SUPPORT TOMMY ON HIS CANCER TREATMENT JOURNEY

It’s
Schwein Time.

This page is for our beloved friends Tommy, Liz, and Gerd. Back in February, Tommy began experiencing knee pain. At first, it was attributed to soccer training, as he was on the field daily, dedicated to his passion. Initial X-rays didn't show anything unusual, and it was thought to be a case of IT band syndrome. But the pain lingered through the summer, and they went for more testing. The result was blindsiding. 

Tommy was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the bones and soft tissues.

The day after his diagnosis, Tommy put his suit on and went to his homecoming dance with his girlfriend, Claire.

The following weekend - Liz and Gerd were registered to run their first Twin Cities marathon together. For a moment they thought they’d drop out – but Tommy insisted. That day, they started a Caring Bridge to share their family’s journey, along with the "Bring Ya Ass" energy they brought to the race that day.

For the next 10 months, Tommy will undergo chemotherapy treatments, which requires alternating hospital stays—some lasting three days and others lasting five days—followed by recovery weeks. Early detection means a hopeful prognosis, but the journey will nonetheless be arduous.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

1. Contribute to Tommy’s fundraiser.

We’re asking for your help to alleviate the financial strain that accompanies a journey like this. The money raised will go towards Tommy’s medical expenses and help supplement lost income as Liz puts work on hold to be by his side. Your contributions will help Gerd & Liz focus on helping Tommy beat this cancer, and defeat the evil “Mc” (Tommy’s resentfully named tumor). Let’s come together as #TeamTommy to help him crush cancer and get back to the things he loves.

2. Rock the Hell out of #TeamTommy merch.

Grab a Schwein Time t-shirt or hoody! All proceeds go towards Tommy’s GoFundMe.

Get your pre-orders placed before 12/25 for shipping in January.

What inspired this design?

  • Tommy’s nicknames Chancho and Schwein, both meaning “Pig”.

  • Flava Flav.

  • Tommy’s soccer number #73.

3. Share words of encouragement, and this page

Spread the word! Share this page, or download our sharable story images to support Tommy, Liz, and Gerd.

Follow Tommy’s CaringBridge page for updates on treatment, and cheer him on.

Drop Tommy some mail! Cards, drawings, and photos of dogs are encouraged. Mail or drop-off at his home address, or send to:

CO Tommy Schweinitz
The Coven Eat Street
2429 Nicollet Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55404

4. Shave Your Head.

Just kidding.

"Tommy’s last name is Schweinitz, and his childhood nickname is Chancho. Both translate to “pig.” Pigs get a bad rep sometimes, but in many cultures, they represent good luck, prosperity, and abundance. Boars specifically are fierce and tenacious in pursuit of a goal. His soccer teammates this year came up with the clever “Schwein Time” moniker, and it’s Schwein Time indeed.”

– Liz Giel, Tommy’s kickass mom

Treatment Updates

Treatment Journey
Making the brave choice.
Making the brave choice.

Tommy has had several nicknames throughout his life, and I bet he never imagined any of them would become this public. “Chancho” is the mainstay in our household, but another favorite from his childhood was “Caterpillar.” Truth be told, I have no idea what inspired that one. As he’s grown, we’ve used it less and less… but this summer, we were reminded of it when several caterpillar visitors unexpectedly showed up in our lives.

Read More →
Round 4: complete
Round 4: complete

Another five-day hospital stay is wrapping up as Tommy completes his fourth round of chemotherapy. He has been handling the treatments like a champ. The drugs make him much more tired than usual, and he feels some discomfort in his stomach, but overall his side effects are managed very well.

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Treatment plan is moving fast. LFG.
Treatment plan is moving fast. LFG.

Today was a big day with a lot of information. We met many people who will be on Tommy’s care team. Most importantly, we spent a lot of time with his oncologist, Dr. Brenda Weigel, and we now have a clear picture of what his treatment will look like in the coming months.

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Tommy's Journey to Kicking Cancer's Ass
Tommy's Journey to Kicking Cancer's Ass

After a biopsy on September 23, we received the life-changing news that Tommy has Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer. To say this was a shock is the understatement of the century. However, we are feeling nothing but hope and confidence that Tommy will get to the other side of this.

Read More →