Dr. Thomas Braun
July 15, 1953 - July 10, 2009
It is with the most profound sadness that I announce the homegoing of Dr. Thomas Braun
On July 10, 2009, of Gloucester Twp. Age 55. Beloved husband of Anita (Mestrow). Loving son of Carl Braun. Father of Catherine, Amanda and Lauren Braun. Step-father of Kimberly Shigo. Loving grandfather of Pace. Dear brother of Joseph, Bud and Lisa. Dear uncle of Jason, Lindsay, Kelli, Cindy and Lisa. In lieu of flowers donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Mary Jane Enrichment Center, 1622 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130-2135.
I would like to personally thank all of Tom's patients for faithfully maintaining their bodies, minds and spirits through chiropractic care. I am lost, not only without Tom, but also without regular chiropractic care. I will do my best to find chiropractors to whom I feel comfortable referring Tom's patients. Please pray for my efforts that we will all be able to find someone as caring and compassionate as Tom to work with our bodies and spirits.
Regards, Anita Braun
T Rex, my heart is aching. I miss you terribly.
Update 19 September 2009
I have visited a number of chiropractors. The hardest part, aside from not bursting into tears at every visit, is finding someone who is of the same mind regarding both chiropractic and fee philosophies. I am recommending three chiropractors. All are kind, compassionate men who have given me good adjustments that I was quite satisfied with. Only the first is completely in sync with Dr. Tom's philosophies.
Ohlstein Family Chiropractic
Dr. Mark Ohlstein, 105 E. Main Street, Maple Shade, (856) 482-6600
www.ItsAllAboutLife.com
Dr. Mark believes that spinal subluxations keep your body from functioning at its best and checks your spine for misalignments, adjusting any that he finds. He operates under an Honor Fee system. Dr. Mark requires an appointment for the first visit; after that, just walk in during office hours. Dr. Mark charges $120 for the first month of unlimited visits, but will waive that fee for any of Dr. Tom's patients, so when you call for your appointment, be sure to let him know that you were a patient of Dr. Tom's.
Health in Hand Chiropractic
www.healthinhandchiro.com
Dr. Stephen Safka, 801 S Church St, Ste 2, Mt. Laurel (856) 722-5696
Dr. Safka's chiropractic philosophy is slightly different than Dr. Tom's. He includes the use of ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation when he feels it is called for. Dr. Safka specializes in the care of the pediatrc spine. Dr. Safka accepts insurance; his cash fee is $30. Dr. Safka was planning on increasing his fee but has not done so due to the economy. Call for an appointment or walk in during hours.
Please send me feedback on how you're doing and let me know if you've found someone else I might recommend. Use the link on the "Contact the Dr" page to email me. Be blessed!
Anita
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Please read some of the testimonials that I have received from Tom's friends and patients. They are at the same time heart wrenching and healing, and I appreciate every one of them more than words can say.
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Tom and I were friends. It's a friendship that goes back to July of 1953. I was born six days prior and when Tom came into the world 56 years ago today, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia, that nice peaceful maternity room my mother and I were busy bonding in was invaded by Julia Braun and her new screaming baby boy ( who I hear had a full beard even then). Ah, "kids!" I thought. Well, our budding friendship went on a 10-year hiatus until the Braun family moved to New Jersey and settled in West Berlin, which again, I was there first. So, I didn't know it yet, but we two knuckleheads were back together and about to share one of the most influential times of our young lives... the Sisters of Mercy at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grade School. Mt. Carmel and those Irish nuns brought out the visionary in young Tom Braun, and much to their chagrin, Tom began a campaign to name the school newspaper the "Fly By Night," and also embarked on a failed attempt to make one of the school lavatories co-ed... which for the mid-60's was very forward thinking.
We went on to High School together and after graduating and trying to find out what we would do with out lives, Tom went to St. Louis and became a chiropractor... I became a radio DJ. We got together from time to time and Tom had a family of his own and unfortunately, were both in marriages that just weren't working out. We were both very unhappy. Well years went by and the next time I saw Tom he told me about this wonderful woman named Anita, whom he'd met some years before. He said they were engaged and would soon be married. He was happy. Happier than I'd ever seen him. He was at peace with himself and the world. This was a Tom Braun I hadn't seen before. It was good to see my friend enjoying life.
A couple of years ago, I lost a job I held for a long time and was feeling pretty low. Tom called and asked me to join him on one of his thrice-weekly morning walks. I figured a nice "stroll" around the block once or twice would be good for me. That "stroll" lasted 10 miles and three hours! But I was right. It was exactly what I needed, and Tom knew it. So, for the next few months we went on our hiking therapy sessions and it became apparent to me again just how good a friend he was and how fortunate I was to have him in my life at this personal low point. Tom had an incredible memory for things we did and the fun and mischief we got into as kids. I would often say to him, "How can you remember these times in such detail?" He would shoot me a look that said, "I've been holding these memories knowing there would be a time when you would need them and I could give them back."
There is a saying and as a matter of fact, it's framed on a wall in our house. It says, "A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails." Tom knew that song well and would sing it to me time and time again. I'll miss his voice, his stories, his sense of boyish, impish fun. I'll miss his unwavering friendship and that song... I'll miss that song.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Mike
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HI ANITA! 07/14/09
I never got to meet u.....but I wanted to write after I heard the news.....
I am so SORRY to hear this news about your husband Dr. Tom Braun. I’m a PERSONAL TRAINER at Bally's......my client and I were patients of Tom's ......but over time ......which didn't take long....we became more like friends! Along with seeing him on my own.....We used to meet up and see him together.....and ALL THREE of us.....would just be cracking jokes...and telling stories, and laughing....etc....
Dr Tom was a Gentle Giant.....who along with being an Awesome Chiropractor was a down to earth real person.
