WILBRAHAM — The Trot for Tom Run and Walk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Minnechaug Regional High School to celebrate the life and values of Wilbraham resident and scientist Dr. Thomas “Tom” Julian.
A “loving, gentle person,” Tom dedicated his life to scientific research in order to help others receive treatment, utilizing his analytical skills to study and observe suffering, Tom’s father Michael Julian told Reminder Publishing. As an academic, Tom “searched for the why” to provide relief for people experiencing chronic pain and opiate addiction.
An excellent student, Tom graduated from Wilbraham and Monson Academy, the University of Massachusetts, and the College of Our Lady of the Elms. After earning a doctoral degree in nursing, he went on to complete a fellowship at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he worked with geneticists on opiate addiction research, Michael stated.
“He was like a wizard. He could touch your heart,” Michael said, highlighting Tom’s personality as “honest, unselfish” and empathetic. “He wanted to alleviate suffering through science.”
Tom encouraged those around him to not “judge people because they are different from you” and displayed his love for his family, a kind heart and a curious nature, seeking to “never be a burden” to his loved ones during difficulties in his life, Michael explained. In September 2023, Tom died following a neurological illness.
To honor Tom’s dedication to helping others and celebrate his “aura,” the one-time event on Sept. 14 will raise money toward research on neurological diseases at the University of Connecticut through School of Nursing Associate Professor Ruth Lucas and support increased awareness of neurological research, Michael stated.
Beginning with a 5K run and 1 mile walk at Minnechaug’s track, the event will conclude with a community picnic serving hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream as well as drawings for a silent auction, Michael explained. The event is supported through volunteers.
Participation is $25 for attendees under 18 and $30 for above 18. Family walks are also $30. The first 350 registered participants will also receive a free T-shirt. The auction will include two tickets to the Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement Ceremony, four Red Sox tickets and two $200 gift cards, Michael noted.
“It is amazing how people have opened their hearts,” Michael said, highlighting the large support that his family has received in coordinating the event.
As of Aug. 13, Trot for Tom had raised more than $14,000 through support from an “extensive donor list” and many local volunteers. Michael expressed that he hoped to reach $20,000 by the day of the race.
For more information about the Trot for Tom event, visit runreg.com/trot-for-tom.
Attendees can sign up and donate on this page. Donations can be made without registering for the event. Updates about the event are also available on the Trot for Tom Facebook page at facebook.com/TrotForTom.
