Nicole Killigrew

Nicole left this world too soon; she had so many plans and dreams left to fulfill. We are all heart-broken!
Quotes are from various personal statements that Nicole wrote over the years.
"I have been an animal advocate as far back as I can remember. I was the kindergartner who took the classroom rabbit home at weekends, in middle school I volunteered at the Humane Society. In college as a full-time student and college soccer player I went to Thailand for a month-long volunteer experience to work in a dog shelter and an elephant sanctuary. It truly was a wonderful experience; I loved helping sick animals, I made great friends and I learned a lot about myself." In August 2013, Nicole rescued her furry BFF Nala (without parental consent) and in 2020 Nicole rescued Saoirse, her mischievous tripod from the side of highway five on route to LA (medical foster fail!). Last August when we met with her brain surgeon, one of her first questions was when can I get back horse riding?
"My sister (Rachel) and I are eighteen months apart and we do everything together, from country concerts, soccer and Gaelic football teams. We went to the same middle and high school, and we ended up at the same college, Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) playing soccer together. In June 2016, we graduated together, I completed my undergraduate in Pre-Vet." As John and I reflect on our two daughters growing up, we are so proud of our Irish twins, and we know that Colie will continue to hold Rachel's hand and encourage her from afar. You will always be Rachie's #1 Babe, Sista Soul, and Seesta.
"On August 20, 2015, I was diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer and that changed everything. I have a powerful personal story demonstrating tenacity and resilience. It's a journey that involves collaborative innovative treatment at University California San Francisco (UCSF) and Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), New York. I had two partial liver resections and one partial colon resection, 7+ lung ablations, 150+ systemic chemo infusions, 8+ Hepatic Chemo Pump (HAI) infusions, 17+ drains, many procedures and too many Emergency Room (ER) visits to count. I know what it takes to be a good nurse, I will be a great nurse and I am so happy to have been accepted into the Bellarmine Nursing program. I have been blessed with exceptional nurses taking care of me." During Colie's tenacious and graceful battle with cancer, no one would have known she was sick, and she choose not to share her story with the masses. Despite all she went through, she never complained, she hopped on the Peloton, she ran half marathons, and she lived her life to its fullest with the most positive outlook. She managed to travel to Ireland to visit family, Israel to visit friends, and many places in United States in between doctor's appointments.
Nicole's was blessed with great friends, Sarah, Jess, Ashley, Tori, Briana, Liana, Marissa, Koval, and Cody who consistently kept in touch supporting, loving and encouraging her every step of the way. A couple of years ago she met Rich, her boyfriend, and they spent many happy times together in San Francisco.
"We didn't come this far to only come this far".
"Gotta Believe!"
"Comeback kid"