Tom Kirby

Tom Kirby fought a courageous fight against brain cancer. Tom was diagnosed with a Stage 4 Glioblastoma in December 2016, right before Christmas. He had surgery to remove 80% of one of the three tumors that were discovered. After surgery, Tom endured months of radiation and chemotherapy, in addition to countless therapy sessions. Stays at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab were required for Tom to recover from an additional surgery as well as a seizure. Throughout it all, Tom kept fighting with all that he had. He kept a smile on his face as well as everyone’s around him through his humor and stories. Tom ultimately lost his battle with this relentless disease on September 15, 2017. Tom is greatly missed by all of those around him, but especially his family and dear friends who were by his side during those last nine months of his life. We will honor Tom’s memory by annually walking the Chicago Head for the Cure 5k, raising money for brain cancer research, paying it forward to those that are less fortunate during the holidays, and of course drinking IPAs, making hot dogs with the hot dog maker and living life to the fullest. We love you, Tom!