Cause Details
Memorial

With heavy hearts, the Ventura County Fire Department announces the line of duty death of Engineer Thomas “Tommy” James Daniel Minadeo.

This fundraiser is to benefit Vanessa Gubbels, Tommy Minadeo’s Fiancé. Vanessa and Tommy dated for four years and got engaged in September 2024. Tommy was a firefighter for the Ventura County Fire Department for the last six years and a VCFD Fire Control Worker (VCFD Hand Crew) prior to that. 

In October of 2024, while on duty and at the scene of a medical emergency, Tommy was lifting a patient off the ground and felt a “pop”. Tommy assumed the “pop” he felt was something in his back. In actuality, the “pop” ended up being the tearing of his spleen. 

Tommy sought treatment at the ER and was immediately admitted to the ICU. Twenty-three days after getting engaged, Tommy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Tommy completed four rounds of chemotherapy and had found a match for a bone marrow transplant. 

The goal was to get Tommy into remission with a fifth round of chemotherapy and then get him the bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, Tommy would never get that chance. Five months after being diagnosed with AML at 32 years old, Tommy’s courageous battle with cancer ended. While receiving his fifth round of chemotherapy, on March 7th, 2025, Tommy succumbed to his illness at Keck Medical Center surrounded by friends and family. 

As you can imagine, Vanessa is left reeling. Six months after getting engaged, she is now a grieving widow.  In an attempt to alleviate some of her financial burden, we are asking for your help. Tommy and Vanessa were a dual-income couple who lived together and shared bills together. Now, Vanessa is addressing the unforeseen costs of hospital visits, mortuary costs, celebration of life events, ETC. No amount of money will replace Tommy or take away Vanessa’s pain. The goal is to honor Tommy by relieving some financial stress for Vanessa.  Thank you all


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March 12th, 2025 Camarillo, CA
VCFD WOAF
199 Supporters

Memorial

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$22,911 of $50,000

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45%

45.821% Complete (success)

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When you become an advocate, every click and donation made via your unique advocate URL will be tallied in your Help a Hero account.

Organizer Info
Logo image
March 12th, 2025 Camarillo, CA
VCFD WOAF

Cause Details

Memorial

With heavy hearts, the Ventura County Fire Department announces the line of duty death of Engineer Thomas “Tommy” James Daniel...

With heavy hearts, the Ventura County Fire Department announces the line of duty death of Engineer Thomas “Tommy” James Daniel Minadeo.

This fundraiser is to benefit Vanessa Gubbels, Tommy Minadeo’s Fiancé. Vanessa and Tommy dated for four years and got engaged in September 2024. Tommy was a firefighter for the Ventura County Fire Department for the last six years and a VCFD Fire Control Worker (VCFD Hand Crew) prior to that. 

In October of 2024, while on duty and at the scene of a medical emergency, Tommy was lifting a patient off the ground and felt a “pop”. Tommy assumed the “pop” he felt was something in his back. In actuality, the “pop” ended up being the tearing of his spleen. 

Tommy sought treatment at the ER and was immediately admitted to the ICU. Twenty-three days after getting engaged, Tommy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Tommy completed four rounds of chemotherapy and had found a match for a bone marrow transplant. 

The goal was to get Tommy into remission with a fifth round of chemotherapy and then get him the bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, Tommy would never get that chance. Five months after being diagnosed with AML at 32 years old, Tommy’s courageous battle with cancer ended. While receiving his fifth round of chemotherapy, on March 7th, 2025, Tommy succumbed to his illness at Keck Medical Center surrounded by friends and family. 

As you can imagine, Vanessa is left reeling. Six months after getting engaged, she is now a grieving widow.  In an attempt to alleviate some of her financial burden, we are asking for your help. Tommy and Vanessa were a dual-income couple who lived together and shared bills together. Now, Vanessa is addressing the unforeseen costs of hospital visits, mortuary costs, celebration of life events, ETC. No amount of money will replace Tommy or take away Vanessa’s pain. The goal is to honor Tommy by relieving some financial stress for Vanessa.  Thank you all

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Comments
Anonymous user image
Arleen Duran
Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace 🙏🏽
Anonymous user image
Emily Denman
As a wife of a fellow firefighter this breaks my heart. Our men are the strongest and most courageous on the planet and I hope you feel the love and strength from every fire wife as we support you and lift you up.
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Kent Matthews
We didn’t know him well….. but, have great memories of him…… so sad…… sorry for his friends and family 😢
Anonymous user image
Lori Bliss
We are so sorry about the loss of Tommy. Our hearts and prayers are surrounding you. Love to you and the family. 💙
Anonymous user image
Christine Paone
Love you Vanessa
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Cabrina Pollex
I don’t even have words. I see you and your pain. I’m so incredibly sad that you are walking through this storm. You are in my prayers & thoughts.
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Omar Caldera
I love you brother. We got you Vanessa — Omar, Mecca & Baby Caynan
Anonymous user image
Janelle Demmers
Thinking of you V! <3
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Mollie Strain
Sending you so much love, Vanessa. ♥️
Anonymous user image
Taylor and Megan Noonan
Love you Vanessa!
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Wendy Brant
My heart aches for all who knew and loved Tommy. May the angels carry you as you look over those you love.
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Conner Propst
Rest in peace Tommy. Hope you’re hanging in there Vanessa
Anonymous user image
Chad & Cassie Meehan
Old Town Forever. With love from part of your S45 family <3
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Sumer Marquette
Tommy will be missed deeply. May you find strength in the love of those around you during this difficult time.
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Andrew Rodriguez
We love you buddy -Andrew and Shelby
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Jake Hale
Heart of gold, Calves of steel! Love you brother!
Anonymous user image
Anonymous
Miss you Buddy! The Strength and Smile you shared will continue to make this world a better place!
Anonymous user image
Ryan Whitebread
With Love from Nance and Ryan
Anonymous user image
Pearce & Jessie Swerdfeger
Strictly camping 🏕️
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Christopher Plague
Sorry for your loss Vanessa ❤️
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Nicholas Longoria
Love ya my brotha Tommy 🍻
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Jennifer Finnerty
Our deepest condolences to Tommy's family and fellow firefighters.
Anonymous user image
Kristina Carrillo
Thinking of you! 🫶🏼
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Miranda Dichairo
Sending all the love in the world ❤️
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Season Feldt
Hoping for brighter days ahead. So sorry for your loss. 🤍
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Marissa Ayala
We love you.
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Anonymous
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Anonymous user image
Nicole Gladfelter
Love you Vanessa. May Tommy’s memory be eternal.
Anonymous user image
Anonymous
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you
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Gus Rodriguez
We all need the help sometimes and because he was a dear friend to my friends and a ser he person. God bless all your families

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