To know Nikki Panico is to know pure joy, true passion, endless generosity, and unwavering support.
She shines brightly as a mother, daughter, sister, colleague, and dear friend to so many—and she shines even brighter as an everyday hero and community champion.
Executive Director of Susan G. Komen in Wisconsin, Nikki is known from Milwaukee to Philly and beyond for her steadfast dedication to the organization and its mission to find the cures for breast cancer. As many know, she was moved to support the cause after she lost her mother and aunt to breast cancer, a disease that Nikki herself later fought and beat.
Sadly, after 14 years in remission and more than a decade raising awareness and funds to support so many on their breast cancer journeys, Nikki is once again facing the battle herself.
Near the end of 2023, she learned that her breast cancer had returned. She underwent surgeries in December and January and soon will be starting chemo and radiation.
Through her years of work in the breast cancer community Nikki has been fortunate to meet some of the country’s leading experts and she’s worked with her care team to develop a solid treatment plan. Yet, as word of Nikki’s diagnosis has spread many of those in her network have asked how they can support her. What does she need?
We know the one thing Nikki still wants more than anything is to help find the cures for breast cancer.
This fundraiser, benefiting Susan G. Komen, was organized by Nikki's friends as a way for her army to show their gratitude, honor her beautiful, generous soul, and celebrate the monumental impact she’s had on the breast cancer community and beyond.
There’s still a long road of treatment and healing ahead for Nikki and it will be a while before she is fully able to return to the job she loves. As she recovers, there are many other ways to continue to support her and the cause. We invite you to volunteer, fundraise, donate, or attend any of the impactful events Komen hosts around Wisconsin.
We honor Nikki just as she signs her emails, “With hope."