Tom Manno has Throat Cancer

Submitted by Sean Katterle on August 30, 2009 - 1:02pm. » quote

Wow, that really sucks! Tom's a great guy and a fun bencher to watch on the platform. In Chicago, I saw him raw bench 405 x 22 reps for the local news as a promotion for BenchAmerica. I hope that Tom makes a complete recovery from this.

Get well soon Tom,
Sean
HardcorePowerlifting.com

Submitted by dgunnermuro on August 30, 2009 - 2:03pm. » quote

Tom is one of the first big benchers I saw in person at some of the Las Vegas/Phoenix NASA meets in the early '90's. He was never too busy to help out a novice lifter with a bench shirt or technical question. A giant man with an even bigger heart.

Submitted by K.Tawzer (not verified) on August 30, 2009 - 2:51pm. » quote

Tom: I don't know you but heard that you had cancer. My wife is a cancer survivor and her cancer had spread into the lymph nodes. It didn't look good at the time. Like your family, our family felt the same way at first. The first reaction was this happens to other people not us. Then fear set in. I thought I was going to loose my Wife. I'm trying to keep my composure right now. I've never really talked about this. That was 13 yrs. ago. She survived it and you will too. Today's medicine is much more advanced than it was 13 yrs. ago. Thank God. My son and I started powerlifting about three yrs ago and our first contest was a N.A.S.A contest in Vegas. We had seen you lift, and like everyone else, was impressed. My wife asked me a year latter if I thought she could be a powerlifter. My reply was you survived cancer. There is not a thing that you can't do. Last year she won the World and got best master female lifter for the WORLDS AT THE A.W.P.C in Chicago. My point is when this is all over and behind you, and you will survive this, that not only you but your family will be stronger for it. And the tight bond that you and your family already have will even be stronger. You will also be a part of another family, The family of cancer survivors. I have one thing to ask of you, when this is all over and you are cured of the disease. In 13yrs. when you hear of someone going through the same thing, let them know that they are not alone. Try to reassure them that they are going to survive this. Keep strong, have faith, and never give up hope. God Bless you and your family. Ken & Family

Submitted by mastermonster on August 30, 2009 - 3:15pm. » quote

Proudly sponsored by Titan Support Systems Inc.

Sorry to hear this. Tom you're in my prayers and I hope your treatments go well. You're a class act! Good luck brother!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 30, 2009 - 3:23pm. » quote

Tom was the big bencher when I first started getting Powerlifting USA, Still a great bencher today.

Good Luck To you and your family
Jason

Submitted by chris mason on August 30, 2009 - 3:38pm. » quote

WWW.ATLARGENUTRITION.COM

I knew Tom personally years ago when I lived in Phoenix. He was always very kind to me. I wish him the best.

Chris

Submitted by Robert O. Smith (not verified) on August 30, 2009 - 5:06pm. » quote

Tom ~!
So sorry to hear this shocking news ! like many here..I wish you the best and know if anyone can beat this --it's YOU!!

Submitted by isbell on August 30, 2009 - 6:56pm. » quote

stay strong in spirit and body.
You arent ever alone.

We are with you and you are in our prayers.

Submitted by vdizenzo on August 30, 2009 - 8:49pm. » quote

You'll be in my prayers. Stay strong!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 30, 2009 - 8:58pm. » quote

Been benching big weight for a long time. Kick this to the curb, and get well soon.

Submitted by jbernor (not verified) on August 31, 2009 - 3:08am. » quote

will be praying for you and your family Tom,,,

in HIS grip forever
john

Submitted by Larry "Iron" Smith (not verified) on August 31, 2009 - 9:24am. » quote

Beat this Big Guy. The best to you and your family!

Submitted by Phillip Wylie on August 31, 2009 - 2:46pm. » quote

Tom and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Submitted by Martin Drake (not verified) on August 31, 2009 - 11:51pm. » quote

our prayers are with you

Submitted by Kirk Bardos (not verified) on September 13, 2009 - 7:04pm. » quote

Tom,

I have watched my mother beat cancer twice and know you will overcome this obstacle. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Best wishes big man!!!

Submitted by Larry & Carole (not verified) on September 14, 2009 - 11:59am. » quote

Cuz, you are strong in body and mind and soul. You WILL defeat this. Love conquers all, and you are loved.
Larry and Carole

Submitted by Debbie Star (not verified) on September 28, 2009 - 11:34pm. » quote

Tom,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and don't give up.

Debbie Star
Jeff Star

Submitted by Mark Nyhart (not verified) on September 29, 2009 - 7:49pm. » quote

Tom and I grew up together in Scottsdale, Arizona. We ate the same dirt together playing high school football. Tom continued to excel and went on to college ball, Pros, etc. If ever there was a man strong in body and spirit, it is Tom. As a fellow Believer, I know that the good Lord has plans for you Tom. Continue to trust Him and His plans will be revealed in due time. I love you brother......

Mark Nyhart

Submitted by Woody Filippi (not verified) on October 8, 2009 - 1:41am. » quote

Tom ,you have always, and always will be an inspiration to me and many others.That will never change.You are bigger than life in so many ways .You have not only met your goals, but have exceeded them time in and time out. With our prayers and your drive, you will be squeezing into a 2-ply bench suit again.You have given so much to so many people, I know God has a big payback for you.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Submitted by debby vorves family (not verified) on October 25, 2009 - 10:30pm. » quote

tom and family our prayers are with u congradulations on all your acheivements and insparation we love you!

