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Some organizations stay with you. For our family, Tommy’s Place is one of those places.
Not just because of what they do, but because of how they make people feel during some of the hardest moments in life.
What Is Tommy’s Place?
Tommy’s Place is a nonprofit that welcomes children battling cancer and their families for special stays in Falmouth and Centerville.
It gives families something incredibly meaningful. Time to step away from hospital visits and treatment schedules and instead focus on being together.
It is not about medical care. It is about creating space for joy, connection, and lasting memories during an incredibly difficult time.
Why Tommy’s Place Means So Much to Our Family
Emily was a dear friend of our family and the same age as our youngest daughter, Claire.
They met at the hockey rink, cheering on their older sisters, and quickly became inseparable. Not long after, they were in the same kindergarten class, where their friendship continued to grow.
In 2021, Emily was diagnosed with leukemia.
During her incredibly brave fight, her family was invited to spend a week at Tommy’s Place. That experience gave them something every family deserves during a time like that. A chance to simply be together, to laugh, and to create joyful memories in the middle of something so hard.
When I once asked Emily which organization she would choose to support, out of all the places that had helped her, she didn’t hesitate.
She chose Tommy’s Place.
Emily passed away in February 2024, and she remains very much a part of our lives and our hearts.
How We Continue to Support This Mission
Since then, we have found ways to give back to an organization that meant so much to her.
Through Boston Women Rising, I nominated Tommy’s Place for a grant.
We have also spent time volunteering at the homes, helping prepare them for the next families arriving each week. Everything is fully volunteer-driven, 52 weeks a year, which makes it even more meaningful to be a small part of what they do.
Last year, Caroline and I ran the Falmouth Road Race in Emily’s honor.
This year feels even more special. Claire is now old enough to join us, and the three of us will be running together for Emily.
Why Tommy’s Place Matters
Organizations like this fill a space that is hard to put into words.
They give families a break from the clinical side of cancer and replace it with something lighter, even if just for a little while.
Moments of normalcy
Time together
Space to just be a family
Those experiences matter more than people often realize.
How You Can Support This Mission
If you are looking for a way to make a difference, this is one that has a very real impact.
Supporting Tommy’s Place helps more families experience the same sense of joy and connection that meant so much to Emily and her family.
Whether that is through donating, sharing their mission, or simply learning more about what they do, every bit of support helps. If you’d like to support our fundraising efforts in Emily’s honor, I’ve included a link at the end of this post.
The Bottom Line
Some causes become personal, and Tommy’s Place is one of those for our family.
Running the Falmouth Road Race is our way of honoring Emily and supporting a place that gave her family such a meaningful gift during an incredibly difficult time.
If this story resonates with you, we would love your support. Click to support our Tommy’s Place fundraiser for Emily.
Even simply sharing their mission or keeping Emily’s spirit in mind truly means a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tommy’s Place?
Tommy’s Place is a nonprofit that provides special stays for children battling cancer and their families, focused on creating joyful and meaningful experiences.
How does Tommy’s Place help families?
It gives families time away from treatment environments so they can focus on connection, rest, and making positive memories together.
How can I support Tommy’s Place?
You can support through donations, volunteering, or helping spread awareness about their mission.
Sources
Tommy’s Place Official Website
https://tommysplace.org
American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org
