On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the life of Thomas Shupe, a bright and athletic 16-year-old from Greenland, New Hampshire, was forever altered. In a tragic twist of fate, Thomas was involved in a devastating motor vehicle accident that left him with severe injuries, including trauma to his brain and neck.
In critical condition, Thomas was rushed to Boston Children’s Hospital, where he was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There, a dedicated team of physicians and specialists has been working tirelessly to stabilize and care for him. As the hours stretch into days, Thomas continues to fight—his will to survive matched only by the unwavering love of his parents, Jessica and Michael Shupe, who haven’t left his side.
Thomas is a proud student of Portsmouth High School, where he is a valued member of the ClipperCats football team. Known for his infectious energy, compassion for others, and drive to succeed, Thomas exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete with heart and purpose. On the field, he brings passion and determination. Off the field, he brings kindness, humor, and a strong moral compass that has endeared him to classmates, teachers, and coaches alike.
Now, those same qualities are fueling him through an unimaginable challenge.
The road to recovery will be long and grueling. Neurological trauma and spinal injuries often require extended ICU care, intensive rehabilitation, and months—if not years—of therapy. Yet even in these early, uncertain days, Thomas has shown signs of the fierce strength that has always defined him.
His parents, Jessica and Michael, are themselves pillars of the local community. Jessica serves as a Dispatch Supervisor with the Exeter Police Department, and Michael is a retired New Hampshire State Trooper. Together, they have spent their lives serving and protecting others in times of emergency and need. Now, it is they who must lean on the compassion and support of others as they navigate this personal crisis.
The emotional and financial strain on the Shupe family is immeasurable. While their sole focus remains Thomas’s recovery, the reality is that the cost of medical care—particularly at such a specialized facility—adds a heavy burden. From ICU stays and neurological consults to rehabilitation, travel, housing near the hospital, and time away from work, the weight is enormous.
But in this darkness, a light has begun to shine—the light of community.
Friends, neighbors, classmates, and complete strangers have come together, launching a fundraising initiative to help offset the mounting medical expenses and support the Shupes during this difficult time. The goal is clear: to ease their burdens so they can pour all of their energy into Thomas’s recovery.
In a testament to the bonds of community and shared humanity, donations have begun pouring in, accompanied by messages of love, hope, and strength. Every prayer, every dollar, every kind word matters. It reminds the Shupes that they are not alone—that a whole town, and even people beyond it, are lifting them up in love.
Thomas’s journey ahead is uncertain, but it is not without hope. With the love of his parents, the strength of his own spirit, and the support of a united community, Thomas has the best possible foundation from which to heal. He is not just a boy in a hospital bed—he is a son, a teammate, a friend, and a fighter.
Let us continue to rally around this remarkable young man. Let us show his family that when one of us falls, we all rise to help them stand again.
For those wishing to support the Shupe family, donations can be made through the official fundraising campaign established on their behalf. Even the smallest gift can make a profound difference.
In times of crisis, community becomes family. And in the case of Thomas Shupe, a family of thousands now stands with him, ready to carry him through.
#TeamThomas #ShupeStrong #PrayersForThomas
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