The Tony Accardi Memorial Diaper Fund
Honoring a father’s legacy by caring for others
Tony’s Legacy of Love and Generosity
Some people have a way of making you feel at home just by being near them.
Tony was one of those people.
Tony loved deeply, especially his family, his faith, and the Sicilian traditions he grew up with on The Hill in St. Louis. Being in Catholic schools and surrounded by a close knit community, family and tradition were at the heart of his life. He carried with pride the firsthand stories of his Italian great grandparents and their journey through Ellis Island.
And he loved to cook. Cooking was more than a passion. It was part of the future Tony imagined for himself, a career built around good food, full tables, laughter, and the people he loved most.
He should have had years to build that life.
Instead, in 2019, Tony passed away suddenly at just 24 years old.
But just weeks later, his family learned that a piece of Tony was still on the way.
A baby girl. Giovanna Francesca Accardi.
Tony died never knowing he was going to be a father. He would never hold his daughter, cook for her, hear her laugh, or watch her grow.
But she will grow up knowing him through stories, traditions, and the people who love him enough to keep his memory alive.
Tony left behind another extraordinary gift. As an organ donor, he saved the lives of two local fathers, giving them more time with their children.
Today, Tony’s dad, Jay, and Tony’s stepmom, Dena, help raise Gia. Caring for her from the start opened their eyes to how difficult it can be for families to afford even the basics their babies need.
So they found a way to turn their love for Tony into love for others.
Three times a year, in months that hold special meaning to their family, they collect diapers and baby essentials in Tony’s name. January, the month Tony passed away; May, his birthday month; and September, the month Gia was born.
With every family they help, Tony’s legacy continues. The young man who made people feel welcome is still helping people feel supported. The young man who loved bringing people together is still bringing a community together.
The Dad (Pops) who never got the chance to hold his own little girl is helping other parents hold their babies a little closer, with a little less worry.
Tony’s life ended at 24.
His love did not.
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 Pops.
Jay, Gia and Dena Accardi at their first diaper drive drop off – November 2021
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:
- 179,431 diapers collected
- 2,036 packs of wipes
- 163 tubes of diaper cream
That’s enough to provide a full year’s worth of diapers for 130 babies!
*typically a baby goes through at least 100 a month and 1200 diapers annually
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.