Meet 100 families who brought brightness to 2021

Prior to getting pregnant with my son, I miscarried with my first child at 6 weeks. My best friend Melissa, who also experienced pregnancy loss, was my rock during my post-loss depression and called me every single day to check in on me. 6 weeks after my loss, I found out I was pregnant again, and so was she, and now we share rainbow babies 3 weeks apart. She’s my hero, and deserves this for her and her 2 girls!

Amy (mom of the family) is *always* putting others before herself and paving the best path for her family. I was with Amy last year when I found out we were pregnant after trying for a while, and then a couple months later she was the shoulder I cried on when we lost the baby. Now we are pregnant again and Amy & her kids have showered us with love & kindness and showing her kids what it’s like to give to others (even though money is tight) - and that compassion is the best gift of all.

My friend in an RN working in WA State. She put in countless hours during the height of covid. Spring 2021 she found she was pregnant with twins. Despite HG she continued to work until just before having the babies. She also is active in pet rescue and adoption. Right now, she is helping a friend raise awareness for AML and supporting them as they behind treatments for their young child. Breanne is the most selfless person I know.

My sweet sister in law Amanda (the one who got me addicted to tubby Todd) was tragically taken from us by covid at the early age of 33. She leaves behind a 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter. She was the best mother and friend anyone could ask for. She always did her research and found tubby Todd was the best for her babies and then shared it with me. I am nominating my brother in her honor for their kids🦋

The smith family has been battling their sweet son Charlie’s stage 4 neuroblastoma for 4 years. This week they got the news the cancer is no longer curable. They have kept their faith through this whole journey and have showered Charlie boy with love and support.

No matter what the go through this Family of 5 always stay faithful , never look down , help others when they losing themselves.Its been a hard 2 years fir them and they deserve something special .kids are honored roll and they are all into community help and loving they neighbor. Thanks

The Witt’s (Kevin and Micheale) have 4 boys. Their youngest is 2, and was diagnosed with a rare (only 50 in world) genetic disorder that will severly disable him for life. Because it’s such a rare disease there are limted resources, so his parents are creating a non profit to help children with diseases that are “too rare to care”. Kevin is a high school teacher and Micheale is a part time MFT. They work tirelessly to care for all their children and also are growing a garden wifh fresh produce for their family & neighbors. They love and care for their boys!

They inspire me, because they do anything necessary for their children. Cadie, the mom recently had to quit her job because their oldest, Gunner, is special needs and needed to start going to therapy 4 days a week. He is 6 and they have never been able to find out what was wrong with him, but she read and researched until she found it herself. Quitting her job put a lot of stress on her husband financially, but they never complained, just keep pushing to make sure their oldest received the therapy he needed. I feel like they’re very deserving.

I never knew how hard it would be to have a baby at a time that none of my friends had babies. Catherine was the first of the group to start her family with kids and I wish I had known how to support new parents better, because boy did they ever show us when we had our first! You g parents of 2 boys (Ari-3 yrs , Shiloh- 6 months), and home to the boys’ three aunties, they have a full (small) house, and deserve all the love!

This family has been neighbors of mine for 2 years. Throughout this time, they have lost and gained loved ones. Military orders brought them to Virginia in 2020. She was pregnant with her first child and he worked on submarines and was always deployed. Within their first couple of months living in Virginia the Covid virus happened, he lost 2 brothers. The first brother was 21 and died of cancer, the second brother was 18 and he took his own life. Their newborn was delivered the day of the 21 year olds memorial. This little girl gave them hope.

He’s a great father to 3 boys, out of work, and could use this extra help. It’s the small things that matter the most!

After a traumatic birthing experience in April 2021, Emily was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in October. Emily is a Crossfit/nutrition coach and teacher. She can no longer work and is undergoing chemo and immunotherapy treatments. She will never be cured of this Cancer, only treated for the remainder of her life. Even with this horrifying news, she remains strong, optimistic, and continues to fight her way through in order to be there for her 8-month-old baby boy and husband. She is truly an inspiration to all mothers, including myself.

Maddie is a Mother of 3 daughters ages 4, 2, and 8 months. She is a super human. When I had my daughter 10 months ago, she was very pregnant, working full time as a nutritionist for a school district, balancing life with two her two tots. In the midst of her busy schedule, she still managed to make me weeks worth of meals and nutritional energy lactation balls, etc the week that I had my daughter. Her daughters have inherited her energy and they love to play outside and get dirty, so this would be perfect for them

My daughter, Emily, is a survivor of domestic violence. She is a single mom of two little boys, one of which has several special needs. When she found out she was pregnant with her youngest son she immediately knew she needed to leave her significant other who had been abusing her for years. Emily started over from scratch and has built a beautiful life for her and her boys She’s a force to be reckoned with. They do struggle, and that’s why I know this would help them so much. She’s an amazing mom and those kids deserve the world.

