“Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it.”
ABOUT TOMMY
Tommy was the son of Bob and Nora Labadini, grandson of Jerome and Francis Labadini and John and Anne MacLellan, and brother of Bobby and Chris Labadini.
He grew up in Westford, MA and a significant part of his life was athletics, mainly focusing on football, hockey, and lacrosse. Excelling at lacrosse, he attended The Salisbury School from 2006-2008. At The Salisbury School, he was a 2-year member of a Top 5 Nationally ranked high school lacrosse team and was an All-American selection his senior year earning a Division 1 Scholarship to play for the then reigning Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse National Champion Loyola University Greyhounds.
On the surface, Tommy was the All-American student, athlete, son, grandson, brother and friend.
He was a natural leader; people gravitated towards Tommy. He was outgoing and always smiling. Most of all, Tommy had a heart of gold. Always looking on the bright side; supportive and thoughtful to all.
All of this amidst and through a progressive struggle that started shortly after a severe collar bone break that occurred in a lacrosse game just before becoming a freshman in high school.
However, as time progressed, and after many visits with surgeons, doctors, and others, Tommy soldiered on but he was suffering and he could never fully resolve his circumstance and neither could we nor could the medical community and related programs.
As a family you start to ask yourself:
- Is this a phase just to struggle through?
- How did we get here?
- What signs should we be looking for?
- How do we manage this situation?
- Are we getting the right advice? Do current medical, counseling and recovery programs help or hurt? Why did they seem to be so wrong?
Unfortunately, a lot of these questions are still unanswered and we are a stuck with an empty heart and even more unanswered questions.
Tommy’s Tomorrow was established as a platform to remember the positive life of Tommy and so many student-athletes like him that were taken away at a young age due to what started with an injury.
Most importantly, Tommy’s Tomorrow is that platform to help answer those questions of current and future families trying to save their children lives.
CHANGE A LIFE TODAY
Donations and proceeds from Tommy’s Tomorrow merchandise go towards improving support systems and research in fields to keep our children safe.
We are always open to feedback about how Tommy’s Tomorrow can improve the lives of students and their families who experiencing hardships due to sports-related injuries. Contact us to discuss how we can create a better tomorrow.
