Tommy's Place

When I started to dream about a magical vacation home for kids fighting cancer way back in 2007, I imagined a safe environment where kids could just be kids surrounded by their family and friends. A place far away from the hospital and doctors offices where kids could relax, make memories and most importantly have FUN!
A great big welcome to our new Tommy's Place friend Toni!

Toni's super mom can explain the rest...a crazy dream brought to life in real time.

"Thank you for an amazing stay at Tommy’s Place. Toni was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B cell ALL) last February 2024. It started with an ear infection. We had a trip planned and with the approval of our pediatrician and some antibotics we went on our trip. Toni did not walk the whole time were were away. She was very pale. We thought it was either the ear infection or that the antibiotics was not agreeing with her. The day after we returned from our trip Toni, normally an early riser, slept until noon. When she woke up she was extremely pale and had a fever. We knew something was very wrong. We took her to the pediatrician who told us to take her to the ER in Weymouth which has an association with Boston Children’s Hospital. From Weymouth, we were transported to Boston by ambulance. When we got there the ER doctor wanted to have an ultrasound done of Toni’s organs. While she was having the ultrasound done, the ER doctor came up and told me that they were going to admit her into the ICU. I couldn’t believe it. I knew this was serious. After a couple of days in the ICU Toni was diagnosed with B ALL and our world was turned upside down. We were impatient from February 1st until March 5th. At first my husband and I spent every night and day with her. I slept on the bench seat and Ryan slept on a twin blow up mattress a friend had brought for us. Being the newbies to the floor, we were in the smallest room. It was cramped. After about ten days we were comfortable taking turns going home to the Cape or staying at the hotel as long as one of us was there with her.

Toni did not walk the whole time she was in the hospital. They attributed it to pain from the leukemia as well as side effects of the chemo and steroids she takes. I remember trying not to get sick and stay strong as her hair began to fall out from the chemo. We would wash her hair in the shower and it would just fall out. There would be so much hair on her pillow. When we got home a friend who shaves his head everyday came over and shaved her hair for her. In solidarity, my husband also shaved his head. We were so nervous when Toni was discharged, but as the doctors promised she did much better at home than in the hospital. She began to thrive and after awhile and a lot of physical therapy she walked again.

Toni now receives treatment every Monday at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. We commute from Harwich to Boston once a week.

Tommy’s Place could not have come at a better time for us. Ryan was laid off from his job in June after being out on PFMLA. Our family has been under a lot of stress and we were ready for a break and some laughs! We had such a good week. Every day was sunny and warm….unusual for late September. We were able to enjoy the pool for a couple of days before it was closed for the season. Toni loved swimming and splashing around the pool. We could not get her out. Since the weather was so nice we were outside a lot playing on the playscape and the firetruck. She loved the movie theater and craft room. Toni also loves books so the library was a big hit along with the reading nook in the purple/queen room. The plan was for Toni to sleep in Taylor Swift’s room, however, she ended up sleeping with mommy in the adult room and therefore, daddy ended up in Taylor’s room. We all had fun enjoying the house and exploring Falmouth. The local businesses welcomed us with open arms and you could easily see the love the community has for Tommy’s Place.

We spent an afternoon with Janet, Peter and their miniature horses at the Wishing Well Farm. We had so much fun playing with the horses and walking the fairy trail. Such good kind people and their farm is just spectacular.

Our last day in the house we had a bbq where we invited friends and family including other families we have met at the hospital or clinic. Everyone had so much fun. The house was filled with pure joy and a lot of laughter. That night every bedroom was filled with our loved ones. These are memories we will never forget. I truly feel as though our week at Tommy’s Place was one of the best weeks ever. Thank you so much Tim and company for giving us the opportunity to have this time together. Seeing the wall and those that have come before truly humbled me. Words can’t express our gratitude. Toni’s face just lights up every time we talk about Tommy’s Place. We will never forget our week together. You are doing a wonderful thing for families with kids in treatment."