Brad, Candace and baby Eloise make up the helpful hearts Gibson family. A special education public school teacher, Candace also devotes time to helping support parents of special needs children outside of school. As if careers and a new baby didn’t keep them busy enough, this family is also involved in dog rescue, having fostered and adopted their own two dogs. They continue to educate the community on spay, neuter and adopt, as well as, volunteer with local rescues and transport rescued dogs between Pennsylvania, WNY and Rochester. The world needs more families like the Helpful Hearts Gibson’s!

Kaitlyn inspires me because of how incredibly strong and determined she is. She has an 8 month old daughter and is soon to be graduating from college, she inspires me to never give upon my educational goals with my own daughter. She is kind, passionate, and such a great mom to her daughter Kailey. She is an inspiration to all moms!

Kelsey was diagnosed with POTS last year, an autoimmune heart condition that can be absolutely devastating without the right medication. Through all the medical tests, struggles and daily challenges, she has continued to be a loving and supportive mother, staying positive while facing her illness. Austin is supportive of her and works to maintain their household. They both love their children so much, doing whatever they can to ensure they have a healthy and comfortable life. On top of that, their family worked to raise money for all people facing POTS. They inspire me daily.

The Mackley family inspires me in many ways. They are a family of 7, with kids on both sides from past relationships/marriages. They are the best parents I have seen, and have becomes the best big family. The youngest just turned 1 and is the only boy, then they have a 5 year old who loves unicorns, a 7 year old daughter with Down syndrome who is thriving, a 11 year old who loves basketball, and a 15 year old freshman! Blessing this family would mean the world to me!

I met Toni through social media and she is the sweetest girl with the sweetest little family. She works so hard and worked through everything these past couple of years as an essential worker at WalMart. She is now going to school to be a medical assistant and she’s just such a hard worker for her family. We always send each other links to Tubby Todd sales because we are both obsessed, but I know affording it isn’t easy for them. This would be so amazing for the Cooper family!!

Kristy and Joe Sofio started fostering children in 2018 at their Arizona home. They’ve since had their own child with a second baby on the way, but stayed in touch with the foster families once the children reunited with their mothers. The Sofios moved back to Kristy’s family hometown this year, but kept their Arizona home to allow one of the foster families (mother and children) to live in so they can get back on their feet. They are also converting their new current home into a partial event space for community members to use for free.

While juggling two small children, my friend Katie gave birth to her third baby as her husband watched via Face-time during his 10 month deployment at sea. Additionally, her family was dealing with her father's pancreatic cancer diagnosis and ultimately had to say "goodbye" to him in September 2021. Not only did Katie and her family endure all of these hardships within a year, that did stop them from being encouraging to friends (such as myself) and serving their community, all while they were personally struggling. No one has shown more grace, strength, and courage than the Hulsey family.

He has been single handly been raising his daughter on his own. He works so hard and is a loving man. His daughters mother did not want to raise her so he stepped up and has been an inspiration to me.

This family has been through so much this year. Baby Crew was born @ 27 weeks via emergency c-section. Crew suffered bowel perforation, blood infection, Grade 4 brain bleed, & subsequent brain injury which destroyed most of the left side of his brain tissue. This came with emotional & physical exhaustion for his family. He was in the NICU for 93 days, they were told he wouldn't survive multiple times. The parents are truly hero's. While never missing a day with Crew, they still loved on their other three kids, had such a positive attitude & kept their faith at the center of everything.

This past year as been filled with both highs and lows but The Spearman’s kept their faith! They experienced pregnancy loss but remained hopeful and shared their story to help many other couples as well. Kristen, my friend of 15 years became more than a friend but a confidant as my family experienced a miscarriage as well this year! We have many fun times together but I think we will both agree that our friendship was defined when we were able to support one another during such trying times.Now we are 9 weeks apart in welcoming our rainbow babies!

The Flecks are an incredible family. They had a beautiful baby girl and weeks after the husband was diagnosed with cancer. He has been undergoing chemo for months now. Thankfully he is doing well, but they have not been able to enjoy this new chapter with a baby. Instead he is fighting for his life. This would be a huge encouragement for them and take off some of the financial stress from them. Thank you in advance.

The Wallach Family has faced more challenges in such a short period of time with sweet baby Audrey receiving her new hero heart. Mom and dad have done such an amazing job balancing family, work, and Audrey’s complex medical needs. Yet, through it all they ALL had smiles on their faces. We are so lucky to have Molly, Sam, Caroline, and Audrey in our lives!

