Hi, I’m Stefanie. My former colleague and friend Tom was recently struck in a serious car accident while driving home from work. The result: a fractured femur, emergency surgery, a totaled car, and a long road of rehab ahead.

To say Tom has bad luck is an understatement. He’s a Buffalo Bills fan — need I say more? But unfortunately… there is more.

Totaled car. Ambulance. Hospital. Emergency surgery. Inpatient rehab. Outpatient rehab. The normal bills. The extra bills. And yes — still the Bills.

Tom (front row, left)

What Happened

On the evening of November 19, 2025, just one week before Thanksgiving, Tom was in a serious accident on his drive home from work. His car was totaled, and although he was wearing his seatbelt, he suffered a fractured femur that required emergency surgery involving pins and rods, along with a torn VMO muscle.

He was hospitalized, transferred to Hannah Dustin Rehabilitation Center in Haverhill, MA, and then briefly readmitted to the hospital due to complications that were initially feared to be a blood clot and were later diagnosed as pneumonia. Thankfully, that has since resolved, and Tom is now back in inpatient rehab, working every day to rebuild strength and relearn how to walk.

Recovery will take months — including ongoing physical therapy and significant time away from work.

Tom at AgaMatrix team mini-golf outing LaBelle Winery, Derry NH (front row, right, red shirt)

About Tom — and Why We’re Rallying

I met Tom when we worked together at AgaMatrix, where he joined in late 2022. I no longer work with Tom, so I’m sharing this as someone who worked alongside him — not as a company representative.

During the transitions, and layoffs Tom consistently stepped up. He took on increased responsibility, helped with complex complaint investigations, and did it all with patience, professionalism, and humor. He showed up — again and again.

Outside of work, Tom is a stand-up comedian, storyteller, and unapologetic Bills Mafia member, usually spotted in one of his many Buffalo sweatshirts (a bold choice in Patriots Nation).

But what matters most is who Tom is at his core.

In 2024, after a difficult breakup, Tom lost housing and lived out of his car — a car he bought specifically so he could leave safely and rebuild his life. He worked two jobs, including overnight shifts at the airport, and still showed up early to work, sharing breakfast and laughs with coworkers.

Through sheer determination, Tom secured stable housing in Manchester, NH. Buying his beloved Chevy Sonic became a symbol of stability after one of the hardest years of his life.

That same car took the full impact of this accident.

Medical teams are amazed he escaped without head, neck, or spinal injuries. In that final moment, the Chevy Sonic did its job — and Tom remains grateful for it.

When Tom woke up from surgery, he discovered that the EMTs had to cut off his brand-new Buffalo Bills hoodie. He joked that he was far less upset about his pants and shirt—but the hoodie? That one hurt. “They violated the sacred new Bills hoodie,” he said.

Even now, in rehab, Tom hasn’t lost his sense of humor. One of his recent messages to me:

“Btw, Buffalo defeated the Pats yesterday 35–31. #BillsMafia ”

Tom’s Message to His Community:

“Welp, if I ever needed the community I lived in for 8 plus yrs, now’s the day. Last Wed night I was in a head on collison…actuslly he made an illegal left. Shattered my femur. I’m in a dark place now. 4 month inpatient rehab re-learning how to walk again.

Not asking for donations or snacks or anything. Just want pick me up video messages, jokes, positive vibe FB messages. Trapped in Haverhill MA but Manch 4 life"

Why We’re Raising Money (Even Though Tom Didn’t Ask)

Tom didn’t ask for financial help. He only asked for jokes, messages, and good vibes.

But the reality is this: Tom cannot work right now, and the costs are piling up.

With the new year approaching, he faces:

Replacing even a modest used car is expected to cost $8,000–$10,000 in today’s market.

We’re raising funds so Tom can focus on healing — not survival.

Here’s Tom (front row, center, in plaid) and me, Stefanie (front row, left, in blue), from an AgaMatrix team event in Salem, NH before the accident.

How Donations Will Help

Funds will go toward:

Every dollar eases a real, immediate burden.

