Nick Lincavage - Winter 2007

Friend, Andrew Perry (left) with Nick Lincavage.

Nick Lincavage is 14 years old and lives in Lutz, a town in central Florida. He’s in eighth grade, and his favorite school subjects are math and gym.

He has plenty of afterschool activities, too. Nick enjoys playing ice hockey and soccer. In fact, he has tryouts this month for his school’s soccer team. And he is a first-degree black belt in karate. He also helps his younger brother Nathan play sled hockey.

Nick enjoys swimming, and since he lives in Florida, he’s able to swim in the ocean often. One time last summer, when he went crabbing, a school of huge fish came nearby. He said it was so cool to be so close to them—there were about 40 fish total.

Nick also has a lot of hobbies. He likes to listen to 1990s metal rock bands like Slipknot and Godsmack, and he’s into computer games. He likes action games, like Mortal Combat, and strategy games, such as Legacy of Kain. He’s also plays Grand Theft Auto, which he considers a big stress reliever.

Nick likes a good scary movie, such as “Puppet Master” and “Child’s Play” and any type of zombie movie. And likes funny movies, especially anything with Adam Sandler. Nick is also a great cook. He grills a good steak, and he’s been known to make some delicious brownies and cookies. His pets include: Sophie, his eight-year-old dog, and a few greensingers, a type of finch.

Nick and his family have been involved with CCA for the past three years. He even went to a Cher concert, where he sat on the front row. He and his brother, Nathan, got to visit with Cher backstage afterward for about half an hour. Nick can’t wait to go to his third retreat this summer in Salt Lake City, where he’s looking forward to meeting up with friends, especially his good friend Andrew.

Nick was born with a cleft lip and palate. He has had 12 surgeries so far, with the first one when he was 10 weeks old. When asked to give advice for other kids going through similar circumstances, he said, “Just be yourself. Don’t try to act cool.” He added, “Be happy with who you are and enjoy life.”

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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