Tommy and CJ Carr: Chad’s Brothers and DIPG Game Changers

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CJ Carr and his brother, Tommy, are bound by more than blood. They share the profound grief of losing their younger brother, Chad. That loss reshaped their world, but in each other, they found an unexpected source of strength. Their shared journey through heartache has forged a powerful bond and taught them how to navigate life’s challenges with courage and perspective. United by the memory of Chad’s vibrant spirit, CJ and Tommy are carrying his legacy forward, choosing to live with purpose, honor the past, and meet the future with resilience and gratitude.

CJ and Tommy were just 9 and 6 years old, respectively, when their parents sat them down and told them their little brother Chad had been diagnosed with a deadly type of brain tumor called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Their parents, Tammi and Jason Carr, were determined to fight Chad’s disease, but their unwavering resolve was matched with the grim realization that, despite their fervent efforts, Chad’s time with his brothers was likely limited.

As Chad battled over the next 14 months, CJ and Tommy found themselves facing an unimaginable reality and spent as much time as they could sharing precious moments with their baby brother. They helplessly watched their parents’ hearts slowly break and relied on each other for strength and support to get through the darkest of hours. And then, on November 23, 2015, Chad’s battle came to an end, leaving behind a void that echoed the depth of their loss.

CJ and Tommy will always remember Chad’s infectious enthusiasm and endless determination to be included in his older brothers’ adventures — never taking no for an answer. They smile recalling “Boys Night” every Saturday, a ritual etched into their hearts. Alongside their father, the trio would spend the night in the basement, indulging in pizza and late nights watching Chad’s favorite TV show, Naked and Afraid, a secret shared with their mom none the wiser. 

The family continues to honor Chad’s legacy by hosting RunTough for ChadTough Defeat DIPG, a 5K and 1M Fun Run that raises money for DIPG research. The annual event is a way to celebrate Chad’s September 26th birthday and to bring awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for the disease that took his life. This special day illustrates how the Carr family strives to turn pain into progress, their enduring love a beacon of hope for other families in the fight.

The Carr family first established The ChadTough Foundation in 2015 in an effort to raise money for childhood brain cancer research, with an emphasis on DIPG. In 2021, the Carrs united with another family with the same mission and vision, forming the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. Today, Tommy and CJ marvel at what the foundation has accomplished in raising awareness and research funding for the disease that took their brother. 

As grandsons of the legendary Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr, who guided the program from 1995–2007, and the maternal grandson of Tom Curtis, a former All American and College Football Hall of Fame Michigan safety, football is part of CJ and Tommy’s DNA. The brothers can usually be found with a football within reach. 

More About CJ Carr

CJ Carr, a standout quarterback from Saline High School in Michigan, made his mark early—passing for 2,696 yards and 28 touchdowns as a sophomore, followed by 2,685 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior, and closing out his high school career with 2,754 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior. His performance earned him a spot in the 2024 All-American Bowl and recognition as a four-star recruit. Drawn to both tradition and opportunity, he committed to the University of Notre Dame to continue his football journey.

Carr enrolled at Notre Dame in 2023 and spent his first season learning behind veteran quarterback Riley Leonard, appearing in one game before taking a redshirt year. When Leonard headed to the NFL, Carr seized the opportunity—competing for and ultimately winning the starting quarterback job for the 2025 season opener.

More About Tommy Carr

Tommy has grown into a remarkable young man whose determination, leadership, and character continue to inspire those around him. Now a quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines football, Tommy has embraced new challenges at the collegiate level while carrying forward the values that have defined him throughout his life.

Long before becoming a Wolverine, Tommy established himself as one of Michigan’s premier high school quarterbacks through a combination of talent, discipline, and relentless work ethic. During his two seasons as Saline High School’s starting quarterback, he threw for 5,247 yards and 64 touchdowns while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. As a senior, he accounted for 45 total touchdowns and delivered one of the most memorable performances in state history, recording nine touchdowns in a single game, including eight touchdown passes—tying the MHSAA record for the second-most touchdown passes in a game. His exceptional play, leadership, and consistency helped earn him the opportunity to continue his football career at the University of Michigan.

Join Tommy and CJ Carr in honoring their brother’s legacy. Support the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation.

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