09/15/2020
Buffalo Common Council
You can watch today’s Council Meeting here
To review the agenda and follow along, visit the Council web portal here: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2108
Buffalo Ellicott District
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09/10/2020
It was truly an honor to stand with the FB Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity as we celebrate the construction of two homes on Rose Street. Since Council President Pridgen learned about the concept of a land trust and the importance it has to a neighborhood that faces gentrification, it is imperative that we focus on opportunities that allow the community to stay in their community. This project is just the first of many projects that the FB Community Land Trust will embark on, and it’s a great first step. Thank you to the Office of Strategic Planning, Habitat for Humanity, and the Fruit Belt community and stakeholders for making this a reality.
09/01/2020
Buffalo Common Council
You can watch today’s Caucus meeting here
Caucus Meeting for the session of 2020 SEP 01. An agenda for the meeting can be found at www.buffalony.gov/meetings
08/31/2020
Yesterday, Common Council President Darius Pridgen stood with his colleagues in government to officially dedicate Dr. Rhonda Ricks Way on her actual birthday.
Council President Pridgen says about Dr. Ricks that he'll always remember her as bold, daring and fearless.
"Rhonda was all of that without apology," Pridgen said. "Some people feel like when you're daring and you're fearless, that you should have to apologize especially if you're a Black woman because they'll say you're an angry Black woman. She was not angry. She was audacious. She knew what she wanted to get done and she got it done."
Pridgen says some of Ricks' best work was done during her hardest times.”
Congratulations to her, her family, and the residents of this luxury affordable housing project that was her vision.
08/06/2020
This week, Council President Darius Pridgen stood with colleagues in government for the groundbreaking of Mount Aaron Village. This is a $20 million project on the East Side of Buffalo that will provide quality affordable housing. Congratulations to Pastor Dwayne Jones and the Mount Aaron Baptist Church, and all of the partners involved.
08/03/2020
On Friday, we stood with our colleagues in government to announce the Trailblazing Sign and naming of a street after a friend to the Ellicott District, Dr. Rhonda Ricks.
“Dr. Rhonda Ricks was one of those dreamers that could see the possibilities and endlessly worked until she accomplished those dreams .", said Council President Darius Pridgen. "Dr. Ricks deserves the naming of this new street, located in the middle of her dream project, as a lasting memorial to her hard work and dedication to this project, and to the City of Buffalo. We should all continue to work to accomplish our dreams, like Dr. Rhonda Ricks."
07/31/2020
Yesterday. We stools with members of UFCW District Union Local One as they fight for the continuation of “Hereos Pay” and Mandarory Mask usage by customers in their stores. Frontline and essential workers shouldn’t be put in harms way without harms pay.
07/30/2020
Yesterday, Council President Darius G Pridgen stood with ATU 1342 (Amalgamated Transit Union). The collective bargaining agreement between ATU and the NFTA has expired. Local 1342 has worked for 8 years with no pay increase. They have kept our city and county moving and deserve the increase.
07/20/2020
We have been working for the last few years to get a professional study done on the sinkhole problems in the Fruit Belt. We are now moving on the Fruit Belt Subsurface Study, and the first informational meeting will happen virtually this Wednesday, July 22 at 5:30pm. The information to login is in the flyer below. Please share with any residents of the Fruit Belt.
07/09/2020
Reminder Ellicott District: This Sunday is Bulk Trash pickup.
07/07/2020
Please be aware of the following community meetings regarding the redevelopment of Pilgrim Village.
4 COMMUNITY MEETINGS
When:
Two Meetings Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Two Meetings Wednesday, July 8, 2020
*Two outdoor meetings on each day to offer safety for attendees.
* Social distancing rules will be followed.
* All attendees are required to wear masks.
I. Two Meetings Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Times:
Meeting I: 6:00 pm
Meeting II: 7:30 pm
II. Two Meetings Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Times:
Meeting I: 6:00 pm
Meeting II: 7:30 pm
Where: Fosdick Field in front of City Honors School
Free Parking in School Lot
OUTSIDE EVENT Large Tent with social distancing set up.
