"Good Things Come In Small Packages" with Nicole Burke

About EpisodeEvery interview I have is such a gift. But this interview is so special because I am talking with my cousin and one of the most important people in my life, Nicole Burke. Medical conditions and obstacles of daily living have plagued her life. Spending most of her early childhood at Boston Children’s hospital or other medical facilities, sometimes breathing was all that Nicki and her family could focus on. We are only four months apart and she was not supposed to live days, weeks or months after her arrival date. But now 33 years old, a Special Olympic gold medalist, I think Nicki is just getting started. This conversation marks a new season for Nicki and I know that God has beautiful plans for her. Join Nicki and I as we talk about the hard things in her life and the way she overcomes daily challenges.Nicki has been losing her hearing more aggressively as time goes on, and so I prepared for the episode knowing she might not fully hear me. But about 10 minutes into our conversation I noticed she wasn’t looking at her notes, that in fact she could hear me. The headphones and professional equipment created a way for us to have a beautiful conversation in which I was able to add questions we didn't prepare for. Praise God for allowing this moment to happen and creating a way for us to bless people with Nicki’s story.Nicki’s parents were told that she would not make it days after blessing us here on earthShe is now 33 and has overcome and dealt with impossible medical challengesNicki was diagnosed with campomelic dysplasia; affects a person's growth including eyesight, hearing and other physical challengesLPA (Little People Association) is an organization that creates space for little people allowing them to experience life with many of those who have the same challengesA concept like closed captions allows an individual with hearing loss like Nicki to experience shows and movies the way someone with complete hearing canA Make A Wish recipient, Nicki’s wish was meeting Cinderella at Disney World and became an ambassador for many yearsDuring Covid Nicki’s condition made her high risk and it was during that time she began to work on her health, work out and grow strongerNow a gold medalist in the Special Olympics Bowling ramp division, Nicki has found she can conquer anything she puts her mind toSpecial Olympic bowling has started up again for the 2024 seasonThank you @spillcoffeeco for being our coffee partner and providing drinks for the episode! Check them out on instagram, and if you are local stop by and grab your own delicious drink!If you have questions for Nicki to better understand her story and maybe even help you with yours, DM us!Double Dees coffee shop she loves @doubledscoffee -check them out! Del Vecchios favorite restaurant @delvecchios_avl - check them out!Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts! Join along @thebrittanywheelerpodcast on IG and Tiktok!#thebrittanywheelershow #dreamingbig #choosingyourhard #thelifegodcalledyouto #beingkind #dogoodthingsmakemeproud #thelifeyoulongfor