A Brother's Love Makes its Way From Charlestown to the Oriole Park at Camden Yards

When Tom Willis , a man who was born with no arms or hands, takes the mound tonight at Oriole Park at Camden Yards to throw out the first pitch with his feet he will have his biggest fan cheering for him in the stands: his brother Michael. Michael, who is the Assistant Continuing Care Administrator for Charlestown retirement community, is beaming with family pride.  “Tom has not met an obstacle he can’t beat,” he said.

Tom who grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland, today lives in San Diego, California. He comes to this area at least 2-3 times per year. He has his own video production company and drives a car.

Tom travels nationwide as a motivational speaker, urging people to work beyond their disabilities. He has spoken to Charlestown employees in the past. His current "Pitch for Awareness" national tour will include stops at several major league ballparks. He has thrown out the first pitch 19 times in the past four years.

Tom’s website www.tomsfeet.com includes photos of him as a child painting with his feet. It also includes a photo of him as an adult posing with Dolly Parton.

Michael will be cheering again at Tom’s pre-game “No Arms – No Problem” keynote address at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. Admission to this 5: 30 p.m. presentation is free. The Orioles game against the Kansas City Royals will start at 7:05 p.m.

Charlestown residents will watch the game. Baseball seems to be in their blood.  A resident softball team plays games regularly on a baseball field located on the Charlestown campus. In addition, resident Nancy Ward has the distinction of having been the Baltimore Orioles' official “1,000th fan” when the team played at Memorial Stadium.