Welcome to the Smiles Family

Nick's Story

NickBack in the 'innocent' days, we thought bad things happened to other families, to other kids. We thought that disabilities were tragic, but that kids with disabilities hold 'normal' children back. We thought that Cancer, while very sad, rarely happened to kids - and when it did, St. Jude's Cancer Hospital spent enough money to cure them. What I refer to as innocent days, we now know were ignorant days. The life of a little 4-year old boy showed us the way…

Nicholas came into our life on June 21, 2002 – nearly Nine Weeks Premature. His lungs were not fully developed, and he needed a respirator to help him breathe. His skin and organs were still developing. His blood vessels were not ready for life outside the womb – but there he was.

During Nicholas’ 28 day stay in the hospital, he had multiple complications – from Apnea to PDA (blood backing up into his lungs) to RDS (respiratory distress), but he came home to a happy, healthy home – much like your home or your friends home. (No reason was ever given for the early pregnancy.) Full Story


Featured Products

Handmade Smiles Necklace

Handmade Smiles Necklace

Support Smiles from Nicholas with our handmade jewelry collection. Each necklace boasts beautiful sodalite beads and a fun pewter sun charm. Once you place your order, we will call or email you to determine which of the four styles you would like.
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Handmade Smiles Necklace & Bracelet

Handmade Smiles Necklace & Bracelet

Support Smiles from Nicholas with our handmade jewelry collection. Each necklace and bracelet boasts beautiful sodalite beads and a fun pewter sun charm. Once you place your order, we will call or email you to determine which of the four styles you would like. Buy Now


Pediatric Cancer Awareness Braclet

Nick

Custom made sterling silver and Swarovski crystal awareness bracelets available in a variety of styles to support Pediatric Cancer Research. Click on the photo above and you will be directed to Wear Because You Care. 20% of every purchase will be donated to Smiles from Nicholas. Buy Now

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Bracelets

Nick

Custom made sterling silver and Swarovski crystal awareness bracelets available in a variety of styles to support Cerebral Palsy Research. Click on the photo above and you will be directed to Wear Because You Care. 20% of every purchase will be donated to Smiles from Nicholas. Buy Now


About the Foundation

The Smiles from Nicholas Foundation was started in remembrance of Nicholas Rydzynski, and his struggles with Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer. In his 4 short years, Nicholas endured so much, but endured with dignity, grace, courage and persistence that any would envy. His struggle ended on September 11th, 2006, after a 4 year struggle with Cerebral Palsy, and a 10 month battle with Neuroblastoma (Pediatric Cancer).