Meet Nikki Sheets. Nikki and her daughter, Sage, first came to The WARM Place after the death of Sage’s father. While visiting the cemetery, a mother and her young adult daughter approached them, offered comfort, and shared their own experience with The WARM Place. That brief conversation planted a seed of hope, and Nikki reached out soon after. Nikki and Sage began attending grief support groups a year following Chad’s death, and they’ve now been part of The WARM Place family for about three years.
Tell us about your experience at The WARM Place.
“We have really enjoyed it. I feel like it’s helped my daughter grieve a little easier and lets her know she’s not alone during this hard time. It has taught her ways to express her grief in a safe and healthy way. We’ve both benefited just by being able to connect with each other and understand that all feelings are normal. Listening to other parents and hearing how they help their children, and different ideas, has helped me be a better mom to her.”
The Chaddy Woo Woo Gang
For the past two years, Nikki and Sage have participated in The WARM Place’s Race 2 Remember Them (R2RT), creating their team, Chaddy Woo Woo Gang, in honor of Sage’s father. The name has a deeply personal connection — it was the nickname his mother always used for him, with his name being Chad. And their impact has been remarkable. In both years they’ve participated, the Chaddy Woo Woo Gang has earned WARM Place Warrior (raising $300+) or Champion (raising $1,000+) fundraising status.
What do you think made your efforts so successful?
“I think people saw the improvement in my daughter and know how much The WARM Place has helped her. Everyone wants to help so children can continue to benefit from this program.”
What would you say to someone who is thinking about racing this year and creating a team?
“Just do it. It’s so special to see so many people, and you just feel the love while you’re there.” Nikki and Sage look forward to continuing their participation in the Race 2 Remember Them this year! “As long as my daughter wants to, then yes — we will attend the R2RT every year. It’s a nice way to remember him and give him a morning to just focus on him.”
Are you interested in racing? Or maybe you want to create a team in honor of a loved one. Click here for more information or to register for the 2026 R2RT!
