Tommy Yellin

Thomas Michael Yellin (otherwise known as Tommy and T-Rex) was born on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Chapel Hill, NC, to two parents with no fervent college basketball loyalties.

What Tommy lacked in genetic material and height was made up for in charm and determination. He will be remembered for always laughing at the funny parts, giving the best hugs, and his unflappable enthusiasm for vacuuming and sweeping.

Tommy’s accomplishments included being born with so much hair that it was visible on prenatal ultrasounds, riding in the back of an ambulance (twice), having his photo on the front page of the Raleigh News & Observer, having the world’s best eyelashes, flirting with everyone in the UNC Ophthalmology waiting room, rolling across the stage for his elementary school promotion, playing eight seasons of baseball with Miracle League of the Triangle, and learning how to speak three very important words (“Oreo,” “bye,” and “Patrick”).

Tommy died just after midnight on March 26, 2025, at his home in Cary, NC. He was in the arms of Mom and Dad, with a cherry tree blooming outside his window.

Tommy is survived by his #1 Favorite Person (dad Wes), his #2 Favorite Person (younger brother Patrick), and mom Lori (unranked, but doesn’t take it personally). He was also loved by his grandparents (Grandma Anne, TaTa, Grandma Gina, and Grandpa Mike), aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

The Palen-Yellin family thanks all of the people who loved and supported Tommy in school, in medical care, and in the community. In particular, they are grateful to Dr. Ceila Loughlin and the team at UNC Pediatric Pulmonology and Dr. Jeff Rutledge and the team at Cornerstone Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine; their compassionate care got Tommy through nearly 13 years on this earth.

In lieu of flowers, please give more hugs, and support Medicaid and disability rights. Donations to the following organizations would also be appreciated:
• Miracle League of the Triangle (https://www.mltriangle.com/sponsor/donate-now/), which brought joy to Tommy and his family throughout his life;
• Transitions Kids hospice (https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/), who comforted Tommy and his family at the end of his life; and
• The Children’s Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation (https://bit.ly/Tommy_Yellin_Memorial), which supports research to save the lives of kids like Tommy.