The Tony Accardi Memorial Diaper Fund
Honoring a father’s legacy by caring for others
Tony’s Story: A Legacy of Love and Generosity
In 2019, Jay and Dena Accardi’s 24-year-old son, Tony, passed away suddenly — never knowing that his fiancée was expecting their daughter, Giovanna. In his final act of selflessness, Tony became an organ donor, saving the lives of two local fathers. His story, though marked by deep loss, is one of generosity, love, and lasting impact.
The Inspiration Behind the Fund:
Gia’s Arrival and a Grandparent’s Mission Since the day Gia (now 5) was born, Jay and Dena have helped raise her and experienced first hand how costly baby essentials can be. Motivated by their experience and a desire to do something meaningful in Tony’s name, they began organizing diaper drives through Church, their workplaces, family and friends.
The Impact So Far: A Legacy of Support for Families
To ensure Tony’s story continues to make a difference, Jay and Dena partnered with Nurses for Newborns to establish The Tony Accardi Memorial Diaper Fund. Their efforts have already made a profound difference:
- 138,704 diapers collected
- 1,555 packs of wipes
- 159 tubes of diaper cream
That’s enough to provide a full year’s worth of diapers for 116 babies!
Join Us in Honoring Tony: You Can Help Carry His Legacy Forward
With your help, this fund will continue to provide essential supplies to families in need — honoring
Tony’s life by helping parents and babies thrive.
It is Jay and Dena’s hope, that one day Gia will proudly carry on this mission in memory of her daddy.
Diaper Facts: Why Your Support Matters
Providing diapers is more than meeting a basic need — it’s essential for a baby’s health,
comfort, and development.
When families don’t have access to enough diapers, it can lead to health issues, emotional stress, and broader challenges for both the child and caregiver.
Hygiene & Health
Clean, dry diapers help prevent diaper rash, skin infections, and other medical issues.
Babies left in soiled diapers too long are at risk for urinary tract infections and severe discomfort.
Emotional & Physical Well-being
Being dry and comfortable supports a baby’s sense of security and emotional regulation.
Extended exposure to wet diapers increases crying and distress in infants.
Healthy Development
Lack of clean diapers can affect a child’s ability to attend daycare, limiting early learning and social development opportunities. Persistent discomfort can negatively affect sleep, feeding, and growth patterns.
Impact on Families
Diapers can cost $80–$100 per month per child, creating a serious financial strain for low-income families. Parents facing diaper need may feel shame, anxiety, or depression — especially mothers navigating postpartum challenges.
Diaper Need in the U.S.
1 in 2 families in the U.S. struggle with diaper need — the inability to afford enough diapers to
keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy.
Consequences of Diaper Need
More doctor visits: Increased rates of infections and rashes can lead to higher pediatric care
usage.
Missed childcare
Most daycares require parents to provide a daily supply of diapers.
Increased parental stress
The emotional toll of diaper need is linked to maternal depression and overall family stress.
Your Gift Helps Close the Gap
When you donate to the Tony Accardi Memorial Diaper Fund, you’re not just giving diapers — you’re giving relief, dignity, and a healthier start for babies and their families.