Neighborhood Restaurants 'Go Gray In May' for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research

Dan Coogan, owner of Fat Tommy’s, donated 20 percent of meal orders to pediatric brain tumor research on Monday and Tuesday. The hot dog joint is one of several neighborhood businesses participating in “Go Gray in May” month.

May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Fat Tommy’s remembered John McNicholas, a 15-year-old, St. Rita High School student who inspired all those around him with his grace and dignity while dealing with an inoperable malignant brain tumor.

McNicholas said he could be sad or live his life and hope for the best. He did the latter and passed away in 2011. His family started the John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Live Like John, offers support and resources to families with children diagnosed with brain tumors and raises money for pediatric brain tumor research.

Fat Tommy’s is one of several neighborhood restaurants donating portions of sales to Live Like John throughout the month of May, including:

Mondays:

May 12 - Barraco's Evergreen Park 25% all day

May 19 - Barraco's Mt. Greenwood 25% all day

Tuesdays:

May 13 – KFC a portion of proceeds

May 20 - Top Notch 15% all day

May 27 – Home Run Inn 20% all day

Fat Tommy’s, located at 3031 W. 111th St. in Beverly. Billed as a “hot dog joint,” the restaurant serves Chicago dogs, burgers and pork chops.

Visit Fat Tommy’s Facebook page for deals and observations on hot dogs and life.