PLEASE REGISTER: *** Each meeting is limited to 20 people. ***
Please Email [email protected] to Register.
FACEBOOK LIVE: All Outdoor Meetings will be streamed on Facebook Live on the Pilgrim Village page. Your follow up questions can be emailed to [email protected].
One (1 )COMMUNITY CALL: Register to join a group call on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 4:00 pm.
DETAILS
• Please call on July 8, 2020 at 4:00 pm.
• Call-in number: +1 712-832-8330 Access Code: 8129881#
• USING your MOBILE PHONE: One tap mobile: +1 712-832-8330,,8129881#
• On the call, developers will provide you an overview of the housing development.
• Callers can ask questions.
When: Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Time: 4 pm
07/06/2020
Buffalo Common Council
You can watch our caucus meeting here. These are preliminary discussions before our Council Meeting tomorrow.
06/23/2020
Please share and adhere to where to send your correspondence regarding the Police Oversight Committee on Thursday.
The comment period for the Thursday Police Oversight meeting has been extended to tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at noon.
In order to be put on the public record, please include your name and address. No anonymous messages will be considered and residents of the City of Buffalo get priority with all submissions.
To view all items for discussion, including new items from today's Council meeting, view our meeting portal:
http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2025
06/23/2020
Buffalo Common Council
Watch today's Common Council meeting here
http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2036
06/13/2020
Juneteenth 2020 Video
Happy Juneteenth from the Ellicott District! It's not our normal way of celebrating, but we are grateful that it was still observed virtually. Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this video. #Juneteenth
06/12/2020
Please be aware that Early Voting starts tomorrow. Ellicott District’s early voting site is First Centennial MBC 273 High Street. If you have not requested an absentee ballot, you have until June 16 to do so by mail or online.
Early voting begins at noon this Saturday, June 13, and runs until 6 pm weekends and from noon to 9 pm weekdays through Sunday, June 21.
For hours and locations, go to https://elections.erie.gov/Early-Voting.
For more information, call 858-8891.
06/08/2020
In light of the recent events, Council President Darius G Pridgen introduced these three resolutions that will be voted on at tomorrow’s Common Council Meeting. You can watch tomorrow’s meeting at 2pm at the Buffalo Common Council FB page.
06/04/2020
Buffalo Common Council
You can watch the Special Session of the Council regarding the City Budget now.
Special Session for the Budget
05/30/2020
Join the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc. for their mask, food, and testing event today, starting at 12pm at Niagara and Hudson Streets. Grateful that everyone is doing their part during this pandemic.
05/28/2020
Today, Council President Darius G Pridgen was joined by the families of Mark Croce and Douglas Jemal, and Mayor Brown to announce the sale of Statler City to Mr. Jemal.
As stated today, this jewel of a building is receiving another caregiver and the next visionary for this structure. Congratulations to the development teams and to the City of Buffalo.
05/19/2020
Buffalo Common Council
Watch today's Common Council Finance meeting going on live now.
The Council discussed several key budget issues at its Finance Committee. The agenda for the meeting is available at www.buffalony.gov/meetings
05/06/2020
Buffalo Common Council
Watch the Council's Public Hearing on the Mayor's Proposed Budget. To comment, comment on the Common Council video.
The Council heard comments from the public regarding Mayor Byron W. Brown's FY21 Recommended budget, which is available to view here: https://bit.ly/36kdJth
05/06/2020
Buffalo Common Council
You can watch the Council's Budget Hearing for Buffalo Board of Education here.
The Council heard a presentation from the Board of Education regarding their proposed FY21 budget.
05/06/2020
The Buffalo Common Council will reconvene on Facebook live on the Buffalo Common Council page at 10:00 AM to continue their hearings on the Mayor's proposed 2020-2021 budget. Today's hearings include the Board of Education and a Public Hearing.
During the public hearing, you are able to leave comments on the Facebook live comment feed, and your comments will be added to the public record. You can also email comments to [email protected] or call (716) 851-5105 to leave a verbal comment.
