“Reason this person is a Gold Ribbon Hero: My son and hero Thomas was diagnosed with ependymoma brain tumor at age 2. Through his short 13 years he became a 6 time cancer survivor,  in his last year fighting 2 cancers. Thomas would endure 5 invasive brain surgeries,  countless rounds of chemotherapy,  2 separate forms of radiation, more procedures. Thomas had everything thrown at him, but it wasn’t just how he battled cancer, it’s how he lived his life. My son was the first to extend his hand and his heart. His love for others always outweighed his love of himself. His prayers were never for himself, but for others that Thomas felt needed prayers more than him.  He was loving, compassionate,  kind, funny, smart, athletic. He was a leader, not by a spoken word,  but by how he lived his life. We lost Thomas on Oct.7th, 2011. His loving spirit will live on in all of us. Since Thomas’ passing, the gym in his school bears his name. In Nassau County,  May 28th will forever be Thomas Reynolds Day. A tree and plaque were placed in his honor at a local baseball field. The Thomas Reynolds Foundation was created in his honor, to assist other children having to endure the devastation of pediatric cancer.  Most important of all, his name will forever be spoken and his spirit will live on in all of those fortunate enough to love him. My hero, my son forever, my best friend.” – Lisa T