Wash ashore with us at Hilton El Conquistador Tucson on Saturday May 9, 2026 at 6:00pm for The Remarkable Celebration! We can’t wait to see you in your best beachy attire or business casual outfit. This year we will honor five remarkable moms. We celebrate Mothers because they are the heart of our community. Over the past 24 years we have celebrated 126 women who represent the wide diversity of Southern Arizona and come from all walks of life. Each honoree speaks to our mission to create a compassionate community of acceptance and understanding for those grieving a death or serious medical condition. These women are mentors, advocates and role models and share their experiences to help ensure No Child Grieves Alone.

The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and live music provided by GILLIGAN’S ISLAND (The Band)! Tickets available soon.

For sponsorship or silent auction opportunities, email [email protected] or call 520-322-9155.

Dr. Liz Almli was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, a place she will always call home. Her healthcare career began as an ICU nurse at the VA Hospital. Although bedside nursing was deeply rewarding, she chose to pursue her dream of becoming a physician and entered medical school. As a single mother, it was challenging to balance the demands of parenting with the intensity of medical training, but she was determined to model perseverance and commitment for her young son. During her anesthesiology residency, she recognized that traditional medical practice structures left little room for family life, particularly for working mothers who were often forced to choose between professional success and being present for their families. Together with a fellow resident, who was also a single mom, they left the security of a large group practice to create their own unique, family-friendly anesthesia group: a space where physicians could job-share, support one another, and prioritize both excellent patient care and meaningful family time.

In 2005, Liz was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, a life-altering experience that reshaped her perspective and deepened her understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced by survivors and their families—especially young mothers navigating treatment and the demands of parenting. As a co-founder and President of the nonprofit Tucson Cancer Conquerors, she has dedicated herself to empowering survivors of all ages to live healthier lives through exercise, nutrition, education, and peer support. Passionate about the role exercise plays in cancer prevention and recovery, she is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and volunteer fitness instructor for TCC. Now more than 20 years cancer-free, she lives life with deep gratitude, cherishing time with her husband and growing family, and feeling profoundly blessed to watch her grandchildren grow.

For more than 25 years, Lynda Weigel-Firor has dedicated her career as an independent consultant and grant writer to strengthening nonprofits and the communities they serve. She chose the flexibility of independent work not for convenience, but out of love, so she could be fully present for her children after her daughter was diagnosed with Autism and her son faced early developmental delays and, later, an ADHD diagnosis. Meeting their needs often meant 20 to 30 hours a week of therapy, advocacy, and unwavering commitment.

Lynda turned her lived experience into service. She became deeply involved with the Autism Society of Southern Arizona, co-leading a Parent Peer Support Group for four years and helping families navigate the often overwhelming journey of raising a child with Autism. She also founded the first fully inclusive Girl Scout troop for neurodivergent girls, co-leading it for a decade and proudly watching her daughter earn her Gold Award. At the same time, she volunteered with the Boy Scouts Catalina Council, where her son achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Lynda continues her service to the community as a member of the board of Greater Tucson Leadership and is working to solve the affordable housing crisis for adults with Autism through Promoting Independence. She also serves on the Roots and Roads Task Force to explore the creation of a community-based Center for Ritual and Remembrance.

In 2024, Lynda experienced the unimaginable loss of her son, followed by a cancer diagnosis in 2025. Even in the face of profound grief and serious illness, she continues to work, serve, and give back. Her journey has connected her with others, especially mothers walking similar paths, creating spaces of compassion, mutual support, and shared understanding. Through resilience, faith, and community, Lynda continues to transform personal hardship into purpose, helping others find strength, healing, and hope.

Lindsay Knott is the Executive Vice President of Mosaic Quarter, a landmark privately funded sports and entertainment destination transforming Southern Arizona through inclusive growth and visionary leadership. She also serves as Chair of the Board for the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is the Immediate Past President of CREW Tucson, where she has championed economic empowerment, opportunity, and the advancement of women in commercial real estate.

Her leadership has been recognized with honors including Tucson Lifestyle’s Woman Visionary, 40 Under 40, Woman of Influence – Outstanding Entrepreneur, and NextGen Rising Star Leader. Known for her ability to unite sectors, elevate community voices, and lead with conviction, Lindsay is a respected force in both business and civic life.

Yet the role she treasures most is being a mother. Lindsay is the proud mom of three children—Rebekah (27), Savannah Kay (22), and Mason (15)—and three cherished bonus children, Clara (22), Trey (20), and Charleigh (17). A survivor of domestic violence, she has fought fiercely to protect her children and navigate the court system in pursuit of safety and justice. Most recently, her strength as a mother has been tested as she walked beside her eldest daughter through a cancer diagnosis and life-changing surgery. Above all else, motherhood is Lindsay’s greatest calling—one defined by courage, advocacy, and unwavering love.

Angelica Sharpe is a Tucson native whose life is rooted in family, faith, and community. A devoted wife and mother of three daughters, she approaches motherhood with grace, intention, and selflessness. Known for her authenticity and compassion, Angelica has a natural ability to create meaningful connections and leads her family with love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to putting others first.

Angelica is the founder of Lainy’s Light Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children fighting pediatric cancer and their families. Through hands on outreach, advocacy, and community partnerships, she works to bring comfort, hope, and encouragement to families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. Her passion for service and deep empathy for others continue to make a meaningful impact throughout the Tucson community.

Dr. Melissa Zukowski is a dedicated and accomplished healthcare professional with a career deeply rooted in her academic journey at the University of Arizona. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2001 and went on to earn both her medical degree and a Master’s in Public Health, with a focus on maternal and child health, from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Melissa has carved out a career that seamlessly integrates her dual board certifications in Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics. Her early career highlights include directing the Pediatric Emergency Department at Tucson Medical Center and contributing significantly to the Adult and Pediatric Emergency Departments at Banner University Medical Center – Tucson. Her leadership skills have been recognized through her recent promotion to Clinical Professor and her current role as Senior Director, Associate Chief Medical Officer. In this capacity, she is passionate about enhancing hospital operations, spearheading quality and safety projects, and fostering an exemplary healthcare environment for both patients and her teams.

Beyond her professional accolades, Dr. Zukowski is deeply engaged in quality improvement and the prevention of childhood traumatic injuries. Her commitment to these causes is evident through her work with the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona and her role as Co-Chair of the Arizona AAP Pediatric Prepared Emergency Center Steering Committee. Her journey with Tu Nidito began in 2000 as a volunteer, where she spent seven years supporting children and families dealing with serious illness and grief, profoundly influencing her pre-medical career. Melissa’s personal life is equally rewarding; she loves traveling, attending sporting events, and cherishing moments with her family. Married to Tom and mother to their amazing daughter, Sophia, she delights in watching Sophia excel academically and athletically, embodying the spirit of a supportive and remarkable mom.

Karen and Ron Hess