ABRAMS, Thomas Toby, 20, of Midlothian, lost his long, courageous fight with cystic fibrosis on January 17, 2008. He was a hero to all those who knew him, and inspired so many with his perseverance and determination in his lifelong battle. Tommy touched so many people, including those he never met, with his courage, passion for life, and endearing personality. He was known for his wacky and mischievous sense of humor through good times and bad. Tommy was passionate about skateboarding and creating and editing skateboarding videos. His creativity and his talent for filming and editing would probably have led to an exciting career in the film profession. Tommy graduated from James River High School in 2006, and was attending John Tyler Community College. A Celebration of Life service will be held in his honor on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Rd., Richmond. Tommy is survived by his parents, Kay and Carroll Swenson; older brother, Michael Abrams; and younger siblings, Katie, Emily and Andrew Swenson. He is also survived by his grandparents, LouAnn Brown, Carroll and Terry Swenson. Tommy was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dallas Ford Brown. Tommy is also survived by one aunt, Julie Woessner; and two uncles, Tom Brown and Eric Swenson; five cousins; and his birth father, Pat Abrams, and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made to the Richmond Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Tommy's honor.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
I didnt know tommy but im glad i got the chnace to see his work in filming. He also still tried his best to help me sell my camera even though he said he had alot going on. He must have been a great person to take time just to help someone he didnt even know. I really appreciate it. God bless you tommy and your family. Rest in peace dood.
Roy
February 06, 2008
All this still doesn't seem real to me. I live 5 hours away from where Tommy used to live, so I'm used to not seeing him for a while. I'm dreading the trip when I come back to Richmond and Tommy isn't there with us downtown. He helped me out alot with filming skateboarding, and gave me a new outlook on life. Tommy is truly the biggest inspiration of my life, and his funny comments will always stay on the top of my head. I am sorry for your loss, there can never be another Tubes.
Ryan Summerfield
February 05, 2008 | Charlotte, NC
Dear Carroll and Kay,
Our daughter, Joanna McVicker, called me tonight and told us that Tommy had gone to be with the Lord. We met when our grandaughter, Eliza, was in the hospital at MCV and had just been diagnosed with CF. Your son was such an inspiration to all who met him. His smile could light up a room. He would walk by Eliza's room and check on us each day. May the Lord give you comfort and peace during this difficult time for you.
Joan & Joe Furr
January 31, 2008 | Richmond, VA
Dear Carroll and Kay,
We just heard the news tonight from Amy at the CF Foundation about Tommy, and we were devastated. We met Tommy and your wonderful family back in 2005 when our daughter Eliza had just been diagnosed with CF and was at MCV. We pray that you will find peace during this time, and know that he is with the Lord now. Tommy was such a sweet young man and an inspiration to us during that time. He will forever have a place in our hearts. God Bless You all.
Love,
Joanna and Michael McVicker
January 30, 2008 | Chester, VA
Carroll and Kay - You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Tommy's life was an inspiration to so many, as was his courage. Geoff, Jess, Katie and Jenna felt so deeply and thought so highly of him.
Kay Hoyt
January 29, 2008 | Oxnard, CA
Dear Kay and Carroll, we were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Tommy,s grandparents, our neighbors, kept us informed of his courageous battle and positive attitude through it all. May god bless you, his parents, who raised such an exceptional young man and may He bless all the family whose hearts are broken.
Bob and Jean Steinfeldt
January 28, 2008 | Vienna, VA
Kay and Carrol,
Our hearts go out to you. We have reflected about Tommy over the last couple of years, and we are ( and always will be ) inspired by his and your courage.
Peace be with you,: David and Susan Lucy
David & Susan Lucy
January 28, 2008 | West Chester, PA
Mr. and Mrs. Swenson, Michael, Katie, Emily, and Andrew-
Tommy was an amazing person who will live on in our hearts and souls. I feel so fortunate to have known him.
I am thinking about all of you.
Sara Bradley
January 27, 2008 | Midlothian, VA
Words cant start to explain how sorry I am for your loss. Tommy was a great, smart, funny, & very crazy boy, he always knew how to make someone laugh and smile even if you were having a bad day. I am however glad to see that tommy is not in anymore pain, I know that tommy suffered for way to long with his battle to CF. But he would never show it to anyone. Tommy was a very speical man, who inspired me alot. and he will never be forgotten, with deepest love & sympathy.
Megan Lipford....
Megan Lipford
January 27, 2008 | New Kent, VA
