Help Nanette Fight Brain Cancer & Keep the Spirit of Arizona Events Alive

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

That quote has always resonated with me, and this year it hit even harder. February, March, and April brought challenges I never expected—reminders of just how quickly life can change.

For over 30 years, Nanette Duncan and I have shared more than just a business. We’ve built a partnership rooted in trust, creativity, and a deep love for bringing people together through unforgettable community events. From intimate family gatherings to some of Arizona’s biggest festivals, Nanette has been the heart and soul of it all—infusing every event with her passion, energy, and unshakable spirit. She’s not just my business partner. She’s one of my best friends. My chosen sister.

Nanette is also Arizona Events Group’s Vice President of Event Management—the glue that holds our company together. Her vision, work ethic, and leadership have shaped every event we’ve ever produced. Simply put, this company wouldn’t be what it is without her.

In January, Nanette started experiencing numbness and tremors in her left hand. We thought therapy might help, and she began sessions in February. But instead of improving, the symptoms worsened—spreading up her arm, into her face, even affecting her left eye.

By the end of March, we scheduled an MRI, though the earliest appointment wasn’t until May. But Nanette, determined and persistent as ever, didn’t wait. She pushed to get it done sooner and went in on her own on Friday, April 11.

That afternoon, she called me. “Tim,” she said, “I have a brain tumor.”

My world stopped. I felt stunned, scared, heartbroken—and immediately turned to prayer.

We rushed to urgent care with the MRI in hand, got transferred to a hospital, and within days, she was under the care of a neurosurgeon. On Wednesday, April 16, Nanette underwent brain surgery. The doctors were able to remove 98% of the tumor.

After several days in ICU and another week recovering in the hospital, she was moved to a rehabilitation facility on April 28. And now, the good news: Nanette is going home tomorrow—Saturday, May 10!

She’ll continue to recover at home with help from close friends. And on Monday, May 12, she begins chemotherapy and radiation to fight this cancer head-on.

We call her “Net”—and Net is a fighter. She’s resilient, optimistic, and surrounded by love. But now, she needs the support of the community she’s given so much to.

We’ve launched a GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden of her journey ahead. If Nanette has ever made you smile at an event, supported your business, or inspired you with her kindness, please consider donating or sharing the campaign.

Every contribution, every share, and every encouraging word helps. Let’s lift her up like she’s lifted so many of us.

With love, hope, and gratitude—

Enjoy Life!!!

Tim & The Arizona Events Group Family