The team at Students for Life of America (SFLA) profoundly grieves the loss of an incredibly passionate student leader, Thomas (Tommy) Conrad, who passed away after battling leukemia.

Tommy Conrad was a passionate, dedicated pro-life leader who launched pro-life efforts at Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy in Greenville, Texas. Highly motivated to fight for his free speech, Tommy established a pro-life presence in 2022 despite the school administration’s pushback. In the 2023-2024 academic year, he led pro-life efforts in his community, hosted SFLA President Kristan Hawkins on his campus, organized a volunteer day for his local Pregnancy Help Center (PHC), and staged a protest at his local CVS and Walgreens. He funded over $4,500 to take his members to the 2024 National Pro-Life March and National Pro-Life Summit. 

As a 2023-2024 Thaddeus Stevens fellow with SFLA, Tommy remained a constant source of persistence and excitement to his fellow students. Former SFLA Fellowship Coordinator Norvilia Cain said, “He was a very energetic young man and put a lot of effort into his pro-life activism! A true trailblazer in starting his pro-life group and leading others in the fight to protect and uphold the lives of the pre-born and their families.” 

IN ADDITION TO PRAYERS, WE ASK THAT THOSE SEEKING TO SUPPORT HIS FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME CONTRIBUTE  HERE.   

Tommy impacted those around him, including SFLA students and staff, who shared: 

From Mary Briganti, Director of Leadership Initiatives:

 “Tommy always looked for ways to learn and grow as a person. He encouraged people to stay connected and motivated, even when his fellow students were so far away from each other. He brought humor and fun to his fellowship calls and often encouraged his peers. We are so grateful for the opportunity to know him and witness his tenacity for the pro-life mission.”  

From Diego Salinas, Thaddeus Steven’s ‘24 Graduate, San Antonio, Texas:

“Tommy was such a great kid. When SFLA accepted me into Thaddeus Steven’s program, I contacted Tommy beforehand because he was the only other student from Texas. Upon meeting him, his kindness showed through. He was truly an energetic and passionate kid. But above all, he exemplified appreciation of everything. He was full of respect and honor for what he could do, which was beautiful. Our specific program was very close, and we shared a lot of laughs throughout the year, whether in Washington, D.C., or over Zoom. His parents raised an amazing child, and I know he continues to look down at all of us, smiling. I’m blessed and honored to have known him and will continue to keep his family in my prayers.”

From Faith Elwonger, Texas Regional Coordinator:

“The big thing I’d personally want to share is just a bit about the first time I ever got to talk with Tommy.  

It was a long phone call, and he shared his family’s story and how they inspired him to be so pro-life. His plans for his pro-life club excited me, and I saw how we could be of support. He was so motivated and excited, and that call came when I began feeling drained. Pro-life work can be hard and tiring, but he reminded me of why I do what I do and why the mission of Students for Life of America is so important. After that call, I cried because I was just so encouraged by Tommy, and seeing him so excited to change the culture was a much-needed reminder of why we do what we do and to keep pressing forward.”  

From Ella Schumacher:

“It was a blessing to know Tommy and fight with him for the right to life beside him.”  

From Olivia Torralba, Southern Regional Manager:

“Tommy was a true pro-life warrior who said yes to every opportunity to protect the preborn. When I first spoke with him on the phone in 2022, I thought, “This group will be a much-needed powerhouse in Greenville.” And they were. Students for Life in Greenville led various events, from pharmacy protests to sidewalk counseling. We are proud of Tommy’s legacy in North Texas and know he inspired many.” 

From Megan Roos, Southern Campus Formation Coordinator:

“The summer after he graduated high school, Tommy started working on starting a new pro-life group at his college. Over the summer! When he looked ahead at all the effort it would take, he counted the cost and stepped forward because Tommy believed that building a culture of life was worth it. What a bold and inspiring vision and dedication.”  

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