Generosity of others helps Casey make a home for Nick

	HOME CARE: Nick Nelsen at home with his mother, Casey. Many individuals helped with an addition to the house after Nick suffered an anoxic brain injury in an apartment fire in 2004. (Rick Evans photo)

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

When asked by his mother, Casey, if he's happy to be home, Nick Nelsen gently nods his head in approval before returning his attention to a police drama broadcast on TNT, his favorite television channel.

An anoxic brain injury suffered in an apartment fire in 2004 left Nick unable to talk or walk. His burns from the fire were minimal, but the carbon monoxide caused the brain injury. He was placed in a hyperbaric (high pressure oxygen) chamber three separate times to remove the carbon monoxide from his body. (An initial story about Nick was featured in the Oct. 7, 2005 issue of The Compass. [print edition only])

"He's still here," said Casey. "It's better than the alternative, which was death."

Not only is he alive, but he is home, thanks to the generosity of many, she added.   Full story ...

• Sidebar: Sincere thanks

 • Man finds a 'fast' way to help the needy
    If 10 million people donate Ash Wednesday food money charities
    would help more
    Sidebar: Get involved with fast

 • Diocese again in compliance with national standards
    For the fourth straight year the diocese is a safe place for children

S p e c i a l   S e c t i o n: Capitol Report

• Health Care/Grappling with coverage for all people  More in The Compass print edition:  • For a list of articles found only in the Capitol Report special section of the    Feb. 2 print edition, see this sidebar.

 • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik -- 'Don't Put Off Till Tomorrow What ... '

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    for February 4, 2007: We all stand in need of purification

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --
    for February 4, 2007: Put the teachings of Jesus into action

 • Editorial -- Sing out -- or not
    Survey finds differences between what musicians and people in the pew think

 • Editorial -- Catholic Press Month
    It's time again to ponder this ministry

 • Foundations of Faith -- A now familiar prayer developed over centuries
    Most famous Marian prayer started as two gospel greetings, later added petition

 • Saint of the Day -- A sister/brother saint team
    Scholastica, perhaps Benedict's twin, had a part in beginning of his order

 • Stewardship: A Way of Life -- Phlox parish assists missions
    Parish practices stewardship as it starts Advancing the Mission

 • Calendar of events