If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser truly helps.

A Note of Gratitude

Tom asked that we include a heartfelt thank-you to Salem Fire & Rescue, whose calm, patience, and compassion carried him through the scariest moments of his life, and to Salem Police Officer Nolan Devers for keeping the scene safe and steady during a chaotic night.

Who Is Managing the Funds

All funds will be managed by Brian Minchen, Tom’s best friend of 25 years, who will ensure donations go directly toward Tom’s medical, rehab, and essential living needs.

Thank you for helping our friend get back on his feet — and eventually, back to the mic.

— Stefanie

February 16, 2026 Update

Since returning home, the biggest challenge for Tom has been the stairs. The walker can’t safely be used on them, so he’s had to rely on roommates to help him get to early doctor and pharmacy appointments.

The good news: for the first time in nearly two months, he made it up the stairs on his own during therapy while carrying his folded walker. His quad is still weak and his knee painful, but it’s a huge milestone.

Another Big Milestone, this month Tom will be returning to work!

He’s also hoping to get out on March 14th to see one of his favorite comedians in Manchester — a much-needed break from just appointments and recovery.

Thank you for the continued support.

January 13, 2026 Update

For those who don’t know, Tom’s insurance released him from the rehab center right before Christmas. Unfortunately, it’s been a struggle ever since.

He was sent home without a walker and had to purchase one on his own. On Christmas Eve, he had to arrange and pay for an Uber to get himself home from Haverhill to Manchester.

Since then, his doctor now suspects a torn meniscus, and with the new year came a new insurance provider and a new deductible that hasn’t been met yet. Tom needs an MRI, and Derry Imaging called to let him know that because his 2026 deductible hasn’t been met, the up-front cost is just under $1,200.

We’re incredibly grateful for all the donations so far — every bit has truly helped. Please continue to share this GoFundMe if you can. Let’s see if we can keep supporting Tom right now, when he needs it most.

Thank you so much for being here and for caring.

1-Month Update – December 19, 2025

Today marks one month since Tom’s accident, and we wanted to share a brief update and a huge thank-you to everyone who has supported him.

Tom is still in inpatient rehabilitation and is currently on track for release 3–4 weeks into January, depending on how his follow-up appointment and continued progress go.

The good news: Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy are going well. Even when progress feels slow, Tom is putting in more work each session — and that effort is adding up. He’s pushing through significant pain and limitations, especially with knee and leg mobility, but continues to show determination every day.

Because of this, Tom will not be able to drive until at least mid-to-late April, possibly as late as June, as he needs full, safe function of his leg before returning to the road.

On the practical side, insurance has officially totaled his car. The settlement covered most of the loan, though Tom will still owe a small remaining balance while he’s unable to work.

The next major milestone is short-term disability, which currently runs through February 3rd. With his recovery timeline, this will be a very tight window, and what comes next is still uncertain.

Despite everything, Tom’s spirits remain strong. He welcomes visitors, messages, jokes, and snacks — anything that helps pass the long days and reminds him he’s surrounded by support.

Thank you again for every donation, share, and kind message. Your generosity continues to ease the burden so Tom can focus on healing and getting stronger.

Good Vibes Only: Positive Messages for Tom

I have known Tom for over 25 years. I was the best man in his wedding in 2010, 2 days after my son was born! Tom and I have been through a lot of life together, through many ups and downs. When I needed a friend about 10 years ago, Tom was by my side through it all. His friendship and loyalty are beyond question. He remains steadfast to the people who are important to him. And now, we need to be steadfast to him. Thank you for reading about Tom's story, and considering helping a friend in need. - Brian Minchen

I organized this because you matter, and because the care and effort you’ve always shown others deserves to come back to you tenfold. Working alongside you showed me your kindness, your integrity, and how fiercely you advocate for people — all while being the most unapologetically proud Bills fan I know. My hope is that this support helps take a little weight off your shoulders so you can put your energy where it belongs right now: healing. We’ve got you. -Stefanie Kiluk