Featured CDH International’s Arizona State Representative is Nicki Young. Nicki is the mother to CDH survivor Anderson and the sister to CDH angel Riley.
Nicki Young is the mother of Anderson, born on September 21, 2012. At her 38 week checkup, 8 days prior to Anderson’s birth, they learned that he had left sided CDH. This was not detected on his 18-week ultrasound. Anderson spent 28 days in the NICU at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, AZ. During the first few hours of life, Anderson was on “stand by” to be life-flighted to another local hospital and placed on ECMO. Fortunately, they were able to stabilize Anderson. He had his repair laparoscopically at 3 ½ days old and taken off all breathing machines by 9 days. Nicki’s oldest brother Riley Kimball Worthen, passed away from CDH in Utah, early in the 70’s, after living only 8 hours. Anderson and his uncle share the same middle name of Kimball. This was planned BEFORE they found out Anderson had CDH. Anderson still has some complications that stem from being born with CDH. He loves life and is so happy all the time, despite some medical setbacks. In addition to her son and brother, her cousin’s grandson was also born with CDH and is a healthy toddler today!
Nicki is the Arizona State Representative and lives in Mesa, AZ. She is married to her husband, Kevin, and have a blended family of 10 children. Nicki was born and raised in a large family of 11 children (9 living) in a northern suburb of Chicago. Nicki graduated from BYU-I, works at their elementary school, is active on the school PTO executive board and volunteers with her church. Nicki loves meeting and reaching out to other families affected by CDH.
