Support the Coti Family Against Brain Cancer

Hi, my name is Olivia Lizak and I’m fundraising for Tom Coti.

On July 30th, the Coti family's world turned upside down when Tom experienced stroke-like symptoms. As therapists, his wife (Patty) and daughter (Julia) quickly realized that something was terribly wrong. The heartbreaking diagnosis came in like a thunderbolt: a brain tumor.

Leading up to this, Tom had been experiencing some seemingly minor symptoms, such as thumb pain and forgetfulness, which were the precursors of this devastating news.

After seeking multiple opinions, the decision was made for Tom to undergo surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago. The situation's urgency led to the surgery being moved up a day. Thankfully, the surgery successfully removed the tumor, but the battle against cancer in his brain continues.

For the past few months, Tom has faced an incredibly challenging health battle. It all began when he was admitted to MarianJoy Rehab Hospital in Wheaton, where he spent two weeks receiving essential care and therapies. After a brief return home, Tom was rushed back to the local hospital, Christ Medical Center, due to a UTI and pneumonia, prompting immediate treatment.

During his time at Christ Medical Center, symptoms raised concerns, and the neurosurgery team suspected a potential brain infection or abscess alongside the other conditions. Tom was swiftly transferred to Northwestern Hospital downtown, where he underwent a second surgery. Thankfully, the results revealed no brain infection, offering a glimmer of hope.

Tom was recovering at Northwestern for several days and was finally discharged home. Unfortunately, his health again took another turn. He found himself back in the hospital, grappling with cardiac issues. Luckily, it was a short stay, and he was discharged perfectly right before the Bears vs. Packers football game. Despite the ups and downs, Tom's spirit remains strong, and he faces each challenge with courage and determination.

Tom has begun outpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapies, which are crucial as he requires assistance for all functional and mobility tasks. Looking ahead, Tom is gearing up for a new battle against cancer. In the next 1-2 weeks, he will begin aggressive cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation. This will be another arduous chapter in his journey, and your support will be vital in helping him face it head-on.

How Your Support Will Make a Difference:

Tom's medical journey has been physically and emotionally draining, and it has also taken a toll on his financial resources. The upcoming chemo and radiation treatments in the next couple of weeks will present further challenges. The costs of medical treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, and therapies have been substantial. We're reaching out for your support to help alleviate the financial burden and ensure Tom receives the best care and assistance needed for his recovery.

How You Can Help:

Donate: Your generous donation, no matter the amount will make a significant impact on Tom's road to recovery. Your support will help cover medical expenses and ensure Tom can focus on healing and rehabilitation.

Share: Please spread the word about Tom's story and this campaign by sharing it with your friends family, and on social media. Together, we can reach a broader audience and gather the necessary support for Tom's journey to recovery.

Thank You:

Thank you for taking the time to read Tom's story and considering contributing to his recovery. Your kindness and support mean the world to us, and we are immensely grateful for any assistance you can provide.

#FightForTom #SupportTom