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Thomas Toby Abrams

Thomas Abrams Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Abrams

Sponsored by Tommy's family.

49 Entries

Roy

February 6, 2008

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.

Ryan Summerfield

February 5, 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.

Joan & Joe Furr

January 31, 2008

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.

Joanna and Michael McVicker

January 30, 2008

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,

Kay Hoyt

January 29, 2008

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.

Bob and Jean Steinfeldt

January 28, 2008

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.

David & Susan Lucy

January 28, 2008

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

Sara Bradley

January 27, 2008

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.

Megan Lipford

January 27, 2008

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. Resp Ther. MCV

Dereck Tingfah

January 26, 2008

May God bless you and your family, and strengthen you. Tommy is a beautiful young man who has obviously touched so many people. The sense of loss is truly profound, and I know that your hearts ache. Take comfort in the fact that he is free of pain and disease, and will walk beside you until you meet again one day and can wrap your arms around him.

Sharon White

January 26, 2008

Dear Carroll Kay and family, I am sitting here today reading all of the wonderful tributes to Tommy and how he touched so many people. You all are such an amazing family and i share in your loss. I know that Tommy is looking down from heaven in total amazement of all these wonderful testimonies from people all over the united states. You did an unbelievable job of raising him. In his short life he accomplished so much. May God be with your family and with Tommy
Sharon White

Ruth Good

January 26, 2008

Dear Kay and Carroll, So saddened by the passing of your dear Tommy, I feel I knew him with your update of his operation and recovery.I was grateful he made it through all that and was doing well.I know he was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.He will be truly missed but now he will be one of God's angels keeping watch over those he left behind. His memories are your gifts as they will give you to strength to carry on. My love,Ruth

Katie Hillgrove

January 26, 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Swenson, Michael, Katie, Emily, and Andrew,

I am incredibly sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please call me.

Katie

Alice Caldwell

January 25, 2008

Dear Kay and Carroll,
I was so sorry to hear Tommy had passed away. I had visited him before his transplant and he was so hopeful.I remember the fun times we had at Robious middle school. I was lucky enough to get to visit with him everyday for three years. He was a great young man, full of goodness and spirit he always made my day!! My heart goes out to you and your family and I pray God will comfort you at this time. Sincerely, Alice Caldwell

Doug & Elise Sandler

January 25, 2008

Carroll and Kay, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.

Dean Jordan

January 25, 2008

Kay and Carroll,

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I am very touched by Tommy's story.

Rod Smyth

January 25, 2008

I'm sure you know that so many of us at Wachovia are holding you in our prayers. Tommy was obviously a very special young man. Having lost both of my parents recently I have come to learn that grieving is a process that takes time. Susie and I will be thinking of you.

Zitchen

January 25, 2008

It was definitely a pleasure for me to have been friends with Tommy. He was always fun to be around. We used to go skateboarding and filming with him, night or day, rain or shine. I remember one time in particular when Tommy mentioned that his arms were weak, I assured him he was one of the strongest people I knew, and I'm glad I told him that. His memories will stay with me forever, but it's a shame he is gone. The tides rise, and the tides fall.

Brenda Morris

January 25, 2008

Kay and Carroll,

I am so sorry for your loss. May you and your family take comfort in the love of all the people whose lives you and Tommy have touched.

Love,

Abby Morgan and her Mom

January 24, 2008

Dear Kay and Carroll,
Abby and I were so saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. Our prayers are with you.
It was just over Christmas that Abby and Tommy had spent and evening together talking with friends. He fought the bravest fight his entire life and enriched the lives of everyone he touched. We will always remember Tommy’s smiling face and his live for life.

Mary Tintaya

January 24, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you right now. I am amazed at how Tommy touched so many he never met. I passed on an email last week asking for prayers for him and your family, and I had so many people email back with concern for you and then heartbroken over his passing. People who had never met your family but sent you their support. God bless your family. And keep celebrating Tommy's life - he was obviously unbelievably special, as were the people who raised him.