Best Regards,

Tracey Smith
Tie Dye for Toni

Thanks for making me smile and cry at the same time...a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family to all of you!

Thanks to everyone out there for making this dream possible for these deserving kids and their families...without the continued help and support of all of you there simply is no Tommy's Place!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Camryn!
Camryn, Brinley and all of their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Centerville!

Camryn's Mom in her own words...

"Tommy's Place was an experience we could not have imagined in our wildest dreams. From the moment we were met at the front door, we knew right away that we were about to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every single part of Tommy's Place has been thoughtfully planned to bring happiness and smiles to each and every child and family. We were able to spend a perfect week surrounded by families and friends with our only thoughts being about fun and relaxation. It's hard to choose what our favorite part of our experience was but highlights were early morning swimming in the pool, s'mores, playground time at dusk, nightly performances on the stage, art projects galore, and big dinners prepared and enjoyed together! There was no need to ever leave the house because everything we could ever want or need was there. We will forever feel appreciation for the volunteers who make this possible for so many families like ours. Tommy's Place in Centerville and the time we spent there has a permanent place in our hearts."

Courtney Summa-Barbour

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Kieran! Kieran, his awesome little sister Adeline and all of their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth!

Kieran's mom in her own words...

Hi Tim & Tommy’s Place,

"Tommy’s Place was absolutely amazing for our family. We got to get away and really enjoy some quality family time. We loved the pool and movie theatre. We also really loved the arts & crafts room and the game room! We didn’t have to leave and it was so great to fully relax! Kieran and his sister Adeline had so much fun outside and then all over the house. We have so many arts & crafts to remember our stay! We still talk about Wishing Well Farm! We hope to go back next summer! The kids couldn’t decide on a bed to sleep in so they rotated the entire week! We are so very thankful for this incredible opportunity.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

It is with tremendous sadness that we bring you this heartbreaking and devastating news that we have lost yet another member of our Tommy's Place Family. Our Tommy's Place friend, 13 year old Abby Zittoun, has earned her angel wings after a courageous seven year battle with this horrific monster.
Abby and her big sister Ella and younger sister Olivia and mom Gwen and dad Dan visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth in July of 2023.

"Abby was the light in every room. She welcomed everyone with her bright smile, inviting words and open arms. Abby loved reading, drawing, Legos, and Marvel movies. Abby loved watching sports –especially UCONN women’s basketball – and playing fantasy football. While Abby faced unimaginable medical struggles for a majority of her short life, she tackled each hurdle with grace, humor and her signature bright smile. She treasured her time in school, with her friends and family and her dog, Cooper. She enjoyed the beach, swimming and collecting shells and rocks. Abby loved The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, where she spent summers with her friends and many weekends with her parents and sisters, ziplining, acting on stage, doing arts and crafts and archery. To know Abby was to love and be inspired by Abby."

We will never stop fighting to give these special kids the comfort and fun they deserve. Abby did not choose or deserve to be in this fight. She deserved to be a kid just like all of the other kids her age.
Rest easy Abby and go peacefully to join your other Tommy's Place friends in a place where there is no more pain...
At Tommy's Place, we will never stop saying your names and you will never be forgotten...
Grifyn Sawyer, Jonah Finn, Danny Sheehan, Kiara Cutler, Sammy Hawkes, Dacian Brown, Emmy Rowles, De’Moni Rose, Sean MacDonnell, Henry Charbonneau, Onyx Redman, Kendall Lord, Bella DuBois, Kirsten Acker, Dylan Cadotte, Noah Daigle, Shane McColgan, Nick Gaspar, Inigo Vega, Brittney Bliss, Priscilla Bonica, Porter Guillemette, Kaia Lauro, Cris Chavarria, Raya Bentley, Jase Russell, Emily Butt, AJ Salisbury, Mario Sanchez, Adelia Szklut and AJ Congdon.

