[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1000px” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ module_class=”vert-align” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nursesfornewborns.org\/missouri\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/04\/np_diaper_1658427_5B5B5B.png” alt=”baby diaper” title_text=”diaper-icon” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60px” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Honoring a father’s legacy by caring for others<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io\/give\/nurses-for-newborns\/memorialdiaperfund” button_text=”DONATE in Tony’s Memory” button_alignment=”left” button_alignment_tablet=”center” button_alignment_phone=”center” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” button_bg_color=”#304896″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover=”#304896″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nursesfornewborns.org\/missouri\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/08\/Tony-Accardi.jpg” alt=”Tony Accardi Picture” title_text=”Tony Accardi” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”500px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1000px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Some people have a way of making you feel at home just by being near them.<\/p>\n
Tony was one of those people.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He should have had years to build that life.<\/p>\n
Instead, in 2019, Tony passed away suddenly at just 24 years old.<\/p>\n
But just weeks later, his family learned that a piece of Tony was still on the way.<\/p>\n
A baby girl. Giovanna Francesca Accardi.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But she will grow up knowing him through stories, traditions, and the people who love him enough to keep his memory alive.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Today, Tony\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
So they found a way to turn their love for Tony into love for others.<\/p>\n
Three times a year, in months that hold special meaning to their family, they collect diapers and baby essentials in Tony\u2019s name. January, the month Tony passed away; May, his birthday month; and September, the month Gia was born.<\/p>\n
With every family they help, Tony\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Tony\u2019s life ended at 24.<\/p>\n
His love did not.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1000px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With your help, this fund will continue to provide essential supplies to families in need \u2014 honoring Tony\u2019s life by helping parents and babies thrive.<\/p>\n It is Jay and Dena\u2019s hope, that one day Gia will proudly carry on this mission in memory of her Pops.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io\/give\/nurses-for-newborns\/memorialdiaperfund” button_text=”DONATE in Tony’s Memory” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” button_bg_color=”#304896″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover=”#304896″ button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover=”” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nursesfornewborns.org\/missouri\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/AccardiDiaperDrive_110521.jpg” alt=”Accardi Family” title_text=”AccardiDiaperDrive_110521″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jay, Gia and Dena Accardi at their first diaper drive drop off \u2013 November 2021<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1000px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To ensure Tony\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n That\u2019s enough to provide a full year\u2019s worth of diapers for 130 babies!<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1000px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Providing diapers is more than meeting a basic need \u2014 it\u2019s essential for a baby\u2019s health, comfort, and development.<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nursesfornewborns.org\/missouri\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/04\/children-with-diapers.jpg” alt=”children with diapers” title_text=”Screenshot” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”850px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Hygiene & Health<\/strong> Emotional & Physical Well-being<\/strong> Healthy Development<\/strong> Impact on Families<\/strong> Diaper Need in the U.S.<\/strong> Consequences of Diaper Need<\/strong> Missed childcare<\/strong> Increased parental stress [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”700px” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When you donate to the Tony Accardi Memorial Diaper Fund, you’re not just giving diapers \u2014 you\u2019re giving relief, dignity, and a healthier start for babies and their families.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io\/give\/nurses-for-newborns\/memorialdiaperfund” button_text=”DONATE in Tony’s Memory” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” button_bg_color=”#304896″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover=”#304896″ button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover=”” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Tony Accardi Memorial Diaper Fund Honoring a father’s legacy by caring for othersTony\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2711,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2710","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nJoin Us in Honoring Tony: You Can Help Carry His Legacy Forward<\/h2>\n
The Impact So Far: A Legacy of Support for Families<\/h2>\n
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*typically a baby goes through at least 100 a month and 1200 diapers annually<\/em><\/p>\nDiaper Facts: Why Your Support Matters<\/h2>\n
When families don\u2019t have access to enough diapers, it can lead to health issues, emotional stress, and broader challenges for both the child and caregiver.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Being dry and comfortable supports a baby\u2019s sense of security and emotional regulation. Extended exposure to wet diapers increases crying and distress in infants.<\/p>\n
Lack of clean diapers can affect a child\u2019s ability to attend daycare, limiting early learning and social development opportunities. Persistent discomfort can negatively affect sleep, feeding, and growth patterns.<\/p>\n
Diapers can cost $80\u2013$100 per month per child, creating a serious financial strain for low-income families. Parents facing diaper need may feel shame, anxiety, or depression \u2014 especially mothers navigating postpartum challenges.<\/p>\n
1 in 2 families in the U.S. struggle with diaper need \u2014 the inability to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy.<\/p>\n
More doctor visits: Increased rates of infections and rashes can lead to higher pediatric care usage.<\/p>\n
Most daycares require parents to provide a daily supply of diapers.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>\u00a0The emotional toll of diaper need is linked to maternal depression and overall family stress.<\/p>\nYour Gift Helps Close the Gap<\/h2>\n