Tommy's Fight

I want to start by saying that my sister Sheryl and her husband Tommy are the most independent individuals I know; they are both very strong people. Unfortunately, God has recently given them a little too much to deal with on their own. Sheryl might kill me for this, but they need help.. And anyone who knows either of them already know that if the roles were reversed, they would be the first ones to lend a helping hand.

If you don't already know, here is their story...

2006-
Tommy's first grade 2 brain tumor occurred 8 years ago. It was found after experiencing a seizure during the night and needed to be removed immediately followed by 6 weeks of radiation. Tommy worked through the entire radiation treatment continuing to stay positive and move forward.

2009-
Tommy is still cancer free! He and Sheryl get married and begin to plan their lives together. In one year they get married, buy a house and begin to plan a family... everything is going great.

2012-
After years of trying, Tommy and Sheryl find out that they are in a situation where the chances of them being able to conceive a child may be less than 1%. Without a second thought, Tommy supported Sheryl through numerous infertility treatments as well as the financial burden it involved; regardless of what the Dr.'s (and everyone else) said, they both felt it was going to happen someday.

February 2013-
Tommy began to get headaches again...his brain cancer is back. This time Grade 4 Glioblastoma. Tommy immediately needs the tumor removed, followed by radiation, long-term chemotherapy and routine MRI's each month.

September 2013-
After 5 years of trying with infertility treatments costing them both of their life savings; Tommy and Sheryl find out they beat all the odds and percentages, THEY ARE HAVING A BABY GIRL!!! They could not be happier as this was the first sign of positivity that either of them had seen for quite some time. Tommy completed his radiation and has been doing well on the chemotherapy pill prescribed.

December 2013-
Up until this point, Tommy has succeeded in keeping up with his day-to-day life staying as positive as possible. He maintains a full time job, plays in a competitive softball league, is at the golf course a couple times a week and still makes time for frisbee every night with his dog, Bud.

Then things took a turn for the worse.. Tommy's MRI's started to show the cancer spreading in different areas of the brain; his treatment needed to change to IV chemotherapy with hopes of a better outcome. Soon after, he is no longer able to work due to fatigue and the effects the treatment and the tumor are having on his brain function.

Now:
The chemo is really taking a toll on Tommy, leaving him physically and emotionally drained on a daily basis. Tommy's days are limited to visits to Dana Farber, physical therapy and lots of sleep. Tommy's everyday life is a true struggle; he shows very little signs of the Tommy we all know and love, although he continues to tell people he is "doing great" when they call in order to avoid pity and hold onto his pride.

Aside from Tommy, things have been the hardest on his wife, Sheryl. Sheryl (now 7 months pregnant) has watched her beloved husband become a different man. It is difficult to leave Tommy alone due to scares involving seizures as well as driving and balance concerns. Unfortunately, things have become so difficult that working is no longer an option for Sheryl either.

So now that you have read Tommy and Sheryl's story, I hope you can understand why they need all the help they can get. Whether you read this story and it hits home or you simply just want to help, we appreciate all donations.

Thank You