The Inspiring Story Behind the Nick Kot Fundraiser
Originally published May 20, 2015
You may have seen posters advertising an event, fundraiser, or other non-profit affair; but do you ever stop to read or learn about the people involved?
A poster hanging in the Orland Park Berkot’s store advertises the 7th annual Nick-A-Palooza Music Fest from 11 a.m. until midnight May 16 at Paradise Bay Bar and Grill, 105 West 10th Street, Lockport. Learning the story behind this fundraiser is most inspiring.
Trisha Kot and her husband, Bob, of Homer Glen, lost their youngest son, Nick, in 2003, some three years after he landed on his head in a fall from the back of a pickup truck. He suffered Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and plunged his family into an unknown universe. .
Nick’s brothers, Bob Jr. and Joe, wanted to help provide the best care possible for Nick and began to raise money. The Nick Kot Charity was started in an effort to “bring their brother back,” but he persisted in a vegetative state until his death. The family did not stop fundraising.
They had experienced first-hand the need for education, research funding, and awareness initiatives into TBI and wanted to honor Nick by easing the way for others.
The charity last year raised $22,500, and a total of $175,000 over the years, Trisha Kot said, with $94,000 of that coming from the Nick-a-Palooza event. Multiple families have been provided with iPads used for therapy; ramps for home portability; and equipment and other devices to help with quality of life.
The charity also sends adults with TBI to a special camp, and children are sponsored for dolphin therapy at Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo. Nick was able to attend both.
“These things were wonderful experiences for us; we wanted other families to be able to do this as well,” Kot said.
Funds also go to Synapse House, which is a learning center for re-training persons with brain injuries. The foundation also funds C.A.R.E.S. at Hines VA Hospital in Illinois, where research is ongoing into brain injuries.
“Our mission statement is research, education, and awareness, which I will always keep focused on, but my personal passion is to help families with quality of life,” Kot said.
She gratefully acknowledges the support she received during Nick’s battle and since with the charity. “I did not do this myself; I couldn’t have done it by myself. My family and friends have been there to support me, and I don’t know how I would have gone through this without them,” she said.
Admission to Nick-A-Palooza is $8 for adults and kids under 7 are free. Donations will be accepted at the event and can be made at http://www.nickkotcharitynfp.com. They are tax deductible.
Volunteers are needed. To sign up, visit http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/3650224400100.