Amanda and Carl Robertello's son Graham (2 y/o)was born with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB).EB is a rare, inherited disease in which the skin is very fragile—so fragile that even just a friendly touch can injure it, leaving a painful blister or open wound.Despite all of the daily challenges of this diagnosis, the Robertello's are a true beacon of light and ray of hope to everyone they meet.They've helped to spread knowledge and awareness for EB. When Graham gets a bandage change he takes a nice long bath & I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a year of Tubby Todd baths than Graham!

One of my best childhood friends, Melissa Ketron, and her husband, Dustin, are both nurses at two different hospitals in western Massachusetts. They have two young children, a daughter who is 4 and a son who is 2. Melissa and Dustin often work opposite schedules so that one can be home with the kids. Dustin is a Marine veteran as well. They are two of the kindest, selfless people I’ve ever met. If there was ever a time to reward healthcare workers, now is it. They deserve this!!

This family inspires me because how they continue to work towards their goals. They just welcomed a baby boy to their family. Tolu recently graduated with his Masters. He also has a full- time job. Susan started her business while she was pregnant and it is doing well. She’s also in school. They both are accomplishing their goals and motivating others.

This is my coworkers family, who became one of my closest friends. We shared everything, every failed try she shared with me until we were both pregnant only a month apart! So many people have to go through ivf and its tough! They were finally blessed with their adorable daughter Lovellyn this past July. Now our babies will be best friends. We love Tubby Todd and it helps a lot with the sensitive skin of both our babies. In fact sge actually made me order. I am just so happy to have her and cutiepie Lovellyn in our life!

Marti is a nurse at Children’s hospital of WI and has continued to work many extra shifts even while pregnant and suffering with severe nausea. She also helped with the mass casualty from the Waukesha parade tragedy. Her husband has worked tirelessly to prepare their home for baby girl. He even cooked Thanksgiving dinner when our oven unexpectedly broke due to a dangerous gas leak. This family continues to put others first even when it’s emotionally and physically challenging. They truly embody the holiday spirit we all should strive for!

In March of 2021 my besties had a perfect baby boy and after being home for only 10 days he was admitted to the PICU where they had to monitor him and at 1 month he had his first open heart surgery. Amos is now loving life and healthy but they missed out on some of those early days with him. I’ve never seen to 2 people stick together like Jay and Joel have and love their son so much! They inspire me everyday!

Melissa and Kenny are the friends that represent family for me living in a foreign country. They had a hard journey to become parents (Infertility issues, failed adoptions), but they were finally blessed with little Harper through adoption. She is the happiest girl in the State! I am honored that they invited me to be called Harper's Godmother, as this gives me an opportunity to also raise her and help her be the woman she was designed to be! They deserve to be blessed by Tubby Todd Bath CO so they can focus on investing in her future.

Abby and Erich Schroeder became pregnant unexpectedly in 2020, and learned that their son would have Down Syndrome. He was born with complications and stayed in the hospital for a few weeks. Every step of the way, they have been positive and full of hope. My fiance and I were expecting our own child a few months later, and to watch them graciously deal with everything day to day was extremely inspiring. Their son is the sweetest and they are the best parents!

The reason this Mama inspires me is because not only is she my sister but she is currently in nursing school while working at the hospital in the ER and during the pandemic she worked on the Covid floor countless hours and never complained while also taking care of her son at home afterwards. She will soon reach level 4 nursing and her determination has inspired me greatly. I would like to nominate her to help relieve her and show her some love.

My wife has had a challenging year and a half. With covid, working full time, and caring for our son, she deserves to be nominated and win something special. She works with children with special needs and after pouring her heart out all day at work, she comes out and pours her heart out to our family. She is exhausted every single day but never stops.

Being a first time mom is overwhelming and full of unanswered questions… but when you’re blessed with a friend that has been through it and is willing to share all the tips and tricks with you- it makes the process lot easier. I was lucky to be pregnant with my 1st Baby the same time as Amanda with her 2nd. Whether I texted her at 2pm or 2am she always had an answer for me. I am so thankful for all the mamas out there like her! She’s a rockstar.

For years Ana has worked open heartedly, helping children and families in need. This time of year especially, her calendar is filled with endless ways to give back. There hasn't been a weekend missed volunteering / mentoring at the Denver Children's Home or cooking warm meals for those who would otherwise go hungry. This year Ana even started her non profit, WITT. https://witt-kids.org/ Ana gives so effortlessly to others and is such an inspiration for so many of us but especially her daughter. I hope you consider her for your giveaway. She deserves it so much more than you know.

My sister Anna lost her baby at 12 weeks pregnant just 4 weeks after my daughter Millie was born. Even in all of her grief & sorrow Anna asked me to still send her pictures of Millie everyday. She said, “just because my baby is in heaven doesn’t mean I don’t want to see & love yours!” Her love for her niece was never overcome by her sadness. Today Anna is 13 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby! I want to rejoice with her through this giveaway!

