Great News. Tom Vander Woude’s memory and story will be honored and celebrated January 24, 2026 in San Francisco, with a very prestigious award. The St. Gianna Molla Award for Pro-Life Heroism will be presented posthumously to his fifth son, Chris Vander Woude, at the Annual Walk for Life – West Coast.
This prestigious award honors those who show “heroic virtue in the defense of the unborn and their mothers and fathers, usually to the extent of profound sacrifice,” according to Dolores Meehan, co-chair of the West Coast Walk for Life. “The fact that his son has Down syndrome made it all the more important to share his story of love and sacrifice and joy.”
Additional information regarding Tom’s story and the reasons he is being honored with this award may be found on the following link to the Catholic News Agency article below.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/268403/st-gianna-molla-award-to-go-to-catholic-father-farmer-potential-saint-tom-vander-woude
Earlier last Fall, we were in contact with a wonderful and growing non-profit organization, Team Iron Will, that champions the intrinsic value of people with Down syndrome. They are equipping families with the developmental tools, therapy opportunities, and other resources that they need to help their children reach their fullest potential. The link to their website is below. Team Iron Will is hosting a podcast with Chris Vander Woude soon, to discuss Tom and his wife’s story regarding their Down syndrome son Joseph. Please swing by their website and check out the needed and appreciated type of efforts and support they are providing to the parents and children with Down syndrome.
https://www.teamironwill.org/
While the Guild continues our efforts to promote and support Tom’s potential Cause, there are simple things others can do to help support also. They are:
- Forward or share this newsletter with your family and friends. It’s easy – PLEASE DO IT. One or more of them might know a story or two about Tom that could be used in the petition for the opening of Tom’s Cause.
- Let your friends and family know they can sign up for the Newsletter here on the website
- Send us any stories of:
- Prayers of intercession to Tom that were answered for you or a friend.
- Christian service to his church, community, yourself, or a loved one.
- Stories of his faith or reputation of his holiness.
- Please send any of the above to info@tvwguild.org
- Tell your pastor about Tom’s potential Cause and ask to host a group presentation at your church, women’s group, KofC Council, veteran’s group, etc. We are happy to support – just contact us via email at: info@tvwguild.org
- Finally, along with your prayers, make a tax-deductible donation via our website or directly to our following address. We promise that we will protect your donation and use it wisely for the encouragement and support of Tom’s Cause.
Our Sincere blessings to you all,
Keith Henderson, Board Chairman
