Nico’s Warriors
by Gabi Elentri
Greensburg Salem sophomore Nico Salvio is facing another major health battle as doctors work to stop his body from rejecting his donor heart.
Salvio, who has lived with a congenital heart defect since birth, was admitted to Independence Hospital in early February before being transferred to Children’s Hospital for specialized care.
After multiple tests, doctors discovered fluid around his lungs and gallbladder and signs that his body had begun rejecting his transplanted heart.
Since then, Salvio has been relying on a temporary heart pump as doctors closely monitor his condition.
Doctors will soon begin testing how well Salvio’s heart can function without the assistance of the pump. If his heart cannot keep up on its own, the pump will remain in place.
Because the current pump is only a temporary device, doctors may transition him to a different type of pump that could allow him to return home while continuing treatment.
Recently, after 38 long days of tests and procedures, Salvio was able to return home. It will be necessary for Salvio to undergo weekly testing to make sure his heart has progressed.
Nico Salvio’s aunt, Chrissy Bartok, manages a Facebook page called Nico’s Warriors, where she shares updates about his health and organizes fundraisers to support him and his family.
“I started Nico’s Warriors in 2016 because I wanted to help my brother and his family financially,” Bartok said.
Bartok’sc brother, Gene, is the head of financial responsibilities. His wife Stacy, Nico’s mother, was left paralyzed after a stroke and is unable to work.
Salvio’s brother, Jordan, and his fiancée, Liz, have stepped in to temporarily care for Stacy while Nico’s father spends most of his time at the hospital.
Nico’s sister, Giavonna, has not left the hospital since he arrived.
“We always knew that there was a chance of his donor heart rejecting, so I just wanted to be prepared financially for the families’ traveling, food, medication and health insurance costs,” she said.
Nico has received support not only from his family, but also from members of the community.
Local businesses including Hillview Bowling Lanes, Falbo’s Restaurant & Lounge and Mike Camlin Hyundai of Greensburg have all contributed to efforts to show their support.
A Hillview Lanes Bowling fundraiser poster with event details and information about Salvio.
Photo Courtesy: Chrissy Bartok
Hillview Bowling Lanes will be hosting a tournament this June to raise money for Nico’s medical costs.
The tournament will include a basket raffle to further raise money for Nico. Absolutely anyone, no matter their skill level, is encouraged to attend.
Student clubs and sports at GS have also joined efforts to help fundraise.
Organizations like Interact Club and the GS Bowling Team are working to show their support for Salvio.
GS Interact Club, a service-based club, is planning to support Nico by hosting an in-school campaign.
“Our motto is ‘service above self,’ so it’s important for our organization to support Nico in any way that we can,” club advisor Ms. Sierra Aires said.
The GS Bowling Team is planning to host an Easter themed fundraiser in which all proceeds are donated to help cover the medical costs.
“Not only are we showing our support for one of our players, but we are also bringing the community together,” GSBPA President Mrs. Katie Frick said.
Salvio has inspired many hearts with his positive energy.
“He’s a big inspiration to his teammates,” sophomore Andrew Pohland said.
Students and families are also showing support outside of school by sending e-cards while Salvio recovers.
“He’s been my best friend since first grade and we’ve always been there for each other,” Pohland said. “Seeing other people care about him the way I do means a lot to me.”
Nico Salvio poses with a teddy bear he received while under treatment in the hospital.
Photo Courtesy: Chrissy Bartok
Salvio has been sent over 400 cards and has broken the hospital record for most cards received.
Students are encouraged to support Salvio during this challenging time by attending fundraisers, sending e-cards or coming up with their own creative ways to help their classmate.
“Nico is a fighter, so I know without a doubt he will be able to conquer this with the strength and courage he has always had,” Frick said.
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