Brittany and Dusty are young parents and pastors that inspire many young kids’ lives. They have a young 4 year old boy named Brave with the sweetest disposition and cerebral palsy, that has expensive medical care and medications. They also have a 9 month old son. I don’t know how they do it, but they are wonderful people that always care for others even though I’m sure it’s tough on them financially. I would love to see them taken care of and have this small thing of good quality bath time supplies taken off of their plate.

This beautiful family just welcomed their second pandemic baby into the world. It has been challenging for everyone to adjust to this new “normal”, and as parents, these two inspire me! They are juggling parenthood, working full-time careers, planning a wedding, all while caring for their newborn and active toddler. Despite how challenging this is, I’ve never seen this family without smiles on their faces. Life for them is non-stop right now, and I would love to make it a little easier on them by helping out with bath time!

The Silva Family inspires me because my sister, Marisa Silva, mother of two, wife, and registered nurse will be taking a full time travel nurse assignment this December. She’s taking this opportunity to regain financial advances for her family. It’s going to be hard to be away from her babies for 56+ hrs a week but she’s doing this for them. She’s the most hard working and dedicated Mama there is.

Mom & Dad of two kids and two dogs who is a very loving family and always makes the best of every scenario. Family is everything to them! They went through two miscarriages and lost her father while 7 months pregnant with her first child. They're always trying to find a balance with work and family and its been a nonstop rollercoaster since. I know this will bring them so much joy for the holidays.

After beating cancer, Brittany struggled to get pregnant. Eventually her & her husband decided to try the foster to adopt route. A few years later, a 3 year old boy was placed with them and they became parents overnight. They eventually adopted him. Still wanting a new born though, they patiently waited and finally got the call for a newborn baby girl. They had nothing and had to scramble just to get a car seat so that they could pick her up from the hospital. It turned their world upside down but in the best way. They are wonderful parents.

Being young parents they have worked together to over come the scariest time in their life. Ashley suffered from an aneurysm and strokes in September.She has been working tremendously for the last two months in intensive rehabilitation to overcome her speech, occupational and physical impairments to return back to being able to independently care for her girls and small business. She inspires me as she shows everyone the strength our children can give us and despite what they are facing during the last months of 2021 they are more United as a family.

Kelsey (mom and ER nurse) lost her mother after a decades long battle with COPD. Her newborn Henry was 6 weeks old while she held her moms hand as she died. That evening her husband was hospitalized after a skin cancer removal (he’s a fireman) became badly infected. After having a portion of his abdomen removed and a week in the hospital, he finally came home. This family of first responders survived COVID, only to experience great grief and loss while welcoming their newest addition (their daughter is 3). Kelsey inspires me daily with her perseverance through all kinds of adversity and pain.

Little Judah Schwartz is a 3 year old little boy with spina bifida. He is making huge strides in his abilities, and inspires everyone who sees him with his determination and perseverance. His mom, Brittaney, has given up her teaching job this year to stay home with Judah and work with him. This has stretched their family financially, but they are working together to make this work for Judah! Randy, Judah's dad, is a teacher and working other jobs as well. Big brother Zion, is a huge help and an amazing big brother to Judah.

Ebony is an amazing, single mother of two boys. She goes above & beyond to make sure to provide them with the world. She works a 9 to 5 yet still makes time to keep up with her mind, body & home. Family & friends mean everything to her & there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for them. While juggling 2 growing boys & a 9-5, she runs a catering business. She is a shoulder to lean on, no matter the time or day. She is an amazing woman & best friend & I am proud to call her mine for over 12 years

Eka inspires me because she holds it down at home with 5 children, all ages 4 and younger as a stay at home mom. Eka has taught me how to be a kind, humble and giving mother. Eka makes motherhood look easy, and I’m grateful for her example and I know that her children love her so much. I know she would be so thankful to tears if she were nominated for this gift. Thanks!

This nontraditional family is one of the most resilient families I have ever met. The dad is a single parent who juggles medical school with taking care of his 6-year-old daughter and his own mother who has Graves’ disease. The grandmother is also the primary caretaker of her husband who is in home hospice with cancer and dementia. Somehow the family is always able to support their friends in need, from calling on them to make sure they are ok to inviting them to holiday dinners so their friends do not spend the holidays alone.

Diedra and Erik are expecting their first baby next month. Diedra is a social worker in Chicago working at a public school. We have been best friends since 2005, we’ve grown up together and now are starting our families in the same year. In the last 16 years I’ve seen her grow up and her heart grow so big. She has so much love in her heart and puts everyone before herself. Diedra is the friend who you can call at 2am and she’ll answer without hesitation. I know she will be the best mom ever to her sweet girl

Emily found out she was pregnant 2 months before her husband deployed. She went through the entire pregnancy without him & the first 6 months of Charlottes life. She did this without so much as one complaint. She did it all & their baby girl waited her whole life to meet her daddy. Emily took care of Charlotte, handled the purchase of their home, worked, & made sure Charlotte had everything & more. Blaine served our country over seas & waited patiently to come home and meet their very first baby girl. They deserve all of the special recognition & so much more.

