#NotJustForMoms

“Upon talking with the staff, I was made to feel welcome, like I belonged. Even though the name is Mommies In Need, it’s also for daddies in need!”

For the second time in six years, Tinashe Mabvundwe received a scary and life changing diagnosis of cancer. But this time, he has two more reasons to worry: three-year-old Zahara and two-year-old Zion.

“Having two kids and a wife who had just started working and no one to look after our kids...we saw our world collapsing in front of our eyes.”

Fortunately for the Mabvundwe family, Mommies In Need’s flagship drop-off childcare center Annie’s Place is just down the street from where Tinashe receives his cancer treatment. He credits his social worker at Parkland for making him aware of the childcare center he calls “a blessing with the name of Annie’s Place.”

A licensed director, a play therapist and specially trained teachers are on-site at Annie’s Place to care for kids so their families can get the healthcare they need - whether that is chemotherapy, physical therapy or routine doctor’s appointments. Mommies In Need believes childcare shouldn’t be a barrier to healthcare.

“The team at Annie’s Place started caring for our kids for my next appointment, and it really took all the stress away,” Tinashe explained. “I managed to attend all my appointments with a relaxed mind.”

And even though the name is Mommies In Need, the help extends to father, grandparents and other guardians too. Daddies like Tinashe are grateful for the support.

“As a father, my primary concern is my children. Their safety will always come first. And knowing there is an organization that provides the same level of care for my kids just calms my nerves in all the good ways and keeps me positive during my treatment.”