We are honored to share the inspiring story of a Tu Nidito teen whose journey has come full circle—from a grieving child seeking support, to a dedicated volunteer facilitator, to a proud fundraiser riding in El Tour de Tucson’s Ride for a Child program as part of the El Tour De Tucson. Her strength, generosity, and commitment to helping others shine brightly, and we’re grateful to celebrate her story with our community.

Finding Tu Nidito at Nine Years Old

At just nine years old, Kyla Kolomichuk and her brother came to Tu Nidito after the heartbreaking death of their little sister, who died of cancer. Their family joined Tu Nidito’s support group program for children who have a sibling with a serious medical condition, where they found understanding, connection, and a place where their grief was welcomed.

She remembers the relief of having a space where talking about her sister was encouraged. “There were definitely a lot of times I felt like people didn’t want me to talk about my loss or wanted me to keep it to myself,” she shared. “But Tu Nidito was a safe space where my brother and I could grieve and do crafts that helped us process our emotions.” She recalls spending hours in the Imagination Room playing out pretend hospital scenarios—a powerful part of her emotional processing at the time.

Coming Back as a Volunteer Facilitator

Now 16 and attending Tanque Verde High School, Kyla’s returned to Tu Nidito—this time as a Littles facilitator. A close friend, Ella, who also attended Tu Nidito as a child, encouraged her to volunteer.

“I realized that going back to help out was an opportunity, and I immediately signed up,” she said.

Volunteering hasn’t always been easy. “My personal experience has made it difficult because these kids have been through so much, and it’s hard knowing that other people are going through something like what I did,” she explained honestly. “Though I think it helps me connect with them.”

Even though she’s new to facilitating, she already knows what means the most: “Right now, the most meaningful part is knowing that there is even the chance that I could make any kid feel less alone in the world.”

Riding for a Child: Giving Back Through El Tour de Tucson

This year, she added fundraiser to her growing list of roles by participating in Ride for a Child during El Tour de Tucson. Though she’s raced El Tour many times, this was her first time riding to support Tu Nidito.

“I stumbled across the opportunity to ride in support of an organization I care a lot about,” she shared. “It was honestly so much fun raising money for Ride for a Child, and I’m really glad I did it.”

She completed the 34-mile ride alongside a close friend—no intense training, just trust, experience, and the joy of riding for a meaningful cause. “Participating in El Tour as part of my connection to Tu Nidito was really meaningful. It felt like a wonderful way to continue giving back and honoring my sister.”

Why Ride for a Child Matters

Her message to the community is simple and powerful:

“Tu Nidito ensures that no one has to grieve alone, and that every person’s pain doesn’t have to be carried by themself. This mission is so important for everyone who has experienced loss, and Ride for a Child keeps Tu Nidito able to do these things.”

A Full-Circle Journey

Reflecting on her journey—from a grieving child to a compassionate helper—she says:

“When I first joined Tu Nidito, I was nine years old and in need of support. Now I get the opportunity to be the person who supports those kids in need of help. It’s magical to know that I could be a part of anything even remotely close to helping someone grieving alone. Fundraising felt so good—to give back and honor my sister.”

We are incredibly proud of her, grateful for her service, and honored to walk alongside her as she continues to transform her grief into healing—for herself and for others.