Monday, February 17, 2025
49 F
Roseville

Evans helps others with disabilities

Nicholas Evans of Spring Hill, Florida, had just scored an exceptional 1450 on his SAT and was planning on majoring in meteorology at Florida State University.

In 1999, he had a bright academic future even though he was having severe migraine headaches affecting his studies. Then when Nicholas turned 18, a neurologist discovered an arachnoid cyst on his brain.

“The neurologist thought she could remove (the cyst) and it would stop his migraines,” said Nicholas’ 52-year-old mother Tena Evans, who reads this column in Hernando (FL) Today. “But they messed up the surgery and caused a brain lesion. Nick hemorrhaged and had a massive stroke.”

Nicholas was paralyzed on one side and his memory “was pretty much wiped out,” said Tena. Nicholas couldn’t walk and could recognize only his mother and sister. After a while, all but one of his friends deserted him. In the years ahead, Nicholas eventually became a spokesperson for opposing medical malpractice caps through his appearances on “The John Walsh Show” and NBC, and articles in newspapers. His lawsuit fight lasted ten years.

Today, after years of therapy, 30-year-old Nicholas seems fine outwardly and walks, but has a brain shunt, short-term memory difficulties and other cognitive challenges, and an inability to drive or handle finances. He carries a deep-seated fear of seeing another doctor and having history repeat itself. Also, the botched operation that was supposed to end his migraine headaches didn’t.

Nicholas often experiences difficulty making friends because, said his mother, he is too disabled for some potential friends and not disabled enough for others. He doesn’t fit either group. However, he does enjoy bowling and volunteer teaching people with disabilities at an education center how to become self-sufficient and create resumes. He had been visiting the center initially only as a client, but the staff liked him so much they asked him to teach.

To people who just had something similar happen, Tena said, “I have always believed things happen for a reason. What happened to Nick was truly traumatic and heartbreaking, but yet the other side of it is today he is the most wonderful man and incredible to have in my life. All our family and friends who have embraced Nick absolutely love him. I would tell people to try to accept what has happened to them and count their blessings because something good can always come of it.”



Brighter Side

Trending

Find the lowest gas prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to hover around the $5 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County.

Open: Auburn Library’s temporary location

Auburn, Calif. - The Auburn Library has opened its new temporary location with modified services and the same helpful, friendly staff to help patrons navigate materials and lead library programming.

❤️Valentine’s or a Scam? Roseville PD reminds you to protect yourself against romance fraudsters

Roseville, Calif.- It's a new year. Are you or a family member looking for that someone special in 2025? Now, more than ever, people are using their smart phone for almost everything, including finding their soul mate

IICA Speech in Roseville

Our knowledgeable and compassionate team provides speech, language, cognitive, social, and feeding services to enhance the quality of our clients’ lives while empowering their caregivers through our unique team approach.

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

Topics

Find the lowest gas prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to hover around the $5 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County.

Open: Auburn Library’s temporary location

Auburn, Calif. - The Auburn Library has opened its new temporary location with modified services and the same helpful, friendly staff to help patrons navigate materials and lead library programming.

❤️Valentine’s or a Scam? Roseville PD reminds you to protect yourself against romance fraudsters

Roseville, Calif.- It's a new year. Are you or a family member looking for that someone special in 2025? Now, more than ever, people are using their smart phone for almost everything, including finding their soul mate

IICA Speech in Roseville

Our knowledgeable and compassionate team provides speech, language, cognitive, social, and feeding services to enhance the quality of our clients’ lives while empowering their caregivers through our unique team approach.

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

PCWA Hell Hole Reservoir project approved to increase storage

Auburn, Calif. - At its Thursday meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a $5.8 million contract for the Hell Hole seasonal storage increase project, adding to the capacity of the Hell Hole Reservoir so it can

🍀Clover Valley’s long history predating Rocklin

According to Sierra College Geology Professor Dick Hilton, the valley started to form five million years ago as the Sierra range lifted and tilted westward. Runoff streams wore down millions of years of rock and gravel deposits

❤️ 7 wonderfully fun spring break destinations in California

Roseville, Calif. - We ♥ California! Exploring the breadth and length of the magnificent Golden State is life's never ending journey. With exciting travel opportunities and variety in all directions, Roseville enjoys a premium and convenient location to fuel those adventures.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry in Rocklin serving the local community since 2000

Rocklin, Calif.- For nearly 24 years, Jason and Heather have grown their successful Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry practice by faithfully serving patients throughout the Rocklin, Roseville, and greater South Placer County region. Their business has grown to now employ over a dozen employees which helps them meet the growing demands of a successful local business.

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.