We look forward to hearing your opinions and feedback on this budget!
05/05/2020
Buffalo Common Council
You can watch today’s Common Council Budget Hearings here
The Council heard presentations from City departments on their portions of the FY21 Recommeneded budget, which is available to view here: https://bit.ly/36kdJth
04/28/2020
Buffalo Common Council
Watch today's Common Council meeting live!
The Council hosted its April 28th full session on Zoom for public viewing. Meeting agendas are available at www.buffalony.gov/meetings. To comment on anything discussed in these meetings, please email [email protected]
04/27/2020
Ellicott District residents receive disposable masks and gloves
On Friday, our office was able to pass out 1,000 masks and 1,000 pairs to Ellicott District residents. We understand the growing need for more PPE, and we are looking to obtain more for our senior centers and most vulnerable residents. We ask that you still maintain social distancing protocols and being safe while we are still dealing with this pandemic.
Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen spent part of his Friday distributing disposable masks and gloves to residents in the Ellico
Address
City Hall Room 1315
Buffalo, NY
14202
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Telephone
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Videos
Juneteenth 2020 Video
Happy Juneteenth from the Ellicott District! It's not our normal way of celebrating, but we are grateful that it was still observed virtually. Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this video. #Juneteenth
Ellicott District National Grid Update
Council update with Council President Darius G Pridgen. National grid is making improvements in the Ellicott district. Like and share this video with other constituents.
Buffalo Ellicott District Council Update with Council President Darius G Pridgen
Council Updates October 2019
Council Updates with Council President Darius G. Pridgen - Ellicott District
Archway Dedication and Ribbon Cutting
Back to School Event
Stop the madness basketball tournament going on now!
Operation Slumlord Presser
Join us for the 3rd Annual Stop the Madness Basketball tournament! Call the office to register 716-851-4980. Like and share this post!
Council President Darius Pridgen’s remarks from People Inc. Construction Kick-off event
Michigan Ave Archway groundbreaking
Groundbreaking for Buffalo Forge site
Listen to the remarks made by Council President Pridgen during the dedication of the new Buffalo Police & Fire Headquarters on Thursday. This move translates to a safer and more efficient Buffalo.
Ralph Wilson Foundation Announcement at LaSalle Park
Remarks after Concerned Clergy of WNY meeting with Law Enforcement
Ellicott District Back to School Event
Surrounded by other clergy and community members and groups, this is video from after the Emergency Community Meeting in the Fruit Belt. Council President Darius Pridgen and Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes address the media about the discussion.
Ground breaking for Northwest Bank
Awesome time at Roswell Park Peloton. Roswell Park does an amazing job with cancer research and treatment and is located in the Ellicott District! Words by Dr. Candance Johnson, President/CEO of Roswell Park and Council President Pridgen.
Here are remarks from our Councilman Darius G Pridgen at the Unveiling of Jesse Clipper Square on Memorial Day. He talks about the teamwork that went into creating “Jesse Clipper Square” in the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. This is another great location to visit in the Ellicott District! #greatplacetoworkliveandenjoy
Stop The Madness Basketball Tournament 2
Join Ellicott, Lovejoy, Masten and University District for the Stop the Madness Basketball tournament 2018.
Go Bills!
Let’s Go Buffalo!!! Buffalo Bills Rally!! We! Will! Go! All! The! Waaaayyyyyy!!!”’
Swearing in of Council President Darius Pridgen for another term!
Pop-up Clinic
Healthy Buffalo initiative which one of the Ellicott District staff members had a chance to attend the pop-up clinic.
Interview with Apostle Gelsey
Interview with Apostle Fredrick Gelsey
Senior Halloween Fun!
Council Updates September 2017 with Council President Darius G Pridgen and Summer youth interns
Council Updates October 2017
Council Updates with Council President Darius G Pridgen and guest Keyon Lee (Keyz YA Favorite Author).
