Family of a 39-year-old husband and father who died last week can use help, as can the family of a teenager in need of heart transplant
The Vancouver community has rallied for a family grieving the loss of a husband and a dad, and for another family who has a son battling for his life.
Two different GoFundMe accounts, set up just in the last few days, have raised more than $55,000 as of Monday morning.
Ivan Nikitin’s family is asking for help after his tragic death in a vehicle collision on Friday. He was a husband to Anna, and the father of four children ages ranging from 3 months to 7 years old. He was the sole provider for the family.
As of Monday morning, that GoFundMe account had raised $33,000 to pay for funeral costs and to help Anna care for their children.
Another Clark County family is in need of help, as well, and again, the community is responding.
Luke Montei, a 15-year-old who was born with a heart disease, has been transferred to Seattle Children’s Hospital where he is in ICU.
Luke was told last summer that he would need a heart transplant and, most likely, a liver transplant. He was in the process of being put on the transplant list when he suffered a setback and had to undergo two life-saving surgeries over the New Year’s holiday weekend.
“He is in a very fragile state, yet continues to show us every day of every hour that he is the strongest person we’ve ever known and he is not ready to go anywhere,” posted his family on the GoFundMe page.
He is a true heart warrior and a blessing to us all.”As of Monday morning, that account had raised more than $22,000.
For more information on each family, and to donate, go to their GoFundMe accounts:
https://gf.me/v/c/wxj6/in-loving-memory-of-ivan-nikitin
And
https://gf.me/v/c/wxj6/supporting-medical-costs-for-luke-montei
Also read:
- Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit. - Opinion: ‘The Democrats’ part of the bargain’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a New Year’s Eve encounter and a Bill Maher commentary to assess what he sees as cultural and political changes from the past year. - Free fares on New Year’s Eve is a big hit with C-TRAN riders
C-TRAN’s New Year’s Eve free-fare program provided extended late-night service and a safe transportation option for riders across Clark County just after midnight.
