Marla and Rob Avina remember their daughter, Addison Abigail, as โa loving, smart, sassy and sweet little girl.โ
Before birth, Addison was diagnosed with Amyoplasia Arthrogryposis, a condition that affects the muscles and joints in the body. Though this diagnosis was a part of her, her four siblings simply saw her as Addison, their fun, happy and expressive sister.
After 31 incredible months of life, Addison died suddenly on Oct. 24, 2018.
Devastated by this painful loss, Marla and Rob enrolled in a bereavement support program at Tu Nidito Children and Family Services at the suggestion of their pediatrician. Tu Nidito provides support to children, families and young adults grieving the death of a loved one or a serious medical diagnosis.
In 2019 alone, Tu Nidito supported more than 750 children and their families, like the Avinas, as they navigate their grief journey.
Meeting other grieving families in this new setting was a tragic reminder of Addisonโs absence. Yet, over time, they experienced relief and comfort by coming to Tu Nidito. Addisonโs siblings, Rhyland, Tristan and Elianna now look forward to engaging and interacting with kids who understand what it feels like to experience the death of a sibling.
Keep reading with a digital access subscription.
Day in the life of a small cross-section of creatures that come and go behind Daily Star reporter Henry Brean's house in Tucson. Video by Henry Brean / Arizona Daily Star, produced by Rick Wiley (2020)
By Henry Brean
Arizona Daily Star
Meanwhile in a concurrent support group for caregivers, Marla and Rob gain tools to better support their grieving children. Throughout the pandemic, Tu Nidito has remained a source of comfort and support through virtual support groups.
โWe have made beautiful friendships. Though they are built on something horrific, they are real, genuine and full of understanding,โ Marla says.
The Avina family shares their story in hopes that others will join them in allocating their Arizona Charitable Tax Credit dollars to Tu Nidito. Every dollar donated is a meaningful gift that goes toward providing Tu Niditoโs programs at no cost to families, in English and Spanish. A donation of $400 will provide 6 months of bereavement support group programming for a family just like Addisonโs.
Marla and Rob explain: โTu Nidito is a true blessing. You are surrounded by people who allow you to be sad, to share, and who donโt have expectations from you! Allocate your tax dollars to a place where you want them to be used!โ
Photos: Water fills the desert at these spots around Tucson
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A father fishes with his two sons at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish, trout, bass and sunfish.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A duck runs on water at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
While fishing with family members, Jose Saenz places a caught rainbow trout in a basket at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish, trout, bass and sunfish.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A fisherman waits for a fish to bite their lure at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The reflection of Chuck Ford Lake shows in avid fisherman Richard Espinoza's sunglasses while Espinoza fishes for trout at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish, trout, bass and sunfish.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A person walks around the lake at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
While fishing with her family, Aziza Ramirez waits for a fish to bite her lure at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Several resident ducks ply the waters of the main pond as sun sets at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020. The park is one of the most popular bird watching sites in the county.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Park goers stop for photos of a pack of javalina roaming the park just before sunset at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A pack of javalina rush for the trees after getting spooked while nosing around the lawn for food at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Jun 21, 2024
The sun goes down and the bats come out over the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The island in the main pond has been renovated and the bridge completely replaced at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A park patron and his dog stroll along the paths on the shores of the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Some of the wetland vegetation is beginning to reassert a hold after months of work to restore and renovate the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Bernie Kanavage and Toby take a break from their evening walk on the bank of the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020. The main pond was recently restored, a major renovation that shut the park down for months in late 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A pair of park goers get close-ups from an obliging duck along the shores of the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Sun set over the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020. The addition of reclaimed water to the Santa Cruz River has hastened the return of wildlife.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Dec 18, 2020
A cyclist rides along The Loop as water flows in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A heron sits by the water in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A Vermillion flycatcher rests on a branch along the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A bird rests on a branch of a tree along the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows near the entrance at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Ducks swim in one of the bodies of water at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Libby Sullivan, left, and Sue Bridgemon walk along one of the trails at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Libby Sullivan, left, and Sue Bridgemon do some birdwatching at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A duck flight at Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Cattails grow near a body of water at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Ren Sullivan watches a group of ducks at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Sunlight breaks through the trees at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
James DeDitius points at ducks as he sits with caregiver Mary Figueroa on a bench next to a lake at Reid Park, on March 17, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The city's new 4.5 million gallon lake and storage basin at Randolph (now Reid) Park, Tucson, in December, 1959.
Tucson Citizen
Silverbell Lake, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The Arizona Game and Fish Department brought in 14,300 pounds of catfish from Arkansas to restock 21 lakes in the Core Community Fishing Program in Tucson and Phoenix. These catfish were dumped into Silverbell Lake on April 03, 2015.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Silverbell Lake, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Jim Skay fishes at Silverbell Lake, on March 13, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Silverbell Lake, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
In this 2016 photo, Nathaniel Ortega, left, grins while his grandfather Michael Ortega helps remove a fish from his line during a fishing clinic at Silverbell Lake, located in Christopher Columbus Park at 4600 N. Silverbell Rd. in Tucson, Ariz. Nathaniel's catch was the first catfish of the day.
Alex McIntyre / For the Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A person walks along Sahuarita Lake on March 5, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Ted Moreno reels in a line while fishing at Lake Sahuarita, on March 5, 2020. Moreno, who lives in Tucson generally goes between Lakeย Sahuarita and Kennedy Lake to fish for trout during the fall and winter months.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Sahuarita Lake in the town of Sahuarita south of Tucson is popular with anglers, walkers, cyclists and others and its waters range from dazzling blue to aquamarine depending on the light.
Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
In this 2001 photo, Dan Hampshire works on the top designs of a 34-foot monument tower at the entrance to Rancho Sahuarita, an 8,000 home project on 2,500 acres that includes a yet-to-be-filled 10-acre lake (in background).
Aaron J. Latham / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Jun 21, 2024
In this 2013 photo, a couple walk around Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star