Submitted by william Armijo (not verified) on October 29, 2009 - 6:11pm. » quote

Tom I meet you at the fire and Police games in scottsdale arizona My prayers are with you and your family on this journey you know incounter, remember the lord is with you every step of the way. we all have a journey here on earth and all things happen for a reason. Be strong Big Man you will beat this . I will pray a rosary for you daily till you recover! William Armijo Scottsdale Fire Department

Submitted by Pete Wilson (not verified) on November 3, 2009 - 3:24am. » quote

To the best master lifter. Stay strong!
Best wishes, and god's speed.

Pete Wilson
Fresno, CA

Submitted by the vorves family (not verified) on November 6, 2009 - 8:50pm. » quote

Tom and family we are always thinking and praying for all Love to u my biggest brother thank you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 6, 2009 - 8:53pm. » quote

all from JJs send a strong We love you

Submitted by Rev Star Lyn (not verified) on November 17, 2009 - 9:18pm. » quote

Tom and Family,
My love and prayers are always with you all. I carry your love and friendship in my heart and for the last 25 years, we have adventured much, dreamed large and lived life to the fullest. I look forward to the next 25 years ! Hang in there my friend, we are all with you and our God stands by your side, loving you, guiding you and showing you the light when you feel that you are in the dark. Love and Blessings to you always... Rev Star Lyn

Submitted by Mike Durso (not verified) on December 22, 2009 - 7:08am. » quote

Tom, this is just another one of those "things" to add to your list of experiences along this journey - you'll get better, look back at this and say "Wow, that was a close one!"
Hurry up, and come back.

Waiting -

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 23, 2009 - 4:56pm. » quote

we are all thinking of you and especially dad how can we get a update on your condition. we all love you so much love the vorves family

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 12, 2010 - 1:03am. » quote

Does anybody have an update on Tom

Submitted by Jeff Sears (not verified) on January 12, 2010 - 11:05pm. » quote

We have set up a FaceBook site called 'Friends of Tom Manno'. Next week, we will be conducting an online fundraiser to help Tom pay for natural oncology cancer treatments not covered by insurance. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers for Tom. He's strong and has a solid mental foundation but he's in a tough fight right now.
Keep Tom and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Sears on behalf of 'Friends of Tom'
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Tom-Manno/241696752522?ref=ts

Submitted by Alexandra (not verified) on January 13, 2010 - 2:39pm. » quote

I know Tom for 20+ years. This is his biggest fight of his life. He needs everybody’s support and prayers. We love you Tom

Alex/ Seamus

Submitted by vdizenzo on January 13, 2010 - 3:58pm. » quote

Tom will be in my prayers

AtLargeNutrition
EliteFTS

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 16, 2010 - 6:06pm. » quote

can someone please post an update of big Toms condition we are all so interested and concerned thanks all the manno fans

Submitted by Mike M. (not verified) on January 27, 2010 - 8:06am. » quote

Tom is in a hospice in Phoenix. I will be going there this morning to see him along with many other friends. I will update this after seeing him. Keep him in your prayers.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 27, 2010 - 8:55pm. » quote

Just received news that Tom has passed away. God Bless his wife Dianne and son Tommy.

Submitted by Big Papa (not verified) on January 27, 2010 - 9:19pm. » quote

that is such a shame. my thoughts go out to his family

Submitted by Sean Katterle on January 27, 2010 - 11:49pm. » quote

This is absolutely terrible news. Tom Manno is a great soul and he was the kind of person you were always happy to see. He had a great sense of humor and he was a fierce competitor. When Tom came out to help promote one of the BenchAmericas, he hit 22 raw reps with 405 pounds on the bench! His on stage antics really got the crowd fired up and he was a great role model for power benching. I'm glad that I've got him lifting and conversing on video from the BenchAmerica shows and from Powerlifter Video. He's the kind of person you want to remember.

May you already be lifting weights and hitting PRs in heaven Tom,
Sean
HardcorePowerlifting.com

Submitted by Dr. Don Bell (not verified) on January 28, 2010 - 2:51am. » quote

What a rip-off, just a total rip-off, I cant even believe he is gone. I was bleesed with the privalage to know him. Really enjoyed watchin him lift big at the WABDL worlds, and he always had a booth and would give anyone a smile and advice. Really liked MC'n when he lifted cuz it was always big and he was always fired up and added so much excitment to the sport. He will be missed by all. donny

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 29, 2010 - 8:25pm. » quote

I met Tom thru a friend of mine who is a stuntman.
Tom passed away on Wed.
RIP Tom, you will be missed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 30, 2010 - 5:56pm. » quote

we are all praying for you dianne and tommy god bless you we love you and will always love big brother tom the vorves family

Submitted by Carrie (not verified) on February 4, 2010 - 4:27am. » quote

I am praying for you Dianne and your son and Tom's other children

I know this is really tough for you. I am so saddened by your husband's passing. Tom was a great inspiration to my fiancee Laurence who passed away from brain cancer 13 months ago.

He was in the Masters Division. I loved the meets. I am so sorry..........

Carrie