Mother with disabled daughter surprised at work with $10,000 from Secret Santa
Published at
A Secret Santa has asked EastIdahoNews.com to help him give away $200,000 to deserving people and families living in east Idaho. From now until Christmas, Santa’s “elves” will be delivering surprises to many in our community. Some of the deliveries will be recorded – many will not. If you’d like to nominate someone for a Secret Santa surprise, click here.
Karen Nickey is a working, single mom who cares for her only daughter Kassidy.
Kassidy was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age 6 and Karen was told that she would likely not live to be an adult. Kassidy is now 21 and Karen has dedicated her life to caring for her wonderful daughter.
Part of this involves driving Kassidy places in a wheelchair accessible van. Right now, Karen is rolling in a 1980s van with no power lift.
Recently Karen had to take Kassidy to Salt Lake City for her wheelchair fitting and the van broke down on the side of the road at night during a winter storm. They were stranded and had to call for an ambulance that was able to get Kassidy out safely.
During the summertime, there is no air conditioning in the van. Karen works to keep Kassidy from getting overheated by placing cold clothes on her.
They live in a humble home with Karen’s mother that they are heating with space heaters.
Secret Santa wanted to give the Nickeys a special gift so he sent the EastIdahoNews.com elves over with a Christmas check!