In this little corner of the United States we have lost an astounding 32 family members since beginning this Tommy's Place journey just 3 short years ago.

This is all so very wrong and so, so unfair to these innocent kids and their brave families.

Please say a big, huge prayer for Abby, Ella, Olivia and their parents Gwen and Dan.

We will never stop fighting for all of you and your special families!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Erik! Erik and his awesome brother Noal and their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Centerville!

Erik's dad in his own words...

"Tommy's Place was a magical week. From the moment we arrived we felt so much love and peace. It's was a week that we will never forget. We have so many amazing memories. Being able to spend a week far away from our routine, it was so much needed and healing. We are beyond Grateful to the founder Tim, to the Volunteers, and all the Donors.
We miss Tommy's Place!
Forever Grateful!"

Much Love and Gratitude from Erik, Noal, Nora and Albert. The Berisha Family 🙏🏻❤️

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Jamie!
Jamie and his awesome older brother Liam and their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth!

Jamie's dad in his own words...

Tim,

"We had an amazing time at Tommy’s Place with family and friends. We will be forever grateful for what you and the team gave us.
Jamie, like many of Tommy’s Place friends, went through neurosurgery and months of radiation earlier this year. Our invite to Tommy’s Place was an awesome treat and is a great reminder that we are not alone.
It’s safe to say that Jamie would have been happy spending the entire week in the pool at Tommy’s Place, but he did enjoy the adventures to the park, restaurants, and farm.
Thank you and thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and donors who make Tommy’s Place possible!"

Chris

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Hazel! Hazel and her awesome brother Henry and their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Centerville!

Hazel's mom in her own words...

"Tommy’s Place is truly a kids dream come true! Not only did Hazel and Henry get a dream vacation, we all got to relax, connect and feel NORMAL for a week after 2 years of endless treatment. The beach was a big hit with our family. Hazel just learned to swim this summer, and enjoyed diving under the waves. Her brother Henry learned to boogy board! The arcade was were we all came together to play. The movie room was a huge hit after a fun day while the adults made dinner. We enjoyed s’mores by the pool. We laughed everyday. It was a real glimpse of what life after cancer can be, and many memories were made. We will never forget our time here at Tommy’s Place!"

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Bruin!
Bruin and his family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth!

Bruin's mom in her own words...

"Hi Tim,
I hope this email finds you well!
I want to thank you and ALL involved in Tommy's Place. It was at once a biting reminder of Bruin's journey through cancer and chemo, but also a testament to his strength and perseverance in his journey. Tommy's Place was an absolutely stunning environment to be welcomed to, the creativity and detail in its ex*****on are beyond imaginable! The location was beautiful. It was the perfect setting to enjoy spending time with friends and family and for that, we all remain most grateful!
Thanks again for the hospitality and good work you do."
Sarah Creamer, Bruin Guilbert's mother

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big Hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Grant! Grant, his awesome brothers Channing and Hudson and all of their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Centerville!

Grant's mom in her own words...