Michael Gray

January 24, 2008

Carroll and family, very sorry to hear about Tommy, Cindy and I have been praying for God's care to your entire family.

LINDA MACERI

January 24, 2008

DEAR KAY AND CARROLL.... TOMMY, WAS A GREAT YOUNG MAN. WE GOT TO SEE HIM A FEW TIMES WHEN YOU, CAME TO MICHIGAN, FOR WEDDINGS...... TOMMY, WILL BE WATCHING OVER HIS SIBLINGS NOW, AND MAKING SURE THAT EVERYTHING GOES WELL. GOD, BE WITH YOU AND EVERYONE THERE... TOMMY'S UPDATES VIA EMAILS , WERE ALWAYS , OUR WAY OF FINDING OUT HOW HE'S DOING... WE WILL, MISS THOSE UPDATES...PLEASE, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES.AND, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. LOVE LINDA &MICHAEL

Karen and Bill Hepworth

January 24, 2008

Carroll, Kay, Michael, Emily, Katie and Andrew...

Bill and I are keeping you all in our prayers and hope that you feel the love and support from all your friends and family at this difficult time. Tommy was truly an inspiration to all of us on "living each day to the fullest". I know that you'll treasure all the fabulous family memories of beach trips, ski trips, and holidays that you shared with Tommy. He is probably in heaven giving skateboard tips to all the angels!
Love,

Mark and Mary Gediman

January 24, 2008

Carroll, Kay and family;
We were so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. Mark and I continue to keep your entire family in our prayers. We know Tommy had so many trying health times, but he always seemed in such good spirits. He was so very brave. We will always remember him laughing with his buddies as they all hung out in your driveway on Thornleigh, traveling up and down on their homemade skateboard ramps. Sometimes people aren't with us very long on this earth but leave such a longlasting impression. Tommy was one of those people. He did such good work sending out letters to raise both money and awareness about Cystic Fibrosis. God bless you all as you continue to grieve.

Love,
The Gediman Family

Anne (Underhill) Campbell

January 24, 2008

Kay, Eventhough I am one of your highschool buddies, I still feel like we all grew up together, starting and raising our families. I didn't meet Tommy personally but I felt like I knew him with all the letters sent. I appreciate that. I know you enjoyed him while he was with you. Celebrate his life by keeping him in your heart forever!

Mercy Pages Kelly

January 24, 2008

Kay & Family, I've been thinking about you all so often lately. It's obvious Tommy was loved very much and will be missed very much. My hope is that you find peace & comfort from each other during this sad time. Take care,

Don and Gloria Musin

January 24, 2008

Carroll, Kay, and family,
Our condolences to you and may the Lord continually grant you the peace and assurance that Tommy is eternally secure with his Heavenly Father. We have never met Tommy but have been praying for him at the request of Terry and Carroll.

Michelle Pujol

January 23, 2008

Carroll and Kay,
I have to believe that Tommy is in a better place, free from illness and his lifelong fight, skateboarding to his hearts content. I'll be thinking of all of you this Saturday.
Love Puj

Towana Wooden, RN

January 23, 2008

Kay and Carroll, I believe you know how much Tommy meant to me. I am praying for you and the family. Please stay strong and know that Tommy was an inspiration to so many people. His life was not in vain. I loved him with all my heart and will never forget him. I'm glad I got to be a part of his life and the family. Love you guys and praying for you.

Lauren Brockman

January 23, 2008

I wish you could see my inbox with all the emails about Tommy from all these people he never even met. He had an amazing life and leaves a legacy of love and courage for all of us he left behind.

Our hearts are with you all.

Love, Lauren and John

The Volman Family

January 23, 2008

Kay, Carroll and Family,
We are so saddened by the news of Tommy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as they have been since we first met and we learned of Tommy's battle with CF. Olivia tells the funniest stories about Katie's big brother Tommy. With our deepest sympathy,

Elizabeth Ragland

January 23, 2008

Carroll and Kay.
Bret and I are so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a great person who brought laughter to many people. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you always as you go through this time in your life.
Liz, Bret, William, and Breanna Ragland

Jenny Brittingham

January 23, 2008

Kay, Carroll, and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely difficult time. Tommy and your whole family showed us what courage and perservence is all about. May you feel some peace in knowing Tommy is free now of his illness. God be with you.