On February 2, 2021 the Brennan twins were born 12 weeks early at just over 2 pounds. The girls spent the first 90 days of their lives in the NICU. As the Brennan's first babies, this experience was one that they handled with such strength and grace. The Brennans are incredibly generous people that fell in love with Tubby Todd's when their girls were in the NICU and gift Tubby Todds to all of their friends that have new babies too. This family is kind, generous and truly deserving of a little spoiling this holiday season!

After their loss of their baby in 2017, being diagnosed with PCOS- being away from family, afraid of another loss. After a year of working to get approved by their doctors, started fertility treatments and are currently expecting their rainbow in May 2022. Having to be moved in January, to another base (mother alone) to give birth. This whole time being away from both sets of family, and struggling with the reality that no matter what there is never a guaranteed baby. They inspire me by dealing with all the hardships and still being strong.

I’m nominating my friend Ady who is an incredible human being — she was laid off from her job of 5 years during her maternity leave, which was a difficult thing to go through. In the middle of her job search, COVID 19 hit and she was home with her new baby without any job opportunities in sight. However, Ady did not let that stop her and instead started up a Mexican bakery business with her mother. She was able to follow her passion and become her own boss all while raising her beautiful baby boy. She’s such an inspiration!

The Razon ‘Ohana inspires me because of the faith and trust they exude even through the difficult times. In June 2021 their son and rainbow baby, Lucas Brave Razon, had to be in a medically induced coma due to a sudden sickness. He was diagnosed with encephalitis, which caused him to have a 42 minute long seizure. Something that should’ve been fatal, yet he’s alive today and doing much better! It’s going to be a long journey ahead, but he’s such a BRAVE boy and his name couldn’t fit him any better. Their family continues to inspire everyone they meet.

I’m nominating new mom, Sally. She is due with a baby girl in February and last month she tragically lost her husband, Jimmy. For unknown reasons he fell after dinner and hit his head, sustaining a TBI, which led to his passing a week later. Sally has been so strong as she prepares for their daughter to enter this world while working full time. Jimmy and Sally are just the nicest people ever and Sally is so deserving of a year of tubby todd as she enters motherhood during this time of loss.

May is a pediatric resident at UCSF who is training to be a neonatologist. She takes care of COVID positive children, children with cancer, newborn babies, and babies in the NICU who are premature and extremely sick. She works selflessly for 12-24 hours a day, 6 days a week to provide the best care possible for children of all ages during this difficult time period. She spends more time caring for other children than her own 3 month old son. She deserves a little bath bubbles to spend some time relaxing with her son!

They have recently suffered the loss of a miscarriage and instead of keeping it a secret, they used their experience and spoke about it openly to family, friends, and on social media. Courtney posted resources she found that helped her physically, mentally, and emotionally get through this hard time. Another friend of mine had a miscarriage and I was able to pass along the info I saw from Courtney to assist her in this time of need. Courtney even offered to be a person she could go to, she doesn’t even know my friend but still wanted to help.

After bringing home a 2 year old orphan from Bulgaria with Down syndrome this February, the Bonds have now agreed to adopt a 15 month old with a brain aneurysm post liver transplant, who will likely never walk, talk, or eat independently. They say there is nothing in the way of giving and receiving love, which they will definitely do! These 2 boys will have a forever family and learn that unconditional love has no barriers! Would love this deserving family to win because they live frugally to serve others and their money goes towards adoption fees.

Laura is a mother of 2, a 5 yr and a 7 mo. She recently had her 7mo with her boyfriend Matt. During this year she’s adjusted to being a mother of 2, they’ve bought a house together, and she has been a nurse through all of that! She puts her girls before herself and has found a great love in Matt. They’re learning to parent together as parents of 2 and growing in a beautiful way. As someone that always puts others before herself, she never complains and chooses to spread kindness. That is admirable beyond measure!

This family has seen it all. They lost their home to mold toxicity and every single one of their belongings. Being super ill from mold and no where to go they stayed at hotels during the Covid lockdowns and were finally able to get into a one bedroom apt. Right before losing their home they caught Tuberculosis from a overseas family member so the family went through TB treatments. Their middle son was diagnosed with Kawasaki’s and the mother is a Leukemia survivor. Through all of this their three boys were able to welcome their baby sister in 2021.

