INTRODUCING OUR REMARKABLE MOMS!

Candace is the proud and dedicated mother of two sons and the loving and supportive wife of 26 years with her husband Reggie. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a child, she deeply understands the impact of a life changing-diagnosis at a young age. In 2018, when Candace lost her mother, the grief was overwhelming for her and her boys. Candance prioritized helping her sons process their grief in a healthy and support way as grief presented differently for each of them. Now, she draws on those experiences to connect and empathize with others facing similar struggles. As co-chair of the University of Arizona’s Parents and Family Association Advisory Board, she supports students and families in adjusting to college life.

Michelle is mother two children and also the CEO of TMCOne. Michelle has been a leader in the healthcare community for more than 20 years where she has focused on expanding access to care for adults. She is viewed as a mentor by professional women starting a career in healthcare administration. Apart from raising her own children, she has stepped up in the midst of family tragedy. When her sister-in-law suddenly passed away in July 2021, leaving her brother-in-law to raise for children, Michelle did not hesitate to coordinate the family’s move from Alabama to Tucson, where she could better assist the grieving family. Despite the tragedy, Michelle ensured her family would have the help and support they needed.

Rhonda is the mother to two children. She sacrificed everything for her daughters when her loving husband John died of colon cancer in 2009. Having lost her mother in 1997 when she was a young mom and her dad to dementia a few years before losing her husband, Rhonda remained determined to keep life on track for her daughters and take care of John. The grief took a great toll on her but she found strength in her community. Rhonda and her two daughters, Amanda and Maddie, attended group at Tu Nidito. Rhonda and Maddie attended Children-to-Children and Amanda attended the Young Adult group. They were all touched by the connections they made at Tu Nidito and inspired, through sharing their experience, others who also experienced loss.

Michele is the proud mother of five children. After two complicated pregnancies, Michele and her husband Luis, were advised not to try for more children. When her doctor suggested IVF, Michele and Luis were overjoyed to discover that they were expecting twins. Unfortunately, the twins were born prematurely at 23 weeks and 1 day. After 42 hours, Louie passed away, and after spending 7.5 months in NICU, Annabelle also lost her battle. The family was devastated by their loss. Michele has channeled her grief into meaningful action. She volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, and alongside Luis, established “Annabelle and Louie’s Loving Libraries” to support NICU families at Banner, St. Joe’s and TMC hospitals.

Liz is mother to three children and Nana to ten grandchildren. Her career in public service spans over 30 years, beginning in Tucson’s public libraries. Her tenure includes multiple leadership positions of which she was the first Latina to hold these roles. Liz and her beloved husband of 50 years, Marc A. Miller, together experienced many joys and confronted many challenges. In 2022, they dealt with Liz’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The following year, Marc died unexpectedly. Finding solace in her Catholic faith and with assistance from her children, family, and friends, Liz has been on a journey to process her grief. She in turn has helped loved ones with their sorrow.

2025 REMARKABLE CELEBRATION!

SAVE THE DATE! Tu Nidito is excited to honor our Remarkable Moms at our Remarkable Celebration on Saturday May 10, 2025 at the Hilton El Conquistador Tucson. This year’s theme is “HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHILE YOU’RE IN THE WORLD” and we’re livening things up with Candle In The Wind: The Elton John Experience. You do not want to miss this, so be on the lookout for our event registration opening soon.

For sponsorship opportunities contact meghan@tunidito.org.

For silent auction opportunities contact geramee@tunditio.org.

HAPPENINGS AT THE NEST

At Tu Nidito this month, we are reading the books “In My Heart” by Jo Witek and “Love” by Mat DeLa Peña and Loren Long. We are sharing about the love we feel in our hearts for our special person. We are also sharing if the death of our special person affected how we feel love or how we show love to others. Tu Nidito Littles will give colors to their emotions and fill in their hearts with those colors to visualize all those feelings and their intensity.

At Tu Nidito, we understand that love doesn’t “go away” when someone dies. Our hearts are still full with feelings for our special persons. This Valentine’s Day, if you or someone you know is grieving, consider honoring that love in a way that is meaningful to you.

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