Aaron Watson’s Annual Charity Auction, Benefitting Nikki Gilbert

It’s time again for Aaron Watson’s annual eBay auction, benefitting Aaron’s friend, Miss Nikki Gilbert. Read more about Nikki below and help support this wonderful cause. All kinds of items are up for bid ranging from shirts, to memorabilia, to shows and more! To visit Aaron’s auction, click here. To say hello and wish Nikki a Merry Christmas, visit her on myspace, or to keep track of her health and progress and send her some words of encouragement, visit her Caring Bridge site.

The auction begins Sunday December 16, and closes Sunday December 23, so don’t miss out on your chance to grab cool items, and make a difference!

Nicole Gilbert is a thirteen year old with a contagious smile and zest for life. Nikki, as she is affectionately referred to by her family and friends, daily enriches the lives of those around her. She has the heart and interests of the average teenage girl and is passionate about shopping, talking on the phone, and spending time with her friends.

However, she is burdened by the affects of a cancerous brain tumor which is located in and around her brainstem. She was originally diagnosed with cancer at the innocent age of four. After treatment, the tumor was thought to have miraculously disappeared; yet, physical repercussions, such as a 96% hearing loss in both ears and muscle weakness on the left side of her body have continued to threaten her sense of normalcy. In January of 2007, she was told that her tumor had reappeared and underwent brain surgery on April 10, 2007. She then began intravenous chemotherapy treatment in May 2007 and continued taking it once a month until a MRI showed that the tumor had grown 10% in July 2007. She has been taking an oral chemotherapy once a month since August 2007. She will have another MRI in January 2008 to check the progress of the treatment. She also is currently seeing a physical and occupational therapist twice a week to help her maintain some use of the left side of her body and will need reconstructive surgery on both ears to help with her hearing loss.
She has been exposed to a number of painful ingredients throughout her thirteen years. However, the trials of her illness combined with her strength and faith in God have formed a beautiful masterpiece in the person we affectionately call Nikki. She is a vibrant example and continual reminder of God’s love.