My brother and his wife were expecting their first baby this year and were very excited. Until tragedy stuck. My sister in law came down with Covid. She was ventilated for a month before she passed away. Now my brother who is legally blind is left as a single dad to care for their daughter (who they found out has downs). It’s been surreal. But to see my brother become a dad and do his best despite everything he’s faced is amazing. I hope he can win this so he has the best products to use on his baby girl.

I am nominating my sister in law, Brieana, to win because of everything she’s been through this year. She has two boys that are 11 months apart. The younger one was born this year and was 2months premature. Through all of the hospital visits, PPD & everyday life struggles - she never gave up. She continued to push through college and maintain her job all while being a great mama. I just want her to know her strength & courage never went unnoticed!❤️l

This momma, Jasmine, is a friend of mine. She is a full time nursing student who is pregnant during the peak of Covid and still serve the patients like a superhero. She was helping patients in the ICU, whose lung has been scattered by the virus, Covid positive, on ventilator, with shortness of breath and gasping for air. She had to wear PPE and 3 different layer or mask, with a baby inside her belly, going around saving people lives. She is a supermom, a hero, a true inspiration for me.

I am truly uplifted by my dear friend’s pregnancy journey. Some mothers experience some form of morning sickness (and if not, lucky you!), however my friend Destiny, now in her 2nd trimester, experienced severe nausea to the point where she had not eaten in 3 days! She felt really ill and began to vomit aggressively. She was rushed to the hospital by her fiancé when she found out that she had a rare pregnancy complication, Hyperemesis gravidarum. Regardless of the hardships they have gone through they have kept their smiles, warm-hearted spirts up, and have been extremely strong through this process.

Amber is a leader in our community who is always giving back. She started a nonprofit called Brazos Valley Blessings to support kids in our community and right now the organization is collecting Christmas gifts for over 300 kids. She does all of this completely for free while working full time for Wayfair and struggling with the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. She also is going through the process of adopting her young niece and nephew in addition to raising her two teenage daughters. She is an incredible mother and inspirational leader who absolutely deserves recognition!

My brother and his wife lost their first child to a terminal illness. A year later, my brother ended up needing a heart transplant. He received a new heart and has thrived! They have been through incredibly hard times, yet they are kind to everyone. They lift those around them. They serve others... because they feel so many lifted them in their times of darkness. They have had two children since the loss of their daughter, and just found another on the way! They truly are examples to all around them of how love prevails over tragedy.

Blending families is not always easy. My daughter recently met and married the man of her dreams. Her new family includes her son and his two sons. All teenagers too! Soon a baby sister will join their family and I am hoping and praying that this precious little bundle of joy will bring them all closer. The inspiration comes from watching them all try to navigate this new life together and most of all, a Stepfather who LOVES my grandson as if he were his own. Their bond fills my heart beyond measure.

I’ve been became friends with latasia when both of our sons were 2 months ! We’re going through motherhood together so she’s a person I cherish. Just in 7 months I learned so much from her gentle spirit. My dear friend and her family are homeless yet she still shows a smile on her face. She didn’t let the situation change or hinder her bright personality.

My best friend Kashataya is someone who inspires me every single day. She is the most selfless person I’ve ever met. She’s the type of person who would give everything she has, even if she wouldn’t have anything left for herself. I know the last year has been hard for everyone. Although they’ve been hard for her, she’s managed to get out of a bad relationship, get a place of her own, new job, a car, put her 2 sweet babies in daycare, and still manages to be so optimistic about everything. I’m beyond lucky to call her my bestfriend.

Alani was born 4/11/21. A few months later, Alani’s mom, Daizha found out that her Lupus was attacking her kidneys. Shortly after she had to stop breastfeeding to start chemo. Alani’s dad, Kenneth was working two jobs. It was such a challenging time, but Daizha completed her chemo, and the prognosis was better. A short time later, Alani was hospitalized for Infantile Spasms (a rare disease that can cause severe developmental issues). But thank God Alani’s test came back normal! Throughout all of the challenges, this couple volunteered, encouraged other parents, provided hope, AND planned their wedding!

The Patterson Family inspires me in many ways but what stands out to me the most is their caring and generosity. Through a very difficult year the Patterson’s have still managed to give back hope and encouragement into community. Both Nick and Amanda work full time all while raising young children. In Nick’s free time he works with students of different ethnics backgrounds coaching them through sports and as well as being an excellent role model. Amanda has taken on a big role within her church to organize charitable events helping families in need.

John serves the Navy as an Trauma Orthopaedist while Kayla is a CRNA at her local community hospital. They both give so much to others and their community - becoming our family, cooking us dinner and lending a hand whenever needed. They just welcomed their first child, Caine in October and would love them to be able to gift them this for all they give to others!

The Foyere are extremely giving. Ruth has donated a freezer full of breast milk to premature kids and kids whose moms could not produce milk for free. She is always reaching out and volunteering in the community. Giving her time and talents for others when ever she can help. She’s also pregnant with her 4th baby girl. I nominate her for being a super mommy. Caring and loving to everyone she meets! She would give the clothes off of her back to you and she would be so excited to win!

