We provide vital support to First Responders and their families when they need it the most.
Tom Oelkers served others. He was an incredible husband, father, NYPD officer and Firefighter in the FDNY at Ladder 44 in the Bronx. At age 26, Tom worked at Ground Zero after our Nation’s 9/11 attacks in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Throughout his courageous battle against World Trade Center Cancer in 2020-2021, Tom deeply appreciated the care provided for him and his family, including the Family Assistance Unit. Their help allowed Erika, Tom’s wife, to continue working and providing for their family throughout much of Tom’s illness.
One of the foundation’s first initiatives is to purchase a Family Assistance Van to help ease the burden for other firefighters and their families when facing an illness.
Together, we will honor Tom by helping First Responders and their families in their hour of need.
First Responders put the public’s health and safety before their own every day.
Let’s honor their service and sacrifice by providing relief and support.
Twenty one years after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, people continue to lose their lives to World Trade Center cancers at an alarming rate. Firefighters and police officers face danger on every tour and some heroes don’t make it home.
We believe that support, information and financial assistance can help ease the burdens faced by First Responders’ families in their time of need. We know first hand that our First Responders and their loved ones deserve our care.
“What I have learned from losing Tom is that even when the people we love are gone, we can keep their legacies alive through the work we do in their name. That is how we expand their lives and impact, and why we created the T.O. Family Foundation. Everyone who loves Tom misses him with all our hearts. But knowing that we can help improve others’ lives in his memory means the world to us.”
— Erika Oelkers, Tom’s wife
Make a monthly donation.
Your $20 monthly amount will immediately impact a First Responder’s family.