Ellicott District day with Council president Darius G Pridgen and Mayor Byron Brown
Shortcuts
Category
Nearby government services
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Online Computer Repairing Services
Sweet Ave -
Between Doat Street and Genesee St
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Rejtan Street
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208 Norton Hall
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North Buffalo
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Buffalo
98 Martin Luther King Park -
Buffalo Fire Dept. Rescue Co. 1
1223 Jefferson Ave -
Buffalo Fire Department Truck 6
1229 Jefferson Ave -
Buffalo Fire Department Engine 21
1229 Jefferson Ave -
359 Riley St
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938 Genesee Street
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27 Masten Ave
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New York Army National Guard Buffalo NY Recru
27 Masten Ave -
New York Army National Guard - Buffalo,NY
27 Masten Ave
Other Government Organizations in Buffalo
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Army National Guard Recruiting Buffalo, NY
184 Connecticut Street -
New York Army National Guard Buffalo NY Recru
27 Masten Ave -
UB Global Health Scholars Track
77 Goodell St, Ste 240 -
US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District
1776 Niagara St -
Buffalo Fire Department Engine 23
3226 Bailey avenue -
1300 Elmwood Avenue
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Buffalo Fire Engine 31/ Truck 14
Bailey ave and Doat st -
Town of Tonawanda Police Department
1835 Sheridan Dr -
Erie County Veterans Service Agency
95 Franklin St, Ste 800 -
University at Buffalo Graduate School of Educ
367 Baldy Hall -
The Parent Network Of WNY Military and Vetera
1000 Main St -
Edward A. Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin St
Comments
Dear Councilman Pridgen .
While celebrating the fourth of July with your family please know That the 420 + softball players in the city will not be allowed to play this season.
We were lied to again By deputy Commissioner Andrew Rabb. We were told if we quarantined, wore masks, and social distanced we would be Granted phase 4 status and be allowed to return to the parks. Recreation is a big part of Phase 4.
Andy Rabb had months to get the parks department ready for phase 4. The leagues worked on plans to be able to play softball safely with proper safe distance standards developed by the States HHS. Mr. Rabb refuses to even look at our permit applications. Whenever Andy is forced to make a decision on adult recreation leagues he defaults to the needs of the “Youth Leagues” citing some secret passage in the city charter putting youth leagues ahead of Adult leagues. When pressed he never produces this secret passage he instead smugly says he is not required to produce the document but his word is law.
We do not take away fields or space from Youth Leagues but he uses that excuse to close fields and deny access to adult leagues.
Please find out why adult league permits were cancelled for this year. If the city is not able to afford the maintenance on the fields we suggested the parks department lease the diamonds to the leagues and we’ll pay for the upkeep. The suburban leagues start next week.
If recent events the last couple of weeks show anything It’s that the people and taxpayers are tired of Elected officials not listening to the voice of the people. Government should work towards the needs of the people not the other way around. We shouldn’t have to jump through hoops every year to get to use the fields our taxes and permit fees pay for. If the city can’t afford to maintain these fields they should be turned over to the leagues. The lying must stop. We ask for equal protection.
Please get back to me.
Thank you for your time and support.
Michael A. Damico 553-3839
Trailblazer unveiling for Irene Gault. Thank you Councilman Darius Pridgen and Ellicott District Council Staff for all of your help.
If you love books and animals, well this is the Saturday Academy foryou!!!!
We will bre welcoming the SPCA Of WNY along with the P.A W.S Adoption Van from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.
Children will have the opportunity to read to animals and families will have the option to adopt animals as well.
In addition to all that fun, we will be having character visits from your favourite comic book stories, comic book writing sessions as well as games of Book Bingo where every game has a winner, swimming, Basketball, crafts and so much more!
Come out and be a part of the greatest happenings in Buffalo, Strong Community Schools Saturday Academy's!
This will be epic and an event you won't want to miss!!!
