Our family is confronting an unimaginable situation, and we need your help. Our young relative, Nikko, courageously faced a surgery intended to improve his quality of life. We entrusted him to medical professionals, believing he was in safe hands. Unfortunately, that trust was irreparably broken.

What Happened

Nikko entered the hospital for a leg surgery meant to improve his ability to walk — but instead, it altered his life permanently. This petition seeks justice for Nikko and demands accountability from the medical professionals responsible for the harm he suffered.

Nikko, who has been diagnosed with a global developmental delay due to a chromosome deletion, has defied expectations throughout his life. He smiles at everyone, dances at every party, runs with his cousins in the backyard, and loves swimming. Despite his challenges, Nikko needed surgery to correct the stance of his legs, allowing him to walk painlessly.

However, after surgery by Dr. Anna Vergun at UNC Chapel Hill, Nikko faced severe complications from a preventable error: his casts were applied too tightly, cutting off circulation and causing compartment syndrome. This caused him excruciating pain and irreversible damage, leading to:

• An inability to walk, dance, run, or swim
• Chronic wounds over his skin grafts
• Permanent positioning of his knees at nearly 90 degrees
• Two subsequent amputations

Despite Dr. Vergun’s claim that Nikko’s care was “appropriate” and complications were rare, what happened was not only rare but avoidable. Nikko had previously undergone multiple surgeries without issue; this time, the system failed him.

The Aftermath
The repercussions of this failure extend beyond physical pain. The emotional and financial toll on our family has been immense. We've faced:

• Broken promises of a second opinion from Duke Hospital
• Lack of follow-up meetings with Dr. Vergun’s chief
• Insufficient wound care leading to unexpected expenses
• Unfulfilled travel voucher promises for necessary hospital visits
• False medical records stating Nikko could wiggle his toes
• Absence of post-surgery mental health support for Nikko

This negligence has left Nikko with open wounds that prevent him from enjoying simple joys, like swimming, due to the risk of infection. The system that was supposed to protect him instead inflicted lasting trauma.

Our Call to Action
It is essential that medical professionals are held to the highest standards of care. When these standards are not met, and preventable harm occurs, accountability is crucial—not just for justice's sake, but to prevent future tragedies.

We are calling on the medical board and all relevant oversight authorities to:

• Conduct a full, transparent investigation into Nikko’s case
• Determine the extent of negligence and hold those responsible accountable
• Implement stronger protections to ensure no other child suffers this fate

Why This Matters
This petition is not just for Nikko; it represents every family placing their trust in a healthcare system that must improve. Nikko deserves to be heard. His courage and pain must not be ignored. We seek justice, not retribution. We seek change to ensure what happened to Nikko does not happen to another child, another family.

Please join us in demanding accountability and advocating for stronger patient safety protections. Help us make a difference. Stand with Nikko by signing and sharing this petition. Together, we can ensure that no child's voice goes unheard and that justice is served.

For more information, you can watch the news story at:

www.linktree.com/justicefornikko​⬅️

Thank you for your support and compassion. 💜