Meet Diane Bailey Nutz | Author and Nonprofit Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Bailey Nutz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane Bailey, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
After working with individuals with unique needs for 35 years and then retiring, the pandemic hit shortly thereafter. Since I have written two books to raise awareness for these special families, many of them began reaching out to me, mainly to vent. “What can I do since my child is no longer able to attend school, therapies…?” “How can I get a break with no care for my child?” Since we are on a fixed income and these families needed funds, the only thing I could do to help was start a nonprofit. It has evolved the past two years to include other struggling parents, such as devastation after a home fire, payment of medical bills upon cancer diagnoses and no insurance, and more.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My main career is as wife and mother of eight, grandmother of 21, and great-grandmother of two. Working in the public education system with Special Education students, as well as in their homes, for 35 years gave me a higher depth of gratitude for our healthy children. I learned patience as well as nursing skills from these special families. I gained tolerance for all no matter appearance or abilities, or lack thereof. We ALL have gifts and deserve to reach our full potential. I began in this field as a teenager helping at my father’s business where (in the 60s) profits went to “the retarded.” Thankfully, that word has been replaced with “developmentally delayed.” I was amused by these individuals who could be whatever they wanted to be, in their minds. They loved all unconditionally. They did not care what anyone else looked like or acted like. We can all learn from that. My life has not been easy for the most part. I went through a divorce at age 30 with four young children. Dan (with his two children) and I married, combining families, and had two more children together. I have overcome some health challenges, and we lost a 20 year old daughter 20 years ago in an accident. My faith in God has helped me along the way and as I am nearly 70 years old, I recognize how His hand has always been in my life and my rewards are great. Helping others with usually small gifts through my nonprofit brings much joy not only to them but to me!

Pamper Our Parents has several volunteer projects online at JustServe.org

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had unlimited funds, I would invite all of my family and this best friend to The Grand Canyon. We would all (over 35 of us) take the train in Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon. I’d also love to invite several families who have children with special needs, or parents planning funerals for themselves upon a diagnosis of terminal cancer, to take in the sights of the beautiful canyon. We would all visit during the week, getting to know and appreciate each other better. For those healthy and able, we would hike down to the Colorado River and river-raft for a few days, camping out, and eating healthy meals we packed. This trip would be most exhilarating and memorable for all on this adventure. The photos we would take would be priceless memories. I prefer to be in nature, such as this experience, or on a beach as I was raised in Southern California. At my age, I realize it is a huge blessing to enjoy good health.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Those who deserve recognition for my motivation to start Pamper Our Parents-Uplift those who uplift are the many struggling parents who give and give of themselves (without whining) and have nothing left to care for their own basic needs. We, as humans, need and require recharging. In both of my books, I give recognition to amazing parents who tirelessly care for their children with special needs, expecting nothing in return. These parents are amazing and are at it 24/7, and have over-the-top in humility. They have inspired me to not complain, to count my blessings and help those in need. My husband Dan, is my cheerleader and biggest support! When I feel I have failed and can not continue, he reminds me, “You know you can do this! You know you won’t quit.”

Website: https://www.pamperourparents.info/

Facebook: Pamper Our Parents-Uplift those who uplift

Other: Amazon books that led me to start my nonprofit: “Look IN Me-A life shaped by the most overlooked” and “The UP-side of Down-Unlocking hidden gifts.”