TAMPA, Fla. —  Nazeraeh Montrond is just 23 years old, but she has taken on the role of caring for her three siblings since the death of her mother from cancer in 2021.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Montrond first felt tragedy with the death of their father,  who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006

  •  Their mother died in 2021 after battling cancer 

  •  Nazeraeh Montrond is helping to raise three siblings and recently graduated from college 

“I was very unhappy, I was numb," Montrond said. "I didn’t know what I was going to do but I knew I wanted to be the best person for my siblings.”

Montrond and her siblings have been through so much over the years, including losing their father, SSgt. Alberto Montrond, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006. They are a tight knit group who worked together to get through the hard times. She says its been a journey of struggle and triumph.

“It’s a work in progress in the areas that we lack we’re all picking each other up,” she said.

Montrond recently graduated from college – she was able to get a scholarship from the Special Operations Warrior Foundation to help pay for college. On top of that, she and her siblings were given a new home from Homes for Heroes.

“They were instantly, 'What can we do what can we do.. what do you need now,'" she said. "They just never let go of me and my siblings.. they are actively present and loving.”

Montrond is gearing up for more schooling. She will soon start graduate school and will pursue a doctorate in Occupational Therapy.