Help Tommy Fight for His Second Chance at Life

My name is Kim, and I am the proud mom of my 22-year-old son, Tommy. On July 30, 2025—his 22nd birthday—Tommy was given a second chance at life with an artificial heart. He is one of fewer than 1,000 people in the world to ever undergo this procedure.

This journey has been long, heartbreaking, and filled with battles we never imagined.

Tommy’s Story

When Tommy was just 3 years old, I found a lump on his foot. At first, we were told it was not cancer—but weeks later, we were given the devastating news: Ewing’s Sarcoma, an extremely rare childhood cancer that affects fewer than 250 people worldwide each year.

From ages 3½ to 5½, Tommy endured the maximum lifetime dose of chemotherapy. As a toddler, he received the same strength treatment as a grown adult man. Years later, doctors realized this regimen was far too aggressive for children, but for Tommy, the damage had already been done.

In 2013, doctors discovered a hole in his heart—caused by the chemo—that required surgery. His heart never fully recovered, and we knew a transplant would one day be inevitable.

In 2022, he was told he would never be able to have children, another heartbreaking side effect of his early treatment.

Then, in July 2025, Tommy collapsed in full heart failure. He was rushed by ambulance to Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix. The doctors quickly determined there wasn’t enough time to prepare for a human transplant. The only option was an artificial heart—a rare, extraordinary procedure that is now keeping my son alive.

Where We Are Now

After 44 days in the ICU, Tommy moved out of it in 9/12/25 and was discharged in 9/26/2025. On 9/10/25, Tommy transitioned to a Freedom Driver—an 8-pound backpack that powers his artificial heart and keeps him alive until he is matched with a donor for a human heart transplant.

This journey is far from over. Over the next 12–18 months, Tommy will endure constant monitoring, hospital visits, and eventually another transplant surgery. He has already overcome so much—but his fight is only beginning.

Why We Need Your Help

The financial strain of this journey is overwhelming:

• Loss of my income as I have become Tommy’s full-time caregiver

• Living expenses to maintain housing, utilities, and transportation

• Extra equipment, home needs, and supplies not fully covered

• Day-to-day essentials so we can focus fully on Tommy’s healing journey

As a single mom raising Tommy and his sister Maggie since they were 8 and 5, I have always provided through my work in real estate as an executive sales leader. But now, I cannot return to my former career—I must be Tommy’s 24/7 caretaker.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

✅ Keeping our family stable during this time

✅ Ensuring housing, food, and transportation while I care for Tommy full-time

✅ Covering additional needs and support not provided by insurance or programs

Tommy’s story is one of resilience, hope, and second chances. On his 22nd birthday, he was “reborn” with an artificial heart. With your help, we can carry him to the day when he finally receives his human heart transplant—and the chance at the full, healthy life he deserves.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us.

With love and gratitude,

Kim & Family