Thomas Hyche has spent much of the last 15 to 17 years of his life going back and forth between his home, Forrest General Hospital, and a nursing home facility. A dialysis patient for a long time, he's been through a lot.
Currently, a patient at Forrest General, DJ Tom Tom, as he prefers to be called, was having some not-so-good days. But that soon changed when he got a big surprise from a dear friend. This friend heard that Tom Tom needed a boost and did what he could to help.
Dressed in his favorite black and gold jersey, Seymour, the mascot for The University of Southern Miss Golden Eagles, made his way to Tom Tom's room. There may never have been a more significant two-man pep rally than Tom Tom and Seymour's.
Tom Tom was expecting a surprise but wasn't quite sure what it might be. Dressed in black shorts and his best Golden Eagle shirt, Tom Tom welcomed his friend with open arms and a high five or two.
"I knew you were coming," Tom Tom said. "I had a feeling. I've missed you." The two high-fived, clapped, and made their own entertainment."
A long-time fan of Southern Miss football, and especially Seymour, for years, Tom Tom has taken to the streets, even walking in rain storms all the way across town, to get him to The Rock for game day.
"Everybody knows him – everybody at Forrest General, the police department, the nursing home, and people around town," said Tanya Hyche, his sister, who has raised him since she was 19. "If they see him walking, they'll pick him up and get him in the game. Then, somebody else will get him home." She said the two stay in touch by phone, and she has Life 360, so she can monitor where he goes.
The friends conversed as well as they could, with Tom Tom leading a To The Top Cheer and excitedly throwing his arms in the air, just like Seymour. The two hugged while Seymour busted some dance moves, which Tom Tom took credit for teaching him.
Tom Tom is partial to Seymour, more so than the players, because Seymour always wins. He likes sitting on the home side, which he describes as the best spot in the world. "But he really wants to get on the field with Seymour," said his mom, Deborah. "And DJ a game."
Tom Tom made sure everyone knew that on September 21 he'll be 43 years old. "It's a good age to be, and I want to have a big party with Seymour there," said Tom Tom.
Tom Tom said everyone was taking good care of him and even said, "Seymour is going to be praying for me to make sure I get better and go to the games." Tom Tom also follows USM baseball and basketball but is partial to football.
"My friend, I love you! Thank you! To The Top. I liked that treat. It made my heart happy," Tom Tom said as Seymour departed to make his way back to campus.
Tanya said Tom Tom has been in the hospital for three weeks and has been through a lot since he first started dialysis about 15 years ago. "He is a fighter," she said, "and he's blessed."
A lot of friends, family, and visitors stop in to visit, and the nurses on his floor find his happiness contagious and his smile a bright spot in their day.
Kimberly Kennedy, RN, a nurse on Tom Tom's floor, has known him since before he started dialysis. "I used to sit with him," she said. "We are his comfort zone."
FGH Patient Care Coordinator, Sadie Sullivan, said Tom Tom is a delight. "He's always happy, cheerful, has a good attitude, loves company, and in addition to cheese puffs, cheeseburgers, and Coke, he enjoys pancakes."
Jamie Martin, general manager for IMG Sports at USM, said for Seymour, the visit was really special. "This makes us realize how impactful everything that happens on the field is – from the players to the mascot. It means everything to so many people. There was so much joy in that room, centered around a man's love for Seymour and Southern Miss. There's a lot to be said for that. It's bigger than sports."
