Help Tom Dunphy Overcome Stroke and Cancer

Our family never thought we would have to ask for help, but we need help for our brother Lipps. Tom “Lipps” Dunphy, a lifelong Evansville resident, suffered three strokes within 4 months, the first one in November 2024, causing disorientation, impaired speech and gait, which worsened with every stroke there after. This diminished his ability to work and operate his business, Petterson Plumbing. He relies on wheelchairs for long distance mobility, and a cane daily.

In March 2025 after his third stroke, Lipps was getting dental work done, and his dentist discovered a lesion on the floor of his mouth. He was given a referral to get a biopsy done along with multiple scans. The lesion came back positive for cancer. Without wasting any time, Lipps went forward with an 8-hour surgery to remove the tumor, using tissue from his chin to rebuild the inside of his mouth, which impaired his speech even more. A couple of weeks after removing the tumor on the floor of his mouth, it was discovered that the cancer had aggressively spread to his lymph nodes on the left side of his neck, changing his prognosis to stage IV cancer. He will be going through radiation and chemotherapy starting the first week in July for six weeks.

Lipps is unable to work and does not have an income coming in. He is midway through a divorce, has four kids to support, with health insurance coming to an end when the divorce is final. He is living with our 85-year-old mom until he can get strong enough to live on his own, which still has uncertainty. Lipps needs to catch a break and could use a fresh start in his forever changed life. You will be helping him immensely with your support in getting him through the toughest struggle of his life.

There will be a Tom “Lipps” Dunphy Badger vs. Iowa Stroke-Cancer fundraiser October 11 at Union Tavern to help with his medical bills, and get that new start he desperately needs. There will be several activities, including a pancake breakfast (donate what you please) and music. It would mean the world to Lipps if you stopped out to see him to say ‘hi!’. More details about benefit to follow.