Tom’s Story

Site created on August 13, 2018


Tom was diagnosed with a rare, terminal, stage 4 form of colon cancer in October 2017. From October 2017 to the current day, Tom has been a fighter; what person do you know that still goes to work on chemo? Tom did. So far, he has beat many odds and still continues to amaze us with his strength (and commitment to his company while sick). Tom has spent a majority of his life taking care of others, putting everyone before himself and NEVER taking the easy way out. As a young child, I remember my dad never arriving to work late or ever leaving early---and he had four children to raise with my mother. Tom was at every sports event, every awards ceremony, and not only physically but mentally present at every family vacation while he was away from the company he began with his brother Bob. He was and still is a renaissance man. Tom has taken three sick days in his entire 30 year working career, and has very much looked forward to retirement. He more than deserves to enjoy the fruits of his hard-earned labor and we want to give him that. This page has been created for the following reasons: to provide health updates for Tom, to motivate and surround Tom with positive energy and encouragement as we strive to help him maintain a relatively normal quality of life,  to encourage Tom to continue fighting through one of the worst cancers out there, with the determination that he has exhibited EVERYDAY since his diagnosis, to serve as a place where people can share stories about Tom, and to serve as a place where you can connect with Tom, near or far. Tom will be reading this page so please share anything and please send to your friends who also know Tom.


*****if you want to visit him In the hospital, please message Jennifer through Facebook or email jlawall@vt.edu or through caring bridge and she can give you his location for visiting*******


Thank you for your continued faith, strength, and support,


The Lawall Family 

Newest Update

8302018

Journal entry by Jennifer Lawall —

My loving, goofy, generous, caring father passed away Tuesday August 28th around six pm. He was surrounded by myself, his daughter, his two sons and his wife. We all were there for the first time together and we told him that, he passed minutes after. I believe he was waiting for all of us. He is now free of pain and in the presence of my brother Kevin, who passed in 2010. The viewing and funeral will be this weekend. 

My dad will always be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his kind heart, and his caring demeanor. He will be missed be more than many. ❤️ 
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