For 34 years, Thomas David “Tommy” King lived with cerebral palsy and faced more medical challenges than most endure in a lifetime. Yet anyone who met him will tell you he was defined not by his illness, but by his radiant smile, his bigger-than-life personality, and the joy he brought to every room.
His mother, Karen, reflects on her son’s life—the laughter he shared, the lessons he taught their family, and the peace Hosparus Health provided in his final days.
Tommy’s Life of Joy
From the day our son Tommy arrived, our home was full of music, laughter, and a smile that could change any room. He loved musicals (especially Mamma Mia), beach days with our family, and being wherever the action was. If you knew him, you knew “the lip,” that tiny tell that a belly laugh—or a protest—was coming.
Tommy lived with cerebral palsy and communicated mostly through expressions and sounds. What he lacked in words, he made up for in presence. He reminded everyone that true connection goes far beyond speech.
We were a family of five: David and I, our daughter Caroline, and our sons Tommy and Nicholas. Over the years, therapies and medical appointments were part of our routine, but so were birthday parties, church, and spur-of-the-moment outings. We brought Tommy into our world, and he brought us into his. As his brother Nick said in his eulogy, “A smile is the smallest of gifts, but brings the greatest rewards.” Tommy gave that gift freely.
Strength, Community, and a Bigger-Than-Life Personality
Tommy’s personality filled every space he entered. He had nicknames for every season—Tommy Pickles, Tomma T, T-Bone, TDK, “Touchdown King.” He had an entire fan club among cousins, friends, and the staff at Kaleidoscope, his young-adult day program. He was small in stature but mighty in spirit. He didn’t love his wheelchair, and he didn’t love sleep either. His “sleep strikes” were legendary, but he loved being near people. If he heard a familiar voice, his eyes would light up and his smile spread across his face.
Our family grew up around Tommy, and because of him. Caroline and Nick learned to read the room by reading their brother’s face. They also learned that joy is something you choose. As Nick said, “I wasn’t doing everything instead of my brother; I realized I was doing everything for him.” Tommy’s life made us better.
When the Road Became Steeper
In early 2024, after complications related to surgery, our family faced the reality that Tommy’s life was nearing its end. Hospitals and ICUs had been part of our story before, and Tommy had always fought his way back. This time felt different. We were asked to make decisions no parent wants to make.
At first, we told ourselves we could manage at the hospital. Then we were offered a choice: bring him home with support or move to Hosparus Health’s Inpatient Care Unit downtown. I had been Tommy’s caregiver for 34 years. In that moment, I realized I couldn’t be his nurse anymore. I needed to be his mom.
We chose Hosparus.
The Calm After the Storm
From the moment we arrived, the team focused on one thing: comfort. They welcomed us, asked us what we needed, and then anticipated the rest. Our people came in “packs”—sometimes thirty at a time—and somehow, chairs just kept appearing. A nurse squeezed my hand when fear took over. The team checked on Tommy, and they checked on us. They explained what we were seeing, adjusted his medicines when he was restless, and gave us a quiet space to breathe.
Tommy was peaceful. For the first time in days, the room felt calm.
On February 13, it was just the three of us, Tommy, his dad, and me. A soft sunrise began to warm the window. I described it to him: “It’s beautiful, bright, it’s going to be a pretty day.” I turned back, and our son had slipped away. Our chaplain later offered words I hold close: “Tommy is now running with the angels.” After years in a wheelchair, I choose to believe that’s true.
What Compassion Makes Possible
Hospice is not about giving up. It’s about giving families the space to love one another fully when time is short. In those final days, Hosparus Health lifted the burden from our shoulders. They made room for us to be parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. They gave us time, dignity, and peace.
Nick said it best: “Know that Tomma T is now forever free. Don’t grieve for my brother—celebrate him. He had 34 years on the sideline; now it’s his time to score the touchdown.”
Carrying Compassion Forward
Every family deserves what ours was given in those final moments — the chance to be together, surrounded by compassion, and supported with dignity and care.
Hosparus Health is building the new Hospice Care Center in Louisville so that more families can experience that same peace. This calming, purpose-built space will offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, places to share a meal, and gardens where loved ones can reflect and reconnect. Most of all, it will offer families the opportunity to be fully present with the people they love.
Because of generous donors, construction is already underway. With your support, we can bring this vision to life and ensure that no one faces serious illness alone.
Your gift honors families like ours, and helps create more moments of comfort, peace, and love.
Please give today.
