Thomas "Tommy" Gerow

January 17, 1962 - January 31, 2024

Kristen Regan Maurer - originally posted July 9, 2021

Tommy, known as a helper to many, was admitted into the first of two hospitals on April 6, 2021. He suffered a stroke, but they couldn't find the reason. 

The next day his blood pressure plummeted and he couldn't stand up without blacking out. Doctors were stumped and unwisely discharged him the following day.

On April 13,2021 he returned to the hospital, and stayed until the 18th. During that time, a Neurologist was saying that it was a cardiology issue and the cardiologist was saying it was a neurological issue.  

Again, He was released on the 18th of 2021with still no answers, and he was told to check in with his primary care physician and seek out physical therapy.

Only 5 days later, he was getting up and dropped to the floor. He had no control over his legs. At that time, he was taken to Methodist Hospital in the Medical Center, and that is where they did a battery of blood tests, an MRI and a Spinal Tap.  

They found that Tommy had West Nile Virus that caused a mylateral lesion in the top of his spinal cord.  

After two weeks in the hospital and being pumped full of antibiotics and steroids, he was sent to a rehab facility on May 8th 2021 where he remained for 10 days.  

Once home, Tommy was in the process of learning how to walk again, which was slow at best, but he was working and getting the job done.  That isuntil July 31st when Tommy had another episode, and had lost  the use of both legs, one arm and most of the other arm.  On August 8th, while trying to recover, Tommy lost the use of all of his limbs, and he is struggling to breathe   He is in dire straits, and he not only desperately needed prayers, but he needed financial help as well .

He has not been able to work since April 6th, and after not being able to work during COVID, he is in financial distress and has lost everything.  

Tommy has always been the first to offer help to anyone that has ever needed it. Now, he needs our help! Imagine the frustration and helpless feeling of being able and strong one day, then having it taken away by a mosquito the next! 

 https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tommy-gerow-through-west-nile-virus-recovery

Posted by brother David Judson Gerow  WHS 1985   on February 1, 2024

Yesterday would have been my mother's 85th Birthday!  I believe her one wish was to have her favorite son Tommy Gerow, back in her arms and free from his three year battle against West Nile Virus.  She got her wish.  Tommy became a guardian angel for his three boys - Judson Gerow, Jackson Gerow and Jason Gerow.  Please keep them in your prayers today as they begin to navigate life without their father.

Rest in Peace Tommy.  You most definitely earned it. 

We will miss you.  1/17/1962 - 1/31/2024

A Celebration of Life will be held on the 24th of February at the home of brother Chris and Cindy Gerow.  (WHS 1981)