Thomas "Tom" Bonomo

This man is the best husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, neighbor and many other things to many people. He has always been very positive, very strong and always willing to lend a helping hand. Tom is also a proud veteran of the USAF. Now Tom needs your help.

Tom had a cardiac arrest on Christmas Day 12-25-2023. Initial life saving CPR was started within seconds at home by multiple family members. The paramedics arrived in 9 minutes to continue his life saving efforts that included oxygen support, and defibrillation that was given 2 times. He was taken by ambulance to our local emergency center 2 miles from our home where all efforts continued including defibrillation 3 more times until he was able to maintain a pulse and normal sinus rhythm. Transport safely brought him to Hartford Hospital in Connecticut where he was eventually admitted to the ICU. At that time he responded to simple verbal commands and was able to wiggle his toes. A good sign for recovery.

During evaluation it was noted he had 14 fractured ribs as a result of the effective CPR efforts that saved his life. Chest tubes were inserted due to a collapsed lung and bruised liver. He remained in critical condition for many weeks.

A 5 hour high risk surgery was scheduled to plate several of his broken ribs with titanium strips for stability. A tracheotomy was inserted after 2 weeks and eventually a feeding tube for nutrition. After 6-7 weeks he was able to be moved to an ICU step down unit. Daily multiple therapies that included weaning off the ventilator and help to regain strength in his atrophied muscles began. All in preparation to return to his high quality of life he previously enjoyed.

Prior to all of this Tom was working 8 hrs per day 40 hours a week doing heavy work as a hands on flooring contactor. He was living an active lifestyle.

All money donated will go directly towards the cost of his ongoing care and rehabilitation and any other unexpected medical costs.

To everyone "thank you" and PLEASE LEARN CPR!!!