Thomas Reynolds Foundation

Because there's nothing greater than a mother's love for her child

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About The Thomas Reynolds Foundation

The Thomas Reynolds Foundation serves to remember Thomas Reynolds - a heroic young man who earned his rightful place in heaven to Ependymoma, a form of brain cancer, in 2011. In his short lifetime, Thomas endured more than most of us will in a lifetime with honor, grace, and as a young Catholic "gentle" man. This foundation serves to honor his memory by raising awareness of Ependymoma as well as raising funds to go towards Ependymoma research so that ultimately, Ependymoma can be cured.

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Our Mission!

The mission of the Thomas Reynolds Foundation is to provide funding and support for families of children with brain tumors. The foundation strives to give continuous encouragement through moral support and financial assistance to relieve the family's burden.

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Upcoming events

Join our latest upcoming events

For more information and if you’d like to sponsor the event, please contact Lisa Tuminello-Reynolds (516) 263-9365.

11th ANNUAL EPENDYMOMA AWARENESS NIGHT

July 15th, 2024

Craft Tap Room

Come join us to celebrate Thomas’ Love of Life. The proceeds of this event will go towards finding a cure for Pediatric Ependymoma.


Every $100 raised will help in the research of this rare brain disease.

Every dollar counts.

#livethedash #livelikeThomas

6PM – 10PM

1885 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh NY

  • Live entertainment
  • 10% of dinner bill goes back to Thomas’ foundation
  • 50/50 Drawing
  • Raffles
CONTACT US TODAY

The Thomas Reynolds Foundation would like to thank and acknowledge our generous sponsors

Our Testimonials

What They Say About Thomas

"My wife and I have been giving annually since we were first made aware. What I like about donating to the group is having the confidence that our money is being used directly toward efforts to save lives."

LEAVE US A REVIEW

Jessica Brown

Volunteer

Volunteering has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. The team is welcoming and passionate, making it easy to feel at home. I’ve had the opportunity to assist in various activities, from organizing events to directly supporting those in need. Each task is meaningful, and the impact of our efforts is visible and heartwarming.

Who was Thomas?

Thomas was born perfect on May 28th, 1998. From the moment he took his first breath until the horrifically beautiful moment he took his last, he lived his life in the image and likeness of God. 


Thomas’ life was never about cancer….it was about love despite being afflicted by that awful disease…Simply put Thomas’ life was about love…not cancer..love.. Being a breath of fresh air in a world filled with pollution, finding the light in such darkness, living life to the absolute fullest were some of Thomas’ most endearing traits. 


Thomas was not jut my son, my hero, my best friend, he was all of ours to share, to love, to learn from, to emulate. Along with being a servant of the Lord, Thomas lived his life with a loving and selfless heart. His thoughts and prayers were always for the well being of others. 


On October 7th, 2011, Thomas would take his last beautiful breath in the arms of those who loved him the most. He was surrounded by his mom, Mimi, and PopPop as he went peacefully to heaven. 


It is our mission at the Thomas Reynolds Foundation to continue spreading his story with the world. The chapters of Thomas’ book are not complete, as his life’s book will continue forever.

Thomas’ Mimi in describing her Thomas. There’s a boy who stole my heart and he called me Mimi. We shared a bond that defies written word. Thomas was everyone’s dream child. I wanted to give him the world, but Thomas wanted nothing but love…..so that’s what I gave him…all of my love.


Thomas’ friend Thomas C. If there’s anything I learned from my years I got to know Tom, it was how much he focused on enjoying life within the time he had. He made the best of every single moment of his life, met some of the greatest athletes, went on memorable trips with his family, had experiences no one could ever experience and simply enjoyed being around those who loved him dearly. Life is short, nothing is promised. Enjoy life, don’t take it too seriously, be kind to others, and always be the best version of yourself. That is what I’ve learned from my friend Thomas and something we should all live by through him.


Thomas’ friend Danny M. Thomas was my best friend and the toughest person I’ve ever known. Whatever the situation, I never heard  Thomas complain even once. A true warrior whose first thought was of others well being. I think of him every day which makes me want to be a better person. I will cherish our memories for the rest of my life.


Jane M. (Thomas’ nurse) The first time I met Thomas was when he was being admitted for one of his many surgeries. This wide eyed boy was surrounded by love from his mom, Mimi, and PopPop. I was lucky enough to be Thomas’ nurse many times and had the pleasure of really getting to know him. The one thing that stuck out to me was that he never once complained. So many medications, procedures, and uncomfortable things and he never complained. He met the fear of his diagnosis with strength, courage, bravery, and dignity. Thomas is someone I think about often and I will never forget.

  • What does the Thomas Reynolds Foundation do for our pediatric cancer community?

    Thomas’ foundation provides financial and emotional support to families of our pediatric cancer warriors.

  • What is an ependymoma tumor?

    Ependymoma is a glial tumor of the ependymal cells that line the center of the spinal cord and the ventricles of the brain. Posteria fossa tumors are the most common form of ependymoma cancers in children and carry the worst prognosis, due to it’s complex region of the brain.

  • How rare is ependymoma brain cancer?

    Ependymoma brain cancer is very rare. In the US, it’s reported that less than 200 cases are diagnosed yearly. These tumors are found in adults and children alike.

  • What is the motto of Thomas’ foundation and what does it mean?

    The motto of Thomas’ foundation is to Live the Dash. It doesn’t matter the year you’re born, or the year you die. What matters is the dash in between. This dash exemplifies your life and how you live it.

  • How can I donate?

    We accept Venmo, Zelle, Donately, Stripe, and checks.

News & articles

News and Articles

By Leanne Graziose 03 Jun, 2024
Thomas Reynolds, SEAS Angel! Everyone knows Thomas’s name at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional Catholic School!  Thomas Reynolds could never be described in just one word; Thomas: smart, funny, well-rounded, vibrant, athletic, faithful, and a great friend to name a few.  When Thomas was little, he was cute and always a good student, ready and willing to learn and be part of the class. Irony would have it as he grew up he was the same if not better. He never let the world around him influence him negatively, he was always positive ! He never let his obstacles and challenges get in the way of him being giving, and loving and selfless! Thomas always thought of others before himself, the ultimate giver.  If you knew Thomas, you were blessed! If you pray to Thomas, you are blessed. Thomas lived life to the fullest and his wish was for everyone around him to have a happy wonderful life!  The Thomas Reynolds Gymnasium is a place where all students, parents and teachers of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional Catholic School, come together often to play, pray, learn, and entertain all under the watchful eye of Thomas our SEAS, angel!  Peace, Leeann Live. Love, Laugh, Play, Pray & Smile...Always!  
By Rudy Grippo 22 May, 2024
Ependymoma is a type of tumor that arises from ependymal cells, which line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. These cells are part of the central nervous system and play a crucial role in producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord. Ependymomas are relatively rare, accounting for about 2-3% of all primary brain tumors in adults and approximately 10% in children.
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