The Saunders family is always willing to open their home and hearts to others. This family has two boys of their own but opened their house to fosters and ended up adopting a little boy. They recently started fostering a new baby. The Saunders are active in the church and homeschool community and are always available to lean on for whatever support you need. They pour themselves into others and it’s time we poured into this sweet family.

This military family got pregnant just 3 months after giving birth to their second daughter! With their third kid on the way, Carie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and her husband was set out to deploy during the time of their son’s birth through the thyroid removal surgery. Faith gives them hope and love keeps them strong. Carie’s c-section is in 2 short weeks and her cancer removal surgery follows shortly after but her husband received a Christmas miracle of being able to stay home with his family during this time. God is good and I’m so proud of them!

Liz is a single mom who works 2 jobs and always puts herself last . She has 2 little boys and she takes care of them amazingly well & is so loving. She has a 9 year old Adam & a 6 year old Liam who's special needs . Having 2 kids, being a hard working mom, single mom and having a special needs son is more than anyone would be able to handle with such grace and hardly ever complains. She deserves this and more !

Travis and Kasandra have worked tirelessly together in healthcare as ICU nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. They had a 2 month old baby when the pandemic started and went head first into helping others all while being new parents which was so incredible! And amazing parents at that as well! I know it was hard for both of them but they push through and manage to always see the good in people and life. Truly a shining beacon of light in difficult times.

I’d love to nominate my sister. She has been through so much this year. A month after giving birth to her first baby back in may, she chose to be brave enough to leave a toxic and abusive relationship. He is in the military so they were stationed in North Carolina and we are all in utah. So it was a hard choice for her to make with the uncertainty of how she would get home with a newborn and the things they needed plus being afraid of him. So proud of her!

Ana and her husband, Jodare, have been this amazing positive light in all the lives of people blessed to be their family or friends. They radiate kindness and hope of a beautiful love story. They faced tough loss this past year, but also welcomed their first child, a beautiful boy with a sweet soul and the perfect combination of their awesomeness! They inspire me in so many ways. I wish them a year of fun adventure as they start this next snippet of their life together. They deserve all the happiness and joy!!

Oakleigh was born premature. She has had multiple hospital stays, including open heart surgery in her little life.throughout all the appointments, life watch flights, and procedures(possibly more to come) they have remained so positive and strong. My baby boy was born two days before oakleigh, and it’s so incredible to see the two babies together, despite the massive size difference. (17 lbs vs 9 lbs at 5 months) They are a selfless family and I’m so inspired by their strength!

This past year I have witnessed the beauty that comes from fostering. Lisa and Rich, both in their 50’s, jumped out of their comfort zone and said yes to fostering a one year old girl. Watching them go from almost empty nesters to being foster parents of a one year old has been inspiring. That little girl has blossomed and grown so much from when she first came to their family. It has been so sweet to see how much ones kindness can change a life.

This mama is a real super hero. She deserves all the love in the world. Without going into too much detail she had a pulmonary embolism (near death experience) while being pregnant, miscarriage, and one of her kids was diagnosed with autism. She has three kids and works as a 5th grade teacher. I have never seen someone go through so much adversary all within a few months. I love her to dearly and am so proud to call her my friend.

Sadly, in February, on the coldest night of the year in Wisconsin, a fire in the wood-burning stove of the Catlin's beautiful log home spread out of control. Thankfully, Nina and Eva, Ham (hamster), and Freya and Skunk (dogs) all escaped. They sat for 3 hours watching smoke billow over the trees while 60+ volunteer firefighters attempted to save their home and belongings (including Tubby Todd hairspray and lots of AOO!). Unfortunately, the home and everything inside was lost. The road since then has been unbelievable bumpy with the global pandemic as a backdrop. They deserve some bubble love.

My sister is so hardworking. She has been going to nursing school and working at the same time, as well as helping care for my elderly grandparents. She is now expecting her 1st and wanted to acknowledge her for all her hard work and selflessness!

Olivia was born with bilateral clubfoot and has gone through 5 months of treatment to correct her feet. Her parents have flown to two diffferent states to find a doctor that can help Olivia and spent one month in hotels to get her the proper treatment. Olivia will hopefully be moving to the next phase of her treatment at the end of this month but it has been a long journey for this family. They have remained positive and continue to be the strongest family for their brave Olivia.

My best friend, Dre, works very hard to support his immunocompromised wife and toddler sons. This year has been rough for his family. Back in September he was hit by a drunk driver while he was working, leaving the sole family car totaled. But he didn’t skip a beat. He just got back up and made sure his family was still supported…sometimes walking to work or the pharmacy in near freezing temperatures. This past week he has been working extra to make sure his wife was cared for while recovering from surgery. He definitely deserves a win this Christmas.

