the tumor. He then received proton radiation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. AT that time, it was once a day and our loving family invited us to stay with them in Lakeville, MN and we made the trip back and forth each day. Then 4 months of chemotherapy at Children’s. We had follow ups every 3-6 months, and all MRIs showed no disease. We were blessed with an amazing village of friends, family, even kind strangers as well as skilled medical teams at Mayo, Children’s, Essentia and St. Jude.

Flash forward to May of 2025. Jay had his - year follow-up MRI. This was the landmark visit we were waiting for to be “cured.” His oncologist entered the room and told us they found something concerning on his scan. Turns out it was a reccurence of medulloblastoma. Our hearts dropped. He would again need surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. His proton radiation would be twice a day, 8 hours apart for 4 weeks, so staying with family and commuting was not an option this time. We really had no idea what we were going to do or where to stay that would be a relaxing and healing place for Jay.  God blessed us again with a phone call from a friend. She, as well as her family (the Walvatne’s) knew Randy from church and his mission with Cy’s Place and put us in contact.  Things came together for us to stay there.

When we arrived to Cy’s Place, we were welcomed with open arms and immediately felt at home. A bath of cookies awaited us too! It’s a beautiful home with all the amenities you could think of (towels, toiletries, toys for younger children to name a few). Jay could also have his own room where he could rest and have his own space. There was an outdoor table to enjoy the healing and beauty of nature. The rent was minimal, which relieved a huge financial stress from us so we could focus on Jay.  Jay finished his radiation and is now receiving his chemotherapy back home in Duluth, MN. We are hopeful for his future. 

We are incredibly grateful for Cy’s Place and for the mission Randy and Ree have created. They are doing God’s work and helping kids and families go through one of the of the hardest times of their lives.  You’ve blessed us beyond measure!

Shelly, Tim, Joe and Jay Nick