DAYTON — Nicole Reynolds has been in pain since she was born 22 years ago and wonders what it would be like to feel good for just one day of her young life.   

Reynolds, a college student with dreams of becoming a psychologist to help others suffering from chronic illnesses, clings to the belief that she can overcome the debilitating effects of Cystic Fibrosis, which has left her with damaged lungs, liver cirrhosis and an atrophied pancreas that no longer functions.

Born three months premature, Nicole spent the first three months of her life in the hospital and has been on a lifetime roller coaster ride in and out of medical facilities for treatmen ever since.

Through it all, she’s completed high school, worked at a restaurant and even earned a scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island before having to move back home with her parents in Dayton because of failing health.

She now takes online classes at the University of Southern Maine and despite her multitude of medical problems, Nicole keeps her spirits up and isn’t looking for sympathy.

“I don’t want anyone to feel bad for me,” she said. “There are a lot of people worse off than I am. I just have a little extra baggage.”

Her constant treatment, procedures, labs and tests have placed heavy demands and an enormous financial burden upon her family. They have medical insurance, but as everyone knows, insurance does not cover travel expenses, some medical equipment, vitamins, and array of other services individuals require when facing traumatic illnesses.

Nicole’s mother, Leslie Reynolds, says it’s been heart-wreching to watch her daughter struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy while combating Cystic Fibrosis, which is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body, along with the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices.

“She has bravely, tirelessly fought this nasty disease,” Leslie Reynolds said. “We thought her lungs would be the first transplant in her 30’s or 40’s. But Cystic Fibrosis had other ideas. Due to the scarring nature of the disease she developed liver cirrhosis at age 9, and her liver has begun to fail in the past two years.”

Nicole’s now on the list for a liver transplant and a pancreas. She wears an insulin pump and takes pancreatic enzymes every time she eats, which are part of a mountain of medicines and treatments she endures daily.

“We have spent the past five months traveling to Boston weekly, and spent over $4,600 going back and forth to Beth Israel Hospital,” Leslie Reynolds said. “We’re almost hitting $20,000 out-of-pocket just this year.” 

Doctors have told Nicole that a new liver and pancreas will cure her of the gastrointestinal damage caused by her Cystic Fibrosis, but her wait for a liver donor could be as long as six months from now.

In the meantime, Nicole receives suppport from her family, her best friend Ashley Lyons-Cyr and her brother’s friend Anthony Scenna.

To help Nicole and her family, a special fundraiser will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at Wishing Pond Events on Route 5 in Dayton.

“Don Letendre has generously donated his space for free and Smoke N Roll BBQ’s Heather and Jon Mayo are providing the meal,” Leslie Reynolds said. “The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are donating items to the auction, and many plan on attending.”

She said an auction will be held after dinner and representatives from New England Organ Bank will be on hand to give information about becoming an organ donor or who to call to see if they are a match for Nicole for a live liver donation.

Those who are unable to attend can make a donation to help the family by mailing checks to Nicole Reynolds, 728 Goodwins Mills Road, Dayton, ME 04005.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com