Wife Honors Husband’s Memory at Annual Moffitt Pickleball Tournament
Key Takeaways:
- A wife and her mother will participate in Moffitt Cancer Center’s annual pickleball tournament on Nov. 7 while supporting cancer research and remembering a loved one
- Her young husband died from squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in June of this year
- By openly sharing his cancer journey, he encouraged others to seek cancer screenings, leaving a lasting legacy of advocacy and hope
Throughout their relationship, Emily and Thomas Seitz made staying active a priority. Pickleball became one way they spent time together, sharing friendly competition and a love of the game.
Last year, as Emily and her mother, Chris, competed in the annual Moffitt Cancer Center Pickleball Tournament, Thomas cheered them on from the stands. The tournament raises money for cancer research, a cause that had taken on deeply personal meaning for the family.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
In 2022, at age 26, Thomas was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, a type of head and neck cancer.
“He didn’t have increased risk factors or a family history of cancer,” Emily said. “Even when he first developed the sore in his mouth, both his dentist and later an oral surgeon didn’t think it was cancer.”
Initially, Thomas underwent surgery and did not need chemotherapy or radiation. Two years later, a firm lymph node sparked concern. Follow-up scans showed that the cancer had returned.
Emily Seitz and her mother, Chris, share a love of pickleball and enjoy the sport to stay active and compete in a friendly way.
After another surgery, Thomas underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Despite treatment, the cancer spread to his lungs. He underwent additional chemotherapy and immunotherapy over the course of the next several months. In July 2025, he enrolled in his first of two clinical trials at Moffitt.
Thomas died in June 2026 at age 30.
This year, Emily and her mother will participate in Moffitt’s pickleball tournament on Nov. 7 in his honor.
“I know it is going to be a beautiful yet bittersweet day,” Emily said. “Thomas was there watching us last year, and I have no doubt he will still be watching over us this year, too.”
Personal Battle Turns to Advocacy
Throughout his cancer journey, Thomas was open about his experience, Emily says, hoping to help others. By sharing his story, he inspired friends and loved ones in their lives to undergo cancer screenings.
“At the end of the day, cancer took so much from Thomas over the years, but it really never touched his will to live and to love, and for my whole life, he will always be my why,” Emily said.
