Tom Kirchhoff’s Fight with ALS:
Diagnosed with ALS in 2010. Although the expected lifespan from diagnosis to death averages 2-5 years, I am determined to live well beyond that range. With the tremendous support of family and friends, I have been able to lead a near full life. I'm still active with my children's activities and at work and plan to be for many years to come. I've taken the phrase "We Will Win" from my friend Mike McElrath. Mike is a lifelong best friend who I played football with through high school. Mike went on to West Point where he started for 4 years at free safety and received votes for the Heisman Trophy after his junior and senior seasons. Mike has served two tours of duty in Iraq and his mantra has always been "WIN". Together, We Will Win!
Tom at Cedar Cliff High School:
Starting QB for 1987 and 1988 teams
Captain in 1988
Mid Penn Division Champs in 1988
District 3 Champs 1987 and 1988
Eastern State Champs 1988
State Runner up 1988
Second Team All-State QB 1988
Mid-Penn Offensive Player of the Year 1988
Mid Penn 1st team QB 1988
110 Meter High Hurdle Mid-Penn Champion 1989
Tom at Lafayette College:
The 1992 Patriot League Player of the Year, Tom Kirchhoff ’93 ranks among the top quarterbacks ever to line up under center for the Maroon and White. His 6,709 career passing yards are the third most in the 129-year history of Lafayette football and the 12th-highest total in Patriot League annals. Kirchhoff, who was co-captain of the 1992 Patriot League Championship team, is also third in program history in career completions (510) and touchdown passes (53). His 26 touchdown passes in the 1992 campaign are the second-highest single-season total in Lafayette history. In addition to his Player of the Year nod, Kirchhoff was a semifinalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 1992 as one of the top senior quarterbacks in the nation. He was recognized by Lafayette as the male recipient of the 1993 Charles L. Albert ’08 Award. After graduation, Kirchhoff signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Being inducted into the Lafayette College Sports Hall of Fame in November, 2012.
Tom’s Professional Career:
Third Generation owner of Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company. Cleveland Brothers is the Caterpillar Dealer for most of Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia.
Tom’s Family:
Happily married to wife, Staci. Four children; Tommy, Sam, Brynley, and Ty.
Adam had the chance to sit down with Tom and talk about his journey with A.L.S. and what the thinks about Catch The Cure. Here's what Tom had to say...