See you there! 😊
Hey everyone we are putting the work In instilling better in our communities you want change in your community reach out and spread positive information that’s going to help change the community. WE ALL ARE SICK &TIRED OF LOSING LOVE ONES TO GUN VIOLENCE. Come Sign your children up M-F at 6:00. Football season is ending let’s keep these children active. I would like to challenge all of my friends and family to hit the SHARE BUTTON IT TAKE LESS THAN A SECOND TO DO THE TIME IS NOW.Full Circle Family Services are looking to sign up as many youth as possible. $25 1yr membership fee for the Delevan Grider. Here is a FREE After school Program M-F at the Delevan and Grider center fun filled schedule with different art mentoring programs stop the excuses and let’s make the changes, and remember the YOUTH is our future. Full Circle
https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/some-older-buffalo-homeowners-catch-a-tax-break-more-to-come/
THANK YOU
A change is coming to the city of Buffalo I'm coming home to run for office
Please help medical patients get access to cannabis flower !
To whom it may concern :
Medical cannabis is my medicine. NYS forces its medical patients to vape or take oils or capsules. We don’t have access to full plant medical cannabis. I am one of the people in this state that doesn’t absorb and metabolize THC/CBD via my digestive system due to weight loss surgery and lack of a gallbladder..... I use our products and it is better than nothing ...but please consider patients need full plant medicine .... flower ..... high THC and High CBD flower! We need to know the complete information on the products. It’s complete terpene / content / strain profile. Please look at successful medical programs in other states ..... they have access to full plant medicine .....cannabis without being broken down into oils or tinctures..... I should be able to choose my plant medicine. I should be allowed to grow my own effective medicine .... strains that work specifically for me. Cannabis has saved my life. I don’t want to vape. I want to not be ashamed I am a medical patient. My story is below and I feel you will get a better idea of a medical patients journey and quest for some type of quality of life ..... please share my story with others .... I am very open to sharing my situation further should you or anyone have any additional questions.
Meet Nikki Lawley, Cannabis Patient and advocate for the plant
Imagine having your entire life change in an instant. Almost 3 years ago, (10-11-2016) Nikki Lawley was an active pediatric nurse who enjoyed outings with her husband and dogs, often to nearby casinos where the 49 year old professional moonlighted as a card dealer in the past . A native of Buffalo, NY, Lawley had it all - until one fateful day when everything came crashing down.
“Life changed in a second , no warning , no preparation , just like that ..... BOOM”
Doing her job just like any other day at a busy pediatric office , During a routine vaccination, a child, frightened by needles head butted Lawley as she was restraining him from behind while another nurse attempted to vaccinate the 10 year old boy. Nikki was hit frontally and then bounced off a plaster wall and back into the boys head in a significant whiplash motion.
This was Lawley’s 3rd TBI and the one that changed her life forever. The impact was so severe that there was immediate left arm paralysis and weakness along with severe head and neck pain. Confusion ,disorientation and vision issues occurred at the same time.
Lawley was diagnosed with a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and cervical instability and was subsequently run through the mill of medical specialists, tests, and treatments. That was the last day she was able to work.
The once joyful, energetic nurse was all of a sudden plagued with intense headaches, issues with fine motor skills, sensitivity to light, and cognitive issues that caused her great emotional and physical pain.
When conventional treatments , medications and tests aggravated her symptoms, and desperate for relief, she eventually turned to medical cannabis out of desperation rather than it being presented as an option for treatment. Traumatic brain injury you only really understand it once you or a loved one suffers from it.
Life was very dark for Lawley at this time , the constant frustration of not being who she always was. So many of the side effects from the pharmaceuticals they tried caused Lawley to feel out of control and hopeless. Overwhelmed with the most simple of tasks , unable to do basic math , remember appts , to feed her pets , to feed herself . This once social , fun and active woman became a shell of who she was. Never wanting to leave the house or do anything at all socially .
Nikki’s husband for Christmas , purchased a gift for her , a trip to Las Vegas which normally would have been amazing. instead it was dreaded and all she saw was the negative and the fact of the pain of doing anything it would be aggravated while on vacation .
In January of 2017 while being in Vegas , severely depressed , Nikki spotted a mobile billboard advertising medical cannabis cards in Nevada. She mentioned this to her husband and he jumped at the chance for anything that could possibly help her as life seemed impossible for her.
