Tom Hernandez

Tom Hernandez has been an active member of the Plainfield community for more than 27 years. He is probably best known as the Director of Community Relations for Plainfield School District 202 AKA, the guy who calls your family to say school is out for a snow day. Within District 202, Tom is a frequent and familiar presence – stopping by classrooms to read to elementary school students, attending plays, and participating in award ceremonies and graduations.

Outside of work, Tom is a dedicated local public servant and volunteer. He has served as past president of the United Way - Will County, on the board of the breast cancer relief organization Breast Intentions, and as district liaison to the Foundation for Excellence. A published author, Tom also is a co-founder of the local writing collective Write-On Joliet.

Tom has always been willing to help others in our community. Now he needs our help.

In May of 2022, Tom was diagnosed with a Stage 4 astrocytoma, an incurable and aggressive brain cancer. Since then, he has undergone brain surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments.

Tom’s illness and treatment have taken an immeasurable toll on him and his wife, Kellie. They are struggling in every imaginable way. The road of cancer treatment is long, and they still have far to travel. As his treatment has progressed, Tom has required extra support at home. As a result, Kellie has been unable to work full-time while caring for him. This has taken both an emotional and financial toll on Tom and Kellie.

Tom has very willingly given so much of himself to the community, please consider providing support to him and Kellie as they face the challenges ahead.