At 8 months pregnant, my husband is out of town for about a month. The Diemans have been so helpful in keeping me company and offering assistance including coming to my aid when my car battery died in the middle of town. They came to jump my car and replace my battery with their own tools. They even cooked a whole Thanksgiving meal and invited me. They are an incredibly selfless family with their own rainbow baby on the way just 6 weeks from my own. They always support families less fortunate than them such as through toys for tots.

This little girl lost all her hair this year (Alopecia Universalis). The doctors told her that she would most likely be bald the rest of her life. At school a lot of her former friends started bullying her. She came home crying, BUT before her mom could say anything she asked if she could do something for them. She spent that afternoon making cards & gifts for her bullies. This little girl lost her hair and had countless appointments each week, but never once thought about herself and what was going on. Paisley is my inspiration!

They are a small videography business owned by a husband and wife.They have three beautifully talented kids that they teach all of the workings of their business to. Since the pandemic they have been helping businesses and artists of all kinds with all kinds of marketing and promotional solutions all pro bono. Anything that could help bring them foot traffic they have. They are such a beautiful family that are always willing to teach and be of service. In this day and age that kind of kindness goes a long way.

Adam and Amy have always had a heart for adoption. They have 4 biological children, 3 with chronic health issues, but their hearts still yearned to help others. One day they received a call about a baby who needed a foster placement immediately. They took him in and have have been loving him without hesitation since. He comes from a very challenging family, which has caused some scary and unsafe situations for my friends, but they are still loving this baby and not running away or letting him be abandoned again.

Sage, their second daughter was born 8 months ago. She was diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder at a few months old. Their whole family has been thrown a curve ball as they navigate a new trajectory of life with a special needs child. Catherine (mom) handles all the appointments, therapies, medications, and uncertainty with such grace and optimism for the future. Catherine’s strength and courage are so inspiring to all around her!

This family faced challenge after challenge with the birth of their baby. What was supposed to be a normal experience turned into a nicu stay, a month long hospital stay for mom and constant appointments after discharge. Despite multiple setbacks and missed moments, maria kept a positive spin on everything, all while checking in on coworkers with new babies of their own. This mama embodies strength like no other, and after a very challenging few months could use all the love and support out there. For them to have less to worry about is a fraction of what they deserve.

My sister, who is a single mother of three toddlers inspires me everyday. She works from home and shows up everyday for her children. I am so proud of her strength. My sister is the example of perseverance and love. As we all know, being a single parent is not easy. But my sister shows that it can be done and to make the absolute best of it. I know her children are proud to call her “mom.”

Veronica and Leticia are an inspiration to many of us because they show us all the unconditional love a foster parent can provide.. This family has gone through fostering six children and fully adopting three of those six.. The Macias family has now welcomed a baby with the help of IVF. The Macias bring joy to me every time I see their posts and journeys because both of these moms go far and beyond to love their little ones.. I have seen them go through the heartbreak of fostering babies short term and the joy of being able to adopt!

Knowing barely anybody in my state, I met Michelle this year while pregnant. She was so compassionate to me, a stranger, during the hardest time of my life. After knowing me for only a month, she threw me a beautiful baby shower (my second child & first ever shower!) She offered to watch my toddler so I could go to my doctor’s appointments. After my c-section, she drove 2 hours out of her way to deliver me a weeks worth of delicious meals. This family goes above and beyond for EVERYONE— including complete strangers. Such a wonderful blessing & friend.

Emanuel Hernandez is a single dad who tirelessly takes great care of his 4 kids including a 21 month old baby girl who has recently diagnosed with autism. He is self employed and sometimes business is slow. He deserves to have a break and would benefit from having a year’s worth of bath time from Tubby Todd to take off some load of financial strain.

The Thompson family is excitedly awaiting the day they finally get to bring their miracle baby girl home for the first time. Sweet Campbell was born with a very rare and unexpected condition, requiring multiple intense life-sustaining procedures. Her parents, John and Jodi take shifts each day at the hospital, in between caring for Campbell’s older siblings, Kinder and Wells, and John attending to a full caseload of his own patients as a hospital-based physician. Their dedication to courageously making the best of Campbell’s journey is amazing. We’re so honored to be on their team!

Before the pandemic, Corbin and Angela had to make life changing decisions after receiving devastating news that their oldest daughter was diagnosed with a genetic disorder. Without hesitation though Corbin sacrificed working full time and became a stay at home dad in order to give her round the clock care. It was difficult during the start of the pandemic having to be extra cautious not just because his daughter was immunocompromised but bc his wife was pregnant with their second daughter. He quickly adjusted to now having 1 more life to take care of at home.