"Dearest Tim,
Our family along with a few of Grant's closest friends and their whole family were SO blessed to be able to enjoy an amazing week at your Centerville home this summer. When Jen reached out to us to share the opportunity for our family to come and stay at one of your homes we were beyond delighted. The timing of the dates we were offered couldn't have been more perfect and let me tell you why. Every summer our family usually takes a one week camping trip to Tamworth NH. It's our favorite time of summer and our whole family looks forward to the trip. Sadly, we have been unable to do this trip for the past two years as life has taken us down a different path. The past 18 months have been a whirlwind for our family and as we adjust to the journey it has taken us on we've realized it comes with many sacrifices. This year again we were still unable to camp but instead the journey opened up for us to have a week vacation together to a beautiful place called Tommy's Place. The home was PERFECT and surprised us beyond our imagination. It is a dream home for families to connect, relax, play, create, compete, rest, laugh, cry, love, be united and to be still. It's a home that's filled with adventure and pours out "you are loved here and I've thought of you before you even arrived". EVERYTHING inside and outside of the house makes you feel deep down in your heart that it was created with the intention to welcome you and a place you can call home. I know this because we felt it every single day.
On the sunny Saturday afternoon towards the end of our stay Grant, our 14 year old son, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2023, was missing from the group of 16 of us who were all out at the pool. My husband went to look for him. He found him sitting on the couch inside the game room, staring up at the walls. He approached him and asked what he was doing. Grant, deep in thought, said "I'm just taking it all in." His eyes filled with tears and as he hugged his dad mentioned how much of an incredible time he had here and knowing it was quickly coming to an end made him sad. His dad confirmed all good things must come to an end and he agreed. When my husband told me about the conversation they had had it reminded me that we get to experience good things, tough things and beautiful things in life but they often have an expiration date for when they do come to an end. Endings are just the beginning to a new adventure and I want to encourage each and every family as they go through life's ups and downs that they can choose joy each and every time. As each moment begins and as it ends, remember joy comes in the morning.
We are forever thankful for the hands and feet that made it possible for this house to be what it is today. For Tim and your amazing team, for the beloved Tommy, the donors and continuous supporters, for the unsung heroes and angels amongst, for the volunteers and the community helpers, and all the businesses who bless each family who walk through these doors, our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts. Our family/friends crew made so many wonderful memories together that will last us a lifetime. Thank you for making this home a dream come true and allowing our family to stay."

Anchored in Christ and Stronger Together,
The Trueman Family

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Olivia!
Olivia and her awesome brother Asher and all of their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth!

Olivia's mom in her own words...

"The week we had at Tommy's Place was so special. Olivia turned 5 while we were here and it will be a birthday we will never forget. The art, music and game room were the fan favorites for Liv and Asher. They specifically loved playing air hockey together and skee ball. Everyday Liv would want to take a walk to the jewelry and chocolate store...her favorite thing to get was a chocolate covered marshmallow:) They swam in the pool everyday and played Spidey in the pirate ship playground. We even visited the Wishing Well Farm and got to play with miniature horses! We are so grateful we got the opportunity to be here as a family and really be present in the moment. Last summer Olivia was so sick and we were not able to do anything. With that being said we want to give a huge thank you to Tim and everyone involved in this amazing vision. It was truly a magical week. Thank you ❤️

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Bryan! Bryan and his fun sister Katelyn and their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Centerville!

Bryan's mom in her own words...

"It was such an honor for our family to be chosen to spend a week at Tommy's Place in Centerville! Cancer has changed and stolen our lives, so we are extra grateful for these happy memories we got to make together. We felt so loved and supported by the Tommy's Place family, it truly felt like home for the week! We spent most of our time in the pool but we also got to enjoy cooking together,going to the beach and watch movies together it was such a great time together,mommy got some space for herself in the bathtub and also she got her most favorite thing in the world of course flowers 🥰! Thank you to everyone who makes this possible!"
With lots of love, the Cruz family!

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Declan!
Declan and his family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth!

Declan's mom in her own words...

"The week we had at Tommy's Place was hands down one of the best vacations our family has had in a while. We were so grateful to be healthy enough to enjoy an incredible week with family and friends in Falmouth. We barely left the house and even on the rainy days, we had plenty to do! I'd find my oldest son hanging out in the game room or library, my daughter in the art room or movie theatre, and the twins in the playroom and music room. Endless fun... with memories of a lifetime. We watched the US women's soccer team win gold in the space room and enjoyed the perks of the enormous yard from the firepit to the pool and chess games each day. Behind every door, or corner was something so special. We baked, cooked and just ENJOYED each other in this magical dream home. Just incredible. We're forever thankful and can't wait to give back so many other families can enjoy a similar experience like we had. Thank you to Tim, the volunteers and everyone involved for creating a worry free, fun, and relaxing week."

