T for Thomas is a foundation undertaken as a tribute to Thomas Snell, who was a 13-year-old player at the Crocs who sadly passed away last July due to sepsis. Also referred to as blood poisoning, sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Every year at least 18,000 Australian's are diagnosed with sepsis, with around 5,000 losing their lives.
Thomas contracted influenza A while on a rugby trip to Brisbane in 2017, he developed pneumonia and a secondary bacterial infection, which triggered sepsis and septic shock
This weekend, Sunday 2nd December has been marked by the Southern Districts Football Club as their Sepsis Awareness Round, where the T for Thomas Foundation will give out information about sepsis and will have their volunteers at the club passing out this information. The men's and women's Premier League teams will also be part of special activations to help raise awareness of the T for Thomas message.
There are a number of activities that will take place at Norbuilt Oval (Freds Pass) around the Women’s Premier League game (10am vs PINT) and the Men’s Premier League game (4pm vs Palmerston) including:
* Giant T to be painted onto the oval
* Women’s and Men’s Premier League teams to line up for team photo and make a ‘T’ symbol with their arms before each of their games
* Spectators and players are encouraged to wear orange to the footy
* A giant T will be made on the oval with people, including fans, before the men's game
* Two #21 guernseys as signed by the all Premier League players will be auctioned to raise funds for the T for Thomas Foundation
* Face painting and a kids activity at half time of the Men’s Premier League game
* Volunteers will be setting up stalls to give out information on sepsis
Click here for more information about the day or for more information on sepsis or the Foundation, please visit the T for Thomas website: https://www.tforthomas.com/
