MEET THE CONLAN FAMILY
Tom Conlan was 9 years old when he was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, (IDDM or Juvenile Diabetes). Tom now has Diabetic Retinopathy, he has been legally blind since 1987, Coronary Artery Disease, End Stage Renal Disease, he is on dialysis, and Peripheral Vascular Disease which resulted in a below the knee amputation. He has been unable to work for the past 9 years.
Tom has always given back to the community, especially to children. For years he has organized and run Toys for Tots beef and beer benefits. He was a volunteer at the House of Joseph, a homeless shelter for men in Wilmington, DE, until he became too ill to drive. Tom has an upbeat attitude and always has a smile on his face; he enjoys life to the fullest. With the help and support of his 5 children, granddaughter, son and daughter-in-law, and wife, he feels that through it all he is truly blessed.
In November of 2012 Tom Conlan passed away from complications following a heart attack. His spirit drove his family to complete another toys-for-tots drive the following month. Tom’s Family has created a non-profit organization modeled after Tom’s ferocious philanthropic nature called “TommyCToys” so that his tradition of helping might continue. Homers for Hope and Tom’s Family have also created the “No Surrender Award” which is given to a struggling family who needs a reminder from Tom to never give up and never surrender.
Homers For Hope was able to pay for: 5 mortgage payments and 2 cable bills.