I make this post today with a very sad heart. Yesterday, I noticed the site getting a lot of attention but, at the time, I could not stop to see what article was driving the traffic. You can imagine my shock when I read and released a comment posted on an article I did last month on Nico Kadimoke, the young man who was diagnosed with lupus nephritis. The comment read simply “Miss you forever Nico… RIP buddy.”

That comment tore my heart out. I broke down and cried because I wanted so badly for Nico to make it through the tough phase of this. I wanted to see a follow-up of him moving on to the next phase of surviving and living with lupus. I have never met Niko, I don’t know him, but I was certainly one of his cheerleaders.

I will grant you lupus nephritis is no picnic. I know, I was there five years ago and it is a hard one to fight. I am still fighting. What makes Nico’s loss so hard for me is he was such a young man. Me, I’m an old fart which makes the loss even harder. So many young, talented people are not winning this battle and that is why I pray everyday for a cure for lupus. Not so much for me, I’m old. Those young people who are battling this disease need a cure and I urge everyone who has read Nico’s story to get out, walk, talk, bring awareness and raise money for research.

My prayers and condolences go out to the family of Nico Kadimoke and all of those who knew and loved him. I can tell Nico was much loved.

Update: According to the press-citizen.com, Nicodeme F. Kadimoke, 22, of Iowa City, died Wednesday at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Services will be held at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2010, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. (Sunday Parking Ordinance will be in effect) Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, concluding with a time of sharing by family and friends. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. A candlelight vigil will beheld at City High School Sunday Evening following the visitation at the funeral home.