March is National Social Work Month, a time to honor the essential work performed by social workers out in the community. We would like to extend special recognition to the social workers we partner with throughout Southern Arizona. These social workers entrust us with their own clients for extra support. We honor their dedication to help infants, children, and families cope with the stress and trauma resulting from the diagnosis of a serious medical condition or death. And today, we also express gratitude to our Program Director Amanda Marks, MSW whose expertise is instrumental to the work we do. Together, we all share a mission and vision to create a compassionate community of acceptance and understanding for those grieving a serious medical condition or death, so that no child grieves alone.
Since its beginning, Tu Nidito has committed itself to supporting children with serious medical conditions and their families. Our Pathways program has flourished from that commitment. Pathways provides one-on-one support for families with a child who has a serious medical condition. Our support specialists meet families at Tu Nidito, hospitals, their homes, or another location in the community. The family’s plan of care is completely customized and scheduled to accommodate their needs. We support the child, caregivers, and siblings who may feel neglected. Pathways is the only program in Southern Arizona of its kind. For many families, it will be the only support they receive designed with the singular purpose to meet their needs related to grief throughout the medical journey.
To understand the heart of this program, let us tell you about Jimmy Busey. At the age of 5, Jimmy was diagnosed with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor, and throughout the illness, his devoted mother, Teri, often made him a comfort corner on his family sectional couch, calling the space “his little nest.” Teri made sure this space was always there for Jimmy throughout his medical treatments. Jimmy died right before the end of first grade. To honor him, and the space Teri made—we became Tu Nidito—your little nest—to convey the spirit of what we do. In the tragic outcome a child dies while in our Pathways program, we continue to support the family, and we do all of this completely free of charge.
We need your help to continue this work. While the program is free for participants, it costs Tu Nidito $350 to support a family for one month. When you give to Tu Nidito, whether you are purchasing a ticket to an event or making an outright donation, 92% of every dollar we receive goes directly to our programs—to support children like Jimmy.
In the spirit of that support, tickets are now for sale for our annual gala, The Remarkable Celebration. On Saturday May 9th, 2026 we will honor five exceptional women whose lives speak to our mission. At the gala, we will enjoy an elegant dinner, GILLIGAN’S ISLAND (The Band) will provide the music, and we will share our honorees’ stories—so please join us for what is sure to be a fun, memorable, and heartfelt evening.
With gratitude,
