Thomas Van De Graaff Obituary (2019

Thomas John van de Graaff was born on June 19, 2019 in Provo, Utah. He passed away peacefully in his home in American Fork, Utah on March 14, 2020. Tommy loved dancing in the kitchen, watching soccer on TV, hearing the sound of a clicking tongue, and looking at colorful lights - whether flashing on a baby toy, outside on display at Christmas time, or even in the arcade section of the bowling alley. Thomas brought his own light to the world, too; it was impossible to miss in his deep blue eyes. Thomas was born with layers of skin missing from most of his fingers. He went on to develop blisters all over and inside his body, which spread quickly, never healed, and caused him a tremendous amount of pain. When he was four months old Thomas was officially diagnosed with Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa Generalized Severe. He fought the disease with more strength than an infant should ever have to know. Thomas was and will always be an inspiration to those who knew him. Thomas is preceded in death by his grandmother, Rivka Michelle Galbraith van de Graaff. He is survived by his parents, Erin Emmett van de Graaff and Stefan van de Graaff, and his older brother, Peter van de Graaff. Thomas will also be lovingly remembered by two grandfathers, one grandmother, five aunts, five uncles, and sixteen cousins. A funeral service for Thomas will be attended by immediate family later this week. Those who desire may make donations in memory of Thomas to the EB Research Partnership.