Serving the community since 1926
WEEK OF JULY 10, 2025
VOLUME 98 | ISSUE 32
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Locals make case for Medicaid
Colorado Alpenglow players named WUL All-Stars
Family, nonprofit healthcare organizations discuss impacts of potential cuts BY ISABEL GUZMAN IGUZMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Tim and Kara Norick of the Littleton area adopted their secondyoungest son of six children, Malakai, from China in 2016, when he was almost 3 years old. Malakai was found on a bridge in China at just days old in dire medical condition and was rushed to a hospital in Shanghai, where he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, organ failure and other complex medical conditions. After almost three years in an orphanage, Malakai was adopted and brought to join his new family near Littleton. After being treated at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Malakai was diagnosed with Opitz G/BBB Syndrome — a rare condition affecting the entire midline of his body. “Think about anything that crosses through your midline like your digestive system, your trachea, your lungs, even your eyes and your nose, are all impacted by the syndrome,” Tim Norick said. Now almost 12, Malakai has undergone several surgeries and treatments, and even received a custom-built larynx, or “voice box.” The Noricks have private health insurance to keep up with Malakai’s medical costs and use Medicaid, or government issued health insurance, to supplement. “Children’s Hospital gave us a caseworker off the bat and we were very grateful for that because they were able to do a lot of the front work (setting up) Medicaid support (which) we’ve had since the very beginning,” Kara Norick said. Medicaid helped cover costs for Malakai’s growth hormone medication, something the Noricks’ private insurance wouldn’t pay for. Additionally, Kara Norick said their primary insurance paid for feeding tubes, but not for Malaki’s Malone tube, a small tube that empties bowels. Medicaid paid for Malakai’s Malone tube equipment. Because of the several times Medicaid was able to cover costs for Malakai’ health, the Noricks are avid supporters of preserving Medicaid.
Pro ultimate frisbee players to represent the best in Wisconsin BY JOHN RENFROW JOHN@COTLN.ORG
For the first time, an All-Star showdown is set between the Western Ultimate League and the Premier Ultimate League during the 2025 United Frisbee Association Championship weekend. Three Colorado Alpenglow players are making the trip to Madison, Wisconsin, on Aug. 23 to represent the WUL. The Alpenglow is an ultimate frisbee team of women and nonbinary players that plays at the Pinnacle Athletic Complex in Thornton. Founded in 2022, the Alpenglow has seen quick success, and the team is the reigning 2024 WUL Champions. Colorado’s Allysha Dixon, Jade McLaughlin and Abby Thorpe are joining 17 other WUL All-Stars from the seven teams in the league and will take on 20 players representing the PUL. Surprisingly, WUL Offensive Player of the Year Ari Nelson, also on the Alpenglow, didn’t make the All-Star team. The rosters were determined by fan voting and team nominations. According to the WUL’s website, “these players represent the best of what both leagues have to offer — elite skills, unmatched athleticism and leadership on and off the field. More than just a showcase of talent, this event is a celebration of the community, the progress, and the players pushing professional women’s and nonbinary ultimate forward.” Tim and Kara Norick and their son, Malakai, traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Medicaid.
SEE MEDICAID, P4
COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO
VOICES: 8 | PUZZLES: 11 | CLASSIFIEDS: 12
SEE ALL-STARS, P7
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