ONE NSU MAGAZINE FULL CIRCLE, CANCER-FREE In November 2023, following more than five years of debilitating treatments, grueling travel, and unrelenting anxiety, the duo received the best possible news. After enduring four CT scans and numerous follow-up visits to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Naomi was classified as cancer-free. As Naomi regained her strength, her optimistic view of the future encouraged the couple to take action for others. “We were blessed with the ability on our RV travels to meet patients and caregivers, some of whom have been waiting for new forms of medical treatment,” Ricci explained. “They were in our minds when we made the proactive decision to voice our story to others.” During the week of June 11, 2024, they traveled to Washington, D.C., to share their story and advocate for enhanced patient care. “Through an organization called Patients Rising, we gathered with more than 70 patients with rare diseases like Naomi, as well as patient advocates and care- givers like me. In total, our cohort met with more than 200 representatives and senators on Capitol Hill,” Ricci explained. “We walked the halls of Congress to discuss a better future for all patients by shedding light on the everyday challenges patients with rare diseases face, including the exorbitant costs,” he continued. “We met with the staff of five House of Representatives members and four senators. Beyond earning his academic degrees at NSU, Ricci has strong ties to the university that are both familial and vocational. His dad Jimmy Ricci, CRL, ACT, ALT, (pictured left) is a longtime NSU employee who works as associate director of physical security-locksmith operations in the NSU Public Safety Department. Ricci’s close connection with NSU began when he was 14 years old and attended the grand opening of the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center. A chance meeting with the vice president of NSU’s Office of Innovation and Information Technology (OIIT) created an opportunity for him to participate in the office’s informational technology summer internship program for the next few years until he graduated from high school. In 2006, his participation in the internship program led to a full-time position as an information technology specialist at NSU OIIT for almost five years. Looking to learn as much as possible and “gain a holistic understanding of the university,” he spent the next several years working in various NSU roles. These included stints as a technology and operations specialist in what is now called Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, as an academic coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Department, and as an advancement services analyst in University Advancement. We also had a one-on-one sitdown with Senator Mike Braun of Indiana to discuss ideas and solutions for making more affordable and readily available medical treatments for rare diseases in the United States.” The past six years have taught the couple many life lessons, including the importance of “making sure you are always a fervent advocate for yourself when it comes to your health, because you know your body best.” Naomi stressed. “And always get a second opinion.” NSU BOND RUNS DEEP OPPOSITE PAGE: Family support has been integral to helping Matthew and Naomi Ricci cope with this challenging ordeal. Pictured from left are Jimmy, Reneé, Matthew, and Naomi Ricci. 24
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