History

On June 6, 2015, my world came crashing down. That was the day three Pennsylvania state police officers arrived at my parents' driveway to deliver the devastating news that my baby sister, Nicole, had passed away in a car accident earlier that morning. She was just 20 years old. The moment I heard the news, I felt my heart drop—it was the worst feeling imaginable. Nicole and I were best friends; not a day went by without us talking.

Nicole had a deep passion for helping people with special needs. After high school, she pursued the necessary training and embarked on a career she had always dreamed of. At her funeral, several families of her former clients came to pay their respects. They told us, "Nicole had a heart of gold and always made sure our family members were well taken care of. She made everyone happy."

Besides her love for caregiving, Nicole was also obsessed with Ford Mustangs. She always dreamed of owning one but never had the chance. A year after her death, a man driving by our house noticed the '78 Camaro I was restoring. He asked if I was interested in trading it for another vehicle. Initially, I refused, saying it wasn't for sale. His final offer caught my attention: a 1991 Ford Mustang Fox Body. I took a few days to think it over and discussed it with my family. Ultimately, I decided to make the trade in memory of Nicole.

However, I realized that fulfilling Nicole’s dream of owning a Mustang wasn't enough to keep her legacy alive. So, we decided to start a non-profit organization in her name, the Nikkie Lee Foundation, to help others in our community. We also formed a car club, Team Nikkie Lee, which participates in various shows to raise awareness. Each year, we select different local charities to support, hosting and co-hosting events to maximize our impact.

Through the Nikkie Lee Foundation and Team Nikkie Lee, we aim to honor Nicole's memory by continuing her legacy of care, compassion, and community support.