When faced with unimaginable loss, Tim Waldron of Realty Executives and his family made a conscious decision: to take their grief and turn it into a movement rooted in love, advocacy, and action.
The founding of All Moms Are Heroes (AMAH) was not born from an idea in a boardroom, but from the devastating loss of Tim’s daughter, Shannon, and his granddaughter, Maggie, in a tragic fire at a vacation rental home. What followed is a powerful story of resilience, mission, and a growing commitment to protect families and uplift children.
The Inspiration Behind All Moms Are Heroes
In the earliest, most painful moments after learning that Shannon and Maggie would not survive, Tim shared one thought with his wife, Nancy: they had to create something so their girls would never be forgotten. Something that would allow Shannon and Maggie to continue to spread the goodness and happiness they emanated in life. What began as an idea for a scholarship soon evolved into something much larger, shaped by conversations with Nancy, their son Michael, and daughter Kali, who reflected on Shannon’s deep frustrations with the realities facing young families today.
Shannon was an early childhood and preschool teacher who believed passionately in the power of early education. She saw firsthand how access to resources at a young age could transform a child’s entire future. Shannon also witnessed families struggling with the cost of childcare and preschool, and the reluctance of some school districts to provide resources to young children with learning disabilities.
Shannon and her husband understood and experienced the same harsh financial realities that many families face. Despite having a solid household income—Shannon as a teacher and John as a police officer—their childcare costs exceeded $4,000 per month, more than their mortgage. Like countless others, they fell into what is now known as the “missing middle”—earning too much to qualify for assistance yet still struggling to afford essential care.
It was this reality that became the heartbeat of AMAH: supporting families who are doing everything right yet still need a helping hand.
Why All Moms are Heroes
“Many people have asked why and how we chose the name for the charity,” said Tim. “Shannon died trying to save Maggie’s life, and her actions have been described as heroic. But what we observed as Shannon’s many friends came to pay their respects was that every one of them would have done the same thing. A mother’s instinct to run into a burning fire to save her babies is universal… All Moms are Heroes.”
While often unnoticed, moms do heroic things everyday- from getting the kids to school, taking care of them when they are sick, reading them stories, and more. “Those acts may seem routine but collectively they are heroic acts,” said Tim. “By no means do I mean to diminish the role of fathers- they too are critical to a family that loves and grows. But there is no denying that All Moms are Heroes.”
Honoring Shannon and Maggie
Shannon was known for her devotion—to her students, her family, and her community. Recently selected to launch a new preschool program in Chatham, Massachusetts, she was respected for her leadership and loved for her humor and authenticity. She was fearless in speaking up when something wasn’t right and tireless in advocating for children.
Maggie had just celebrated her first birthday and had taken her very first steps. Those who met her remember her bright eyes, joyful giggle, and a personality that promised big things and a good kind of “trouble” ahead. She was named after both her parents’ grandmothers, carrying family legacy into a life that was heartbreakingly brief but endlessly meaningful.
AMAH stands as a living legacy to both—honoring Shannon’s belief in early childhood education (and sharing it loudly!) and Maggie’s joyful spirit.
A Mission in Action
Since its founding, All Moms Are Heroes has transformed compassion into tangible results. The organization supports families in the “missing middle” by helping cover early childhood education and care expenses—often the most overwhelming financial burden young parents face.
Through community-driven fundraising initiatives including a Mom Prom, a charity spin class, a community walk, the “Scoops for Shannon and Maggie” Memorial Day ice cream fundraiser, and the All Moms Are Heroes Golf Tournament, AMAH has already raised enough funds to meaningfully assist fifteen families with their early childhood expenses. These are not symbolic gestures—these are real families experiencing real relief, thanks to the generosity of the community and the leadership behind the organization.
Their next event is the Cape Cod Mom Prom, scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The Origin and Purpose of the Maggie Hubbard Law
Beyond philanthropy, Tim and his family have also taken on a mission of public safety and advocacy through The Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act (H.3962). The proposed legislation would require owners of short-term rental properties to annually prove compliance with existing fire alarm regulations by submitting a valid smoke detector certificate before their property can be advertised by third parties such as Airbnb, VRBO, or real estate professionals.
This legislation is a direct response to the facts surrounding the fire that took Shannon and Maggie’s lives. The rental property where the tragedy occurred did not have functioning smoke detectors, even though the rental platform listed the home as being equipped with them. Had smoke detectors been present, it is with certainty that their deaths could have been prevented. The fire burned for at least 30 minutes before anyone was aware. When Shannon attempted to retrieve Maggie from her room in the burning home, she was trapped by a sudden backdraft.
Tragically, this is not an isolated issue. Since 2022, ten lives have been lost in fires at short-term rentals where smoke detectors were either faulty or missing. In each of these cases, the properties were not properly registered with their municipalities and were still advertised as having smoke detectors. “Unfortunately, we are not the first family that has suffered this kind of loss. We feel there is a need to try to prevent it from happening again,” said Waldron.
Progress and Momentum
Maggie’s Law has already cleared its first major legislative milestone, having been formally filed and heard in a Joint State Senate and House Committee. It has moved forward more quickly than anticipated and is expected to be referred next to the Ways and Means Committee for further review before advancing to a full House and Senate vote.
The momentum behind the bill has been remarkable. First responders, fire chiefs, firefighters, and their unions have expressed broad support. A grassroots outreach effort led by AMAH resulted in more than a dozen legislative co-sponsors, signaling strong bipartisan recognition of the need for stronger safety measures.
While hurdles remain, the speed at which Maggie’s Law has progressed already reflects the urgency and widespread support behind its mission.
A Legacy of Purpose, Protection, and Hope
For Tim Waldron and the entire AMAH family, this work is deeply personal—but its impact is profoundly universal. Through financial support for families, advocacy for children, and the relentless pursuit of safer housing standards, All Moms Are Heroes is changing lives in meaningful, lasting ways.
What began in heartbreak has grown into a movement of prevention, protection, and possibility. In honoring Shannon and Maggie, AMAH not only ensures they will never be forgotten—it ensures that other families may be spared the same tragedy, and that more children receive the early support they deserve. And that, truly, is what makes every mom a hero.
To learn more about All Moms Are Heroes, get involved, or donate, visit AllMomsAreHeroes.com.
To connect with Tim Waldron, email Tim@AllMomsAreHeroes.com.