THANK YOU!!!!!
Sarah, Bobby, Declan, JB, Kellen, Mallory and family!

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Adrianna! Adrianna and her family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth!

Adrianna's mom in her own words...

"The week we had at Tommy’s Place gave our family the opportunity to all be together to celebrate Adrianna!
One of Adrianna’s favorite places in the house was the pantry, every morning she would sit on the window bench and read. After reading she headed straight to the art room to create. Throughout the week we shared many laughs, great meals, we visited miniature horses, we swam like fish, every night was movie night, we played board games and many competitive air hockey games took place. We are so grateful to everyone who helped bring Tim’s vision to life and keeps it going. Tommy’s Place is a magical wonderland to make special memories.
Thank you all so much!"

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

Thank you very much to WBZ / CBS News Boston for taking the time to visit Tommy's Place in Falmouth to shine a bright light on these superhero kids and their deserving families!
A special thank you to our very own superhero guest Olivia and her amazing family for letting us stop by "your" home!

Tommy's Place has hosted 230 consecutive families since opening the doors to our first home in Falmouth in July of 2021 and Centerville in June of 2023. In 2024 alone, 104 families will visit one of our Tommy's Place homes.
Tommy's Place receives guest referrals from 11 pediatric cancer hospitals throughout New England. All guests are placed through a lottery system. Currently, there are about 150 future guests on our waiting list. Sadly, since our inception just 3 short years ago, Tommy's Place has lost an astounding 31 guests who either stayed with us or were waiting to stay and never had a chance to.
Tommy's Place relies 100% on the support of incredibly generous individuals and businesses on the Cape, in Massachusetts and across the entire country to make these free vacations possible for these deserving kids and their families. We are very grateful for each and every single one of you who go out of your way to help support our mission of bringing smiles to the faces of kids fighting cancer. Without all of you, there simply is no Tommy's Place.
Our extensive waiting list in this little corner of the country tells us that this job is very far from being over. (Yes, we need another house.)

Thank you so much for your continued unwavering help, support and dedication to these brave kids who are in a fight they did not choose to be in.

www.tommysplace.org

Tommy's Place on Cape Cod provides relaxation for families experiencing childhood cancer Tommy's Place on Cape Cod provides a week of fun and relaxation for families experiencing childhood cancer. WBZ-TV's Mike Sullivan reports.

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend Isabel! Isabel and her older sisters Aubrey and Leah and their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Falmouth!

Isabel's Mom in her own words...

"It was a magical week! We had the best time!
We just love the house so much! What an amazing opportunity to relax and enjoy family. Magical!"

Thank you very much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org

A great big hello to our new Tommy's Place friend D'Angelo!
D'Angelo and his big brother Giovanni and all of their family and friends visited us at Tommy's Place in Centerville!

D'Angelos Mom in her own words...

"As we reflect on our time spent at Tommy’s Place Centerville, we feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and appreciation for the memories our families were able to create. On behalf of the Ruggiero, Reppucci, Montgomery, Hinchion and Belgrave families we say THANK YOU for all the hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes to allow this magical experience. Our stay at Tommy’s Place was just what the Doctor ordered, providing an abundance of healing after rallying around D’Angelo as he battled Neuroblastoma. The property and all of its amenities allowed us to gather together and relax, play games, swim, prepare meals, and even hit the beach! We haven’t had the opportunity in recent years to enjoy each other’s company and all stay in the same place, this truly filled a void we didn’t realize existed. The home is immaculate with so much detail and thought put into every room, seeing the children react with excitement as they explored upon arrival was heart warming, we couldn’t hold back our happy tears! The term “Making Memories” took on a special meaning which we will all cherish forever, we can’t thank you enough for this opportunity! With love, Marcy, Giovanni, D’Angelo “The Champ", and Papa Roger."

Thank you so much for visiting us at Tommy's Place and a great big welcome into the Tommy's Place Family!

www.tommysplace.org