Curt and Patti Hornstra

January 23, 2008

Kay,Carroll and Family,
I am sorry for your loss.Your family has always been and will continue to be a sign of strength to all those around you. May you find comfort and joy in each wonderful memory of Tommy. May the love and support from your family and friends get you through this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing that what comes from God returns to God.
Peace and Love,

Heidi Powell/Crothers (MCV)

January 23, 2008

Even though I was never introduced to Tommy; I knew of him and when I heard the news, I was truly heartbroken. I will miss hearing his laughter down the halls of Main 7 at MCV. And may God give me the strength, courage, and will power that he gave Tommy to fight CF and allow me to continue my battle with the disease. Your son is an inspiration to me and I will always hold him close in my heart. My thoughts and prayers will remain with you and your family.

Nancy Thompson, Pediatric Surgery

January 23, 2008

I was so sad to hear of Tommy's passing. He will hold a special place in my heart forever.

Brenda Messer

January 23, 2008

Dear Carroll, Kay and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers and will stay in my prayers.
Brenda G. Messer
(Signet Financial Services)

Ann Lightsey

January 23, 2008

Carroll, Kay and Family,

My heart goes out to you at this time but please hold on to the good memories and what a Blessing he was in your life.

Sincerely,

Ann Lightsey

Stuart Porterfield

January 23, 2008

Carroll & Kay,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Phyllis and Tom Gelozin

January 23, 2008

Kay, Carroll and family: We are deeply saddened by Tommy's death and the pain of his loss to your family. Take comfort in knowing that Tommy no longer struggles and is now in God's daily care. Our prayers remain with Tommy and your entire family. With heartfelt sympathy,

hollin dwiggins

January 23, 2008

Carroll and Kay,

Words cannot express how sorry Clarke, Wells and I are for the loss of Tommy. We know he brought you so much joy and hope and he was the personification of courage. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will see you at the celebration on Saturday.

Love,

Clarke, Hollin and Wells

Jennifer Little

January 23, 2008

To Kay, Carroll, and to your family:
You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I can't tell you how happy I am that my family was able to get together with Tommy and your dad, as well as the rest of your family, for that wonderful dinner in October. I know that for 20 years you have given your love, time, attention, energy, and comfort to your child throughout his journey. I can't help but think that there is comfort in knowing that your dad was there to greet him, and that he is holding him in his arms as they both watch over you and everyone they love. Your family is an inspiration to me and I will always hold you close in my heart.

michelle hamlett

January 23, 2008

tommy will be very missed by all, he was a terrific young man he made us all laugh. my condolences to the family.
michelle hamlett(mcv)

Amy McCracken

January 23, 2008

How true that he touched people who never even met him. Thoughts and prayers are going out to Kay and Carroll and all of Tommy's friends and family. The picture of Tommy broke my heart.

Michael and Tammy McGee

January 23, 2008

To Carroll and Kay -- My husband and I send many thoughts and prayers to you today. Losing a child has to be the most heartbreaking event for a parent. We share in this grief as we too, lost a special child five years ago. Please take comfort in knowing weeping endures only for a night; there's joy that comes in the morning. Peace to you and your family, Michael and Tammy McGee

Towana Wooden, RN, VCU Health Systems

January 23, 2008

Tommy, I am going to miss you so much. Still can't believe you are not here with us. I loved your sense of humor and I will never forget the numerous times you put a smile on my face. You were so strong and determined to win this fight, and you fought a good one. You are at peace now. I love you Tho-mase:) I will never forget you:)

Karen & Simon Lawrence

January 23, 2008

Thinking of you. Tommy will be missed very much by Jon.

Kyle Epps

January 23, 2008

It was nice knowing Tommy the past couple of years.He had a outlook on life depsite the many obstacles that life had given him. He was a great friend and he will truly be missed.

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