How the Nowicki Family is Giving Back After Their Son’s Recovery

Melissa Nowicki remembers arriving at Gillette Children’s with her son Kayden in May of 2024 and “feeling an overwhelming sense of welcome,” she recalls. “Gillette felt like a fresh start for our family. We were ready for the next chapter for Kayden to get better.” 

Kayden (then age 4) had spent the previous two months at Children’s Minnesota, after what they thought was an ear infection turned into something much more serious. Their energetic little boy became unresponsive, and in just a few short days lost the ability to move, eat, or speak. For a child known for his constant chatter and joyful energy, the silence was especially painful for Melissa and her husband Andy. After a series of tests, doctors discovered swelling in his cerebellum—the part of the brain that controls motor skills and speech. 

After two long months of inpatient care at Children’s Minnesota, Kayden was stable enough to begin rehabilitation. He was transferred to Gillette where he would have access to the specialized and compassionate care he needed to rebuild the motor skills he had lost. 

At Gillette, Kayden was placed on a robust and structured therapy schedule, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. His parents were deeply impressed by the entire care team. “The nurses, therapists, even the front desk staff went above and beyond for Kayden,” Melissa says. One nurse, Annette, became a favorite for her playful approach - turning medication time into a game by letting Kayden slam-dunk the empty syringes into a trash can. Robert from environmental services greeted Kayden daily with a cheerful, “Kayden, my man!” Small moments like these left a big impression, Melissa adds. 

Soon after arriving at Gillette, Kayden’s progress took off. “It was like he was progressing at hyper speed,” Melissa shares. The entire family found comfort in Gillette’s healing environment. The hospital playground and support from Gillette’s Child Life team helped Kayden’s siblings, Gavin and Hailey, cope with spending many hours and days at the hospital. They could play together as a family and enjoy moments that felt normal again, something especially important during such a disruptive time. 

Gillette’s Child Life team provided toys, sensory play, and crafts to help distract and support not only Kayden, but Gavin and Hailey as well. The team helped the siblings feel involved and cared for during the many long, emotional hours spent at the hospital. 

After four weeks at Gillette, Kayden walked out of the hospital on his own. “He went from nonfunctioning to walking in a month,” Melissa explains. Kayden continued outpatient therapy at Gillette throughout the summer of 2024. 

That fall, the Nowickis took another step - this time toward giving back. They participated in Gillette’s Walk & Roll fundraiser to celebrate Kayden’s recovery and show their gratitude for the exceptional care Kayden received at Gillette. “As parents, it’s important for us to teach our kids to be grateful for what they have, and to give back when you can,” says Melissa.  

As the one-year anniversary of Kayden’s hospitalization approached, the Nowickis wanted to mark the occasion with kindness. They remembered spending Easter in the hospital and how a Child Life Specialist had brought Easter baskets for Gavin and Hailey - small gestures that meant so much during a difficult time. This year, Kayden wanted to return the favor. 

The family organized a donation drive to support the creation of Easter baskets for kids currently inpatient at Gillette and at Children’s Minnesota, and for the exceptional staff who care for them. With help from friends, coworkers, hockey teammates, and Facebook connections, they assembled and donated more than 100 baskets - turning an emotional milestone into a meaningful and joyful experience for them and other families. “Engaging our community to give back gave us something positive to focus on,” Melissa says. “The baskets were a great stress relief as we hit the one-year mark.” 

Today, Kayden is thriving. He’s back to being a big talker, full of energy and curiosity. He was able to finish the hockey season with his team and is staying busy with a favorite hobby: all things vehicles - trucks, construction equipment, you name it. 

“We are forever grateful for Gillette and the love our son received from everyone at Gillette.”