Nicole Curtis, the charismatic host of HGTV’s Rehab Addict, is known for her passion for restoring historic homes, her advocacy for preservation, and her dedication to her family.
Over the years, her authentic personality and openness about her personal life have made her a relatable figure for fans.
However, one persistent internet query has sparked confusion: “Did Nicole Curtis’s daughter have cancer?”
This question has circulated online for years, prompting Curtis to clarify the misconception and provide insight into the real story behind the confusion.
Nicole Curtis is a television personality, home restoration expert, and entrepreneur who rose to fame through her show Rehab Addict, which premiered in 2010.
The series focuses on restoring old homes to their original charm rather than tearing them down—a philosophy that resonates with fans who value history and sustainability. Curtis’s hands-on approach, combined with her engaging personality, has earned her a dedicated following.
Outside of her career, Curtis has been candid about her personal life, sharing glimpses of her struggles and triumphs as a single mother, her relationships, and her philanthropic endeavors. Her journey as a mother and advocate for various causes has been a central part of her public narrative.
Nicole Curtis is the proud mother of two sons: Ethan and Harper.
Ethan Curtis: Born in December 1997, Ethan is Nicole’s firstborn. She became a mother at the age of 20, a life-changing moment that fueled her determination to create a better life for herself and her child.
Ethan grew up alongside Nicole as she navigated her early struggles in the home restoration business. Now an adult, Ethan maintains a private life, but Curtis often expresses pride in the man he has become.
Harper Curtis: Nicole’s younger son, Harper, was born in 2015. His father is Shane Maguire, with whom Nicole had a contentious custody battle that drew significant media attention.
Despite the challenges, Curtis remains devoted to Harper’s well-being and often shares heartwarming moments of their life together. Like Ethan, Harper has been a part of Curtis’s journey, from construction sites to family adventures.
A recurring internet search about Nicole Curtis revolves around whether her “daughter” had cancer.
This confusion likely stems from her close relationship with Tessa Prothero, a young girl who battled Stage IV neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Tessa was not Nicole’s daughter but the child of Bobby Prothero, a long-time member of her Rehab Addict team.
Curtis has been vocal about her bond with Tessa, describing her as a source of joy and inspiration.
She often referred to Tessa in maternal terms, which may have led fans to mistakenly assume she was her biological child. Curtis has since clarified this misconception, stating, “She wasn’t my child (contrary to internet searches), but I loved her dearly and strongly, and I was so fortunate that my friends Bobby and Karin shared her with us.”
The confusion around whether Nicole Curtis had a daughter with cancer likely originates from her public tributes to Tessa. In 2017, Curtis shared a touching social media post featuring a photo of herself with Tessa. In the caption, she wrote, “This is Tessa. She makes me laugh, and her cancer makes me cry. STAGE IV Neuroblastoma. What is it? It’s an ugly form of cancer that hurts kids like our girl here.”
In the same post, Curtis launched a campaign to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. She partnered with businesses to match her donations and encouraged fans to participate in a hashtag campaign using #WeLoveTessa, #NicoleCurtis, and #RehabAddict. Her creative and heartfelt efforts showcased her commitment to making a difference, further solidifying her bond with Tessa in the eyes of her followers.
Sadly, Tessa passed away in 2017 at the age of 9. Curtis was deeply affected by the loss and continued to honor Tessa’s memory through tributes and fundraising efforts. In 2022, on what would have been Tessa’s 14th birthday, Curtis shared another heartfelt post, writing, “How is it possible that 5 years have passed since we have heard that giggle, saw that smile, felt that hug?” She also revealed that her family continues to celebrate Tessa’s spirit by singing “Happy Birthday” and raising funds for the foundation started by Tessa’s parents.
Nicole Curtis’s Tribute to Tessa
Curtis has remained a steadfast supporter of the foundation established by Tessa’s parents, Bobby and Karin Prothero, which helps families facing pediatric cancer.
She has praised their tireless efforts, saying, “Every day, Karin works endlessly to put together packages to make cancer hurt a little less for these children. I’m not that brave, I’ll be honest. I help from afar because sometimes, most of the time, the children don’t win the battle.”
Through her tributes and ongoing advocacy, Curtis has ensured that Tessa’s legacy lives on. Her emotional connection to Tessa and her dedication to raising awareness about pediatric cancer reflect her compassionate nature.