The Thomas Stoycos Memorial Foundation

On November 6th, 2024, the Aurora community lost an unforgettable spirit. Thomas may not have held records for the most home runs or the best ERA, but he held something even greater—the heart of Aurora Baseball. His passion and personality left an indelible mark on everyone around him. Thomas, from the very start, embodied a quote by baseball legend Tommy Lasorda: "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." Thomas never let anything hold him back from what he loved most—the game and the team that became his family.

Thomas was the heartbeat of the Aurora Greenmen, the spark that lifted spirits even in the most challenging moments. Down by five runs with two outs in the bottom of the 7th? You could always count on Thomas’s unwavering voice, cheering his team on, igniting belief when all seemed lost. His energy was infectious, a reminder that hope and determination can be just as powerful as talent.

One evening last year at OSU, I heard someone shouting, "We got this!" from across the campus. I looked over, and there was Thomas on the volleyball court, still radiating that same positivity I had seen on the ballfield. Thomas was a natural leader—an inspiration to all of us who knew him, and a friend to everyone he met.

So, when we heard the news, our hearts broke. We immediately knew we had to come together, to do something that would honor Thomas’s incredible legacy. This fundraiser is dedicated to supporting the Stoycos family—Thomas’s miracle parents and his three amazing brothers. With the holidays approaching, we want to give them the gift of love and support that reflects the boundless joy Thomas gave to all of us.

Stephen and Carol Stoycos have decided that the money raised will be payed forward to support causes that Thomas believed in, including a scholarship at Aurora High School for students who exemplify the principles he lived. That said after reaching our original goal of $10,000 we figured might as well shoot for the stars so our new goal is to raise $15,000. No amount is too small; every donation is a tribute to a young man who showed us all what it means to live with purpose, passion, and heart.

Let’s come together, Greenmen family, and help fulfill this goal for Thomas and his family.