A Vision for Tom Essig

On April 21st, 2017, a terrible accident changed Amy and Tom Essig’s world. During Tom’s annual hunting trip to Nebraska, Tom was accidentally shot in the face by another hunter who had lost track of Tom. Tom took the force of the buckshot in his face, throat and chest. He was treated in the field by first responders and ambulanced to the nearest medical facility where they quickly realized it was beyond their capabilities, so they helicoptered him to a larger hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Given the severe nature of his injuries, he was then sent on a life-flight to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center in Denver. Tom’s friends, the first responders, and the talented medical staffs in Kearney and Denver saved Tom’s life. He is truly lucky to be alive.

Unfortunately, Tom took shot to both eyes. Given the destruction of both his retinas, Tom has lost sight in both eyes. Our brother, and our friend, needs your help.

Tom and Amy have been married for over 11 years. They have a beautiful family that includes Wyatt (age 9) and Colton (age 6). They are an incredibly active family. Tom is an avid outdoorsman and Amy is a runner. The kids are in flag football, baseball, and countless other activities. The entire family loves to ski and snowboard together.

We humbly seek financial donations in order to assist with the following costs:

·         Medical bills

·         Ongoing medical expenses and therapies

·         Assist with procurement of medical devices and technology for the blind

·         Ongoing financial support

·         Search for a miracle cure

We also ask for your prayers. Tom and his family need all of your prayers.

Tom can no longer work, or drive. He has now lost his job. Amy will go back to work as much as possible while remaining the sole caregiver to Tom. Despite the harsh medical prognosis, Tom and Amy remain upbeat and are committed to making the best of things. Tom is as tough as they come, as you would expect from a south sider from Chicago. Those who know our Tom realize that fate picked on the wrong guy. Tom will never, ever, ever give up. Tom was a terrific football player (and all-around athlete) from St. Germaine in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and at Brother Rice High School (Class of 1987) in Chicago. He was a member of Brother Rice’s 1985 6A state runner up football team. Although Tom has lived in Colorado a long time, he has always proudly flown the Blackhawks flag at his house…even in the dark and very lean years.

Tom and Amy need our help, and once again ask for your prayers. Please consider donating to Tom and Amy so we can create a VISION FOR TOM !!