Dear Friends,

Gratitude is on my mind this month. I am grateful for our amazing volunteers and group coordinators who guided our families through Dia de los Muertos celebrations over the last few weeks. These evenings are so special for all of us because children, teens and caregivers share memories of their loved one who has died. The evenings are filled with tears, laughter and joy as we connect over memories and favorite foods and the music played by our longtime volunteer, Bruce Phillips.

On November 2 nd we celebrated “Day of the Bread” with our wonderful friends from Si Charro. The Flores Family created “Day of the Bread” to honor the traditions of Dia de los Muertos, bringing bread makers from across the community to The Monica for an evening of delicious food and celebration. In addition to hosting the event, the family donates proceeds to support our work at Tu Nidito.

I am excited to share that we have 42 cyclists on our Ride for a Child team who are ready to ride in El Tour on November 18 th. We welcome the team to Tu Nidito this coming Friday for a carb packed dinner provided by Sauce Pizza. The riders will have the chance to hear from some Tu Nidito families who will share how Tu Nidito impacts their lives.

Thanksgiving can be difficult for those grieving the death of a loved one. It is hard to feel grateful when your special person’s chair is empty. I want to encourage you to tap into your memories and share them with your friends and family as you gather this Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Liz McCusker, 

Executive Director

What's Happening at the Nest...

Spooktacular: A Night of Belonging, Joy, and Gratitude at Tu Nidito

When someone in the family is battling a serious illness or has died, festive occasions can be a painful reminder of the sorrow lingering. Spooktacular, organized by Tu Nidito’s Program Assistant Director and volunteers, was more than just a Halloween celebration; it was a night of healing, belonging, and pure joy. It was a special night designed to give families a much-needed break from the stress and sadness that can often accompany such challenging circumstances.

The event kicked off at 5:45 pm, and from the moment families started arriving, it was clear that something magical was about to happen. Children, dressed in their creative costumes, couldn’t wait to pet the goats and ducks from TRAK's Petting Zoo. The "Monster Mash" song signaled the start of one of the musical chair games, and the room came alive with energy. Parents enthusiastically supported  and encouraged their kids as they competed in the games.

For a moment, the weight of their daily challenges lifted. There was no rush, no worries, and no burdens. The biggest concern was aiming correctly to land a ring on a ghost's hat or catching the biggest fish in the fishing game. It's a stark contrast to the often chaotic and stressful lives these families lead, a night of pure treats without any tricks.

One touching aspect of Spooktacular is the opportunity for caregivers and children to express their gratitude. At one of the event stations, participants were encouraged to dip their hands in paint and leave their handprints on posters.

While the children left colorful handprints on the posters, caregivers wrote messages expressing their appreciation for Tu Nidito's volunteers. These posters are now proudly displayed throughout Tu Nidito, our "Little Nest."

As the night came to a close, children and teens left with bags brimming with candy and smiles that lit up the space. The adults left with full hearts.

This was the first-ever Spooktacular at Tu Nidito… certainly won’t be the last.

Our Ride For A Child Team ROCKS!

Fun Ways to Support Tu Nidito

THANK YOU!

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