Support the Belle Family

Updated, November 18, 2023 (Saturday):

We are so heartbroken to share that Tom has passed away peacefully in Courtney's arms on Wednesday, November 15th.

Tom fought such an honorable fight over the past 6 months. Courtney, Wyatt, Maddox, and Brody will carry on his legacy with their hearts filled with strength, love, and support, not only from Tom, but this amazing community who cares so deeply for them.

Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, for this wonderful family. Your support and strength is so very appreciated.

A Little About Tom Belle, an American Hero (July 18, 2023):

In 2007, Tom made the heroic and selfless decision to hang up his hockey uniform for a new one, the United States Air Force, to defend our great country and our freedom. Upon enlisting, he served on the Para Rescue Operations team. In 2009, Tom was deployed, not once, but twice: to Iraq and Afghanistan. When he returned home, he received orders that he would be stationed in Arizona; here he continued to serve in the reserves, while simultaneously completing his undergraduate degree. Tom continued to challenge himself and furthered his education pursuing a Masters degree from the American Military University. More recently, Tom has finally had the opportunity to retire and settle into civilian life to enjoy and share what he worked so diligently for with his 3 young boys and wife.

Updated, July 16, 2023:

First and foremost, many thanks to all of you who have donated to the Belle Family, supporting them in their time of need as Tom continues to make strides toward recovery.

The Belle family was over-the-moon when Tom was told he was in remission and would have to return to Penn in a week and a half for his next treatment. All was great until this past Thursday (July 13th) night, when Tom ended up going into cardiogenic shock and the doctors feared he wouldn't make it through the night. Tom pulled through with the use of modern medical devices and a wonderful team: he was quickly intubated and placed on an ecmo and dialysis. Last night (Saturday), he was taken to the operating room to have a temporary heart device installed to help his left ventricle operate efficiently.

As we all continue to think, pray, and support the Belle family in any way we can, the reality is that the medical bills are continuing to add up and Tom's disability will end this month. Courtney continues to be by his side and is being supported by family and friends with childcare, meals, and chores; however, what remains is that Tom will not be able to return to work for MONTHS now, following this recent emergency.

As a good friend knows Courtney, she would never dream of asking for anything more than the support she has been receiving...so, we wanted to update the Go Fund Me and ask, if you can, please consider donating, monetarily, to the Belle Family: doctors, hospitals (ERs and clinic visits, too), medicines, and the best treatment is hard to find, but Tom has that care right now and will continue on the path to recovery. He is so important and the core of his family, so for Courtney, their 3 little guys (Wyatt, Maddox, and Brody), and their 2 pups (Barley and Beau), consider digging deep and donating to help make Tom's recovery a little more easier. We appreciate your help and, honestly, the Belle Family does so very much, too.

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On June 1st, Tom went to the ER with some odd symptoms. Within 6 hours he was flown into Philly and admitted to Penn where he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Since then, they have determined his stay would be for at least 4 weeks and then treatment will continue for the next year.

Courtney has been spending the days by Tom's side and her parents continue to support them as they care for their 3 boys at home. Tom's care is the family's priority, but with care comes cost. Our hope is that this page will generate some support for the family (medical, travel, and care) as Tom continues to heal on this unexpected journey. We can't wait to see his smile as he plays with his boys in the yard and gives them the rides they love on his Deere.