Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Pop Warner mom, 39, suffers massive heart attack; family in need of support

Fallbrook Pop Warner football mom Tamae Toombs, 39, stopped at a grocery store in Oceanside to pick up fresh fruit as a snack for her son’s team, which was playing a game at El Camino High School on Saturday, October 18, when she suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed.

“At first they thought she was having a seizure,” said her husband, Rick Toombs. After being transported to Tri City Hospital, it was determined that Tamae had suffered a heart attack.

Since that time, Tamae has remained hospitalized in a coma, unresponsive. Doctors have told Rick that, following the heart attack, Tamae suffered a prolonged absence of oxygen to the brain, which accounts for her grave condition.

Tamae, a stay-at-home mother who cares for the couple’s three children – Ricky 14, a student at Fallbrook High School; Thomas 12, who attends Sullivan Middle School; and Diana, 5, a student at Bonsall Elementary, is also caregiver for her disabled father, a stroke victim.

Upon hearing the news, the Pop Warner “family” quickly organized a fund to help the Toombs’ during their time of need.

“We are shocked and saddened by a horrible tragedy to one of our true volunteers,” said Allan Brassard, president of the organization. “Faced with escalating health costs and work leave; not to mention the mental challenges of an unexpected tragedy to the core fabric of their family, the Toombs’ are challenged in many ways.”

Brassard acknowledged the positive involvement both parents have had this season in the Pop Warner organization.

When Thomas decided he would like to play Pop Warner football this season, Rick, who is employed by Hines Horticulture in Rainbow, stepped up and volunteered to be team manager for the league’s Chief’s Midget team.

Understanding the current economic climate and its effect on families, Brassard said, “How many of us could weather the type of crisis the Toombs currently face without some assistance?”

Those wishing to make a donation to help the family may do so by making checks payable to Rick Toombs and giving them to any Pop Warner team mom, or can mail them to: Fallbrook Pop Warner, P.O. Box 1866, Fallbrook, CA 92088.

“We can’t possibly provide what this family is missing right now, but money will assist the Toombs in this time of crisis,” Brassard added. “Fallbrook Pop Warner thanks you in advance for your generosity and humanity.”

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/12/2024 05:38