She went to a cannabis clinic in Las Vegas and received her medical cannabis card for California. In Nevada they offer reciprocity for California patients. She then found her way to a medical dispensary and the bud tender recommended products at the time that took Lawley “off the ledge “. She was totally suicidal and she had gone as far as planning her death and writing letters.
Lawley states “cannabis saved my life that day, cannabis gave me hope for the future that day and the following days”
With her husband Jack by her side, Nikki began researching the potential benefits of medical marijuana. At the time, cannabis was available in NY but only in oil , pill and vape formulations. When leaving Las Vegas she assumed the same products would be available in her home state. Quickly realizing that this was not the case , Lawley had to find an option of anything. She was forced to medicate out of the country , In Canada where she has an address and access to Canadian Medical cannabis.
Unfortunately she can not bring her medical cannabis home because of it being international and a schedule 1 substance. As a result Lawley spends a lot of time with friends in Ontario so she can have some quality of life back by having access to full plant medicine. Nikki finds the most relief for her symptoms by smoking specific cannabis flower strains which are not available to medical patients in NY state. Lawley was hopeful
That the legalization bill would have passed for NY state because that would offer her the products she needs to be able to find relief.
Lawley registered as a New York State medical cannabis patient in May of 2017 hoping that medical dispensaries would provide her with a quality and affordable alternative to at least be in the comparable market of Ontario medical cannabis.
Since then she’s become frustrated by the limited scope, treatment options, and the high price tag on products available through New York’s program. Being on workers compensation for her injury initially all treatments for cannabis were denied. However ,recently through the appeals process her insurance company has been mandated to reimburse Lawley for her medical cannabis purchases.
She experimented with countless products, strains, and dosage forms, before arriving at the conclusion that smoked or vaporized cannabis flower, in its most natural form, provides her the most relief.
Nikki says it took her some time to find the correct strain with the specific terpene profile that worked for her. Nikki is a strong believer in the entourage effect, the idea that all of the phytocannabinoids present in cannabis flower work together to provide synergistic benefit, and the effect produced from these compounds is greater than the effect produced from any isolated compound(s) alone.
Terpenes are chemicals found in plants, including cannabis, responsible for the different aromas such as citrus, berry, spearmint, and evergreen. Terpenes can modulate the effect and uptake of cannabinoids and have therapeutic properties of their own. After seeing the difference that cannabis made in her life and realizing the grief she could save other patients, Nikki has become outspoken on the benefits of cannabis for head injuries.
She’s a member of online support groups for individuals that have suffered head injuries such as Brain Tumors, TBIs, concussions, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), the controversial neurodegenerative disease that is caused by repeated head injuries that can occur in sports like football, boxing and other combat and high impact sports. CTE was discovered in 2005 when Pittsburgh researchers examined brain tissue from deceased NFL players.
Nikki is supporting and consulting with organizations conducting studies with cannabinoids for the treatment of symptoms associated with CTE and other head injuries.
A warm soul, Nikki is passionate and infinitely interested in the benefits of cannabis, many of which are still being researched.
She is determined to help patients find access to medical cannabis products that provide them relief, in the hopes that no one has to suffer what she has.
Frequent trips across the border from her residence in Buffalo, NY to her so-called “safe house” in Ontario are uncomfortable, and often wear on Lawley. However, she is determined to continue her fight for better access for patients in New York - and beyond.
And while Lawley never thought she would become an outspoken medical cannabis advocate, she knows her journey as a patient is for the greater good and may have a far reaching impact, even more so than her previous life as a nurse.
At the end of the day Nikki hopes her story can inspire others to never give up , to live in the moment .....” embrace the journey you have been given and let the universe direct your path” . “Living in the past creates depression , living in the future creates anxiety , living in the moment creates peace and comfort. Enjoy life to its fullest . Cannabis saved my life and it has given me back a quality of life that I can appreciate so much. “ “Cannabis is my medicine and my hope is that others don’t have to suffer to the point I did .... cannabis should be offered as a treatment for TBI / Concussion symptoms. “