I always enjoyed my visits to get adjusted ....whether it was my neck or back....because we would hang out afterwards....(depending on his schedule/and mine).....and talk and joke around .....and be philosophical about life’s going ons......
My client just called me ...and I just couldn't believe the news.......
When Dr Tom ....as I would call him at times....would come to Bally's in Deptford....he would always adjust my neck ....right in the gym......and of course free of charge ....and my neck would feel sooooooooooooo much better!
I’m of course still SHOCKED....I will miss him, his positive and funny ways .....Tom was ONE OF A KIND.......I would always refer people I would run into that had any back/neck...etc...problems......and people couldn't believe me when I told them he ONLY charged $10..........i could go on and on........I KNOW this must be such an incredibly hard time for u.......I am so sorry and I send my deepest condolences......
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I am so Sorry Anita,
I only saw him a few times but he made a wonderful impression the first time I met him. He was geniune and caring and a
Rarity in this world of ours -- his first thought was for the People. My Prayers go out to you.
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Though I only new Tom for about a year, I found him to be a very wise and sincere man. He most definitely is with Jesus and will know now just how many lives he has touched here on earth. He undoubtedly has heard those beautiful words "Well done my good and faithful servant" God's grace and peace be felt within the family. I will miss him.
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I only got to meet Tom once, but in that meeting I found him to be a man of integrity and generosity. I am very sorry for your loss, yet we can all look forward to seeing our brother again - but no longer as a chiropractor. Life can bring unpleasant surprises. As we embrace these things, we will see the hand of the Lord at work. As for now, there is sadness and grief. We will be praying for you and your family.
| I am sorry to hear that you lost Tom. He loved you very much. We would talk for an hour after my adjustment if he didn’t have any other patients. He was so full of life. To even cut his practice time down to take care of some one else. He was such a GREAT man. If there is anything that I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I have never met you, but feel like I know you through him.
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Dear Dear Anita, I am trying to take in what you have just told me, walking around the house in complete shock. Your news is a tragedy and my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. You and Tom have become true and long lasting friends, although I only met Tom for a brief time, he left me with such lovely memories of his warm smile, infectious laughter and our shared sense of humour. He was the sort of human being who wore his heart on his sleeve and was as big as he was loveable. A great big bear of a man.I know he loved you so much, it shone out of him like a beacon. You made each other extremely happy and "Thank God" you had the time together you did. Those years now may seem so very brief. Anita he will never leave you, your faith has taught you that. He lives on with God and you will see him again. Please find comfort in your faith. Tom will know how much you are grieving, he was always worried about being the one left behind. You have to find the strength to carry on, this is what Tom would have wanted. I can't be there with you in person, but I want you to know that I'm praying hard for you and will keep in touch as much as I can. I want to send some flowers to the funeral, it is not much but at times like this we all feel so inadequate. No words take away the loss and misery, only time and God can do that. I was there at your wedding in spirit and I will be there at Tom's funeral. I love you both dearly, may Tom rest in peace with the Angels. God Bless you and keep you strong.
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Dear Anita: As you and your family prepare for tomorrow I wanted to share with you that your husband Tom was one of the most wonderful people I had the pleasures of knowing.His spirit was kind, accepting, gentle and generous of time! What a testament to his christianity!I am devastated over this loss - he was one of the best chiropractors I ever had and I've been seeing chiropractors for 40 years! (my first visit was at 2!) and he was a fellow christian too! As you said - he is definitely with our savior now and I just know he's been granted beautiful living quarters! :-) I'm so sorry for your loss.He will truly be missed and yet I am SO blessed to have at least known him.
| Dear Anita,
I am so so saddened by this very unexpected news, our hearts are heavy and we miss him so much. Dr. Tom was an amazing man and Chiropractor. He brought so much joy to our son Peter who has autism.......I have no idea what I will tell him. Peter loved getting his “hug and squeeze” from Dr. Tom. I have attached a cute picture of the two of them; this is the Dr. Tom we will have in our hearts forever.
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Tom was a great chiropractor, a true friend, a brother in Christ and a wonderful soul.
Oh my goodness...my heart is crying...
Dr. Braun was the FIRST person that I came to know as I returned back to my hometown of Haddonfield, NJ just one year ago. His kindness to me and my daughter PLUS his positive support of my pianistic abilities...coupled with his desire to always help me out with my traumatized neck/back...all made him so precious to me.
I am so sorry I never got to say good-bye and thank-you to him. I will continue to keep him in my prayers, and I know he will continue to be a positive light...now our angel...in heaven.
I will also pray for you, Mrs. Braun. He loved you so much...what a gift.
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Dear Anita,
Thank you so much for thinking of us and please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of an amazing healer and person who will truly be missed. If there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to ask. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers and Tom's boisterous laugh will be forever in our hearts.
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I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW SADDENED I AM AT THE AWFUL NEWS. HE WAS MORE THAN MY DOCTOR HE WAS MY MENTOR. I AM ABSOLUTELY STUNNED AT THE NEWS. I HOPE HE DID NOT SUFFER. HE WILL BE MISSED MORE THAN I CAN SAY.
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Dear Anita and family:
I had the pleasure of knowing and growing up with Tom through Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Camden Catholic HS and Rutgers University. I worked side by side with Tom at Lucien's Old Tavern, rode with him in his Corvette, even sat shotgun in his PURPLE VW Beetle. What a ride it was!! His heart was huge...his presence was great...his kindness unmatched. Although I have not been in Tom's company for a decade, I feel like I lost a very dear,close friend. He had a way about him that was unique. Only Tom! He took my sister to the prom ( big afro and powder blue tuxedo), started a rival grammar school newspaper(referred to the school paper as a "fly-by night operation"), heck, he even carried a slide rule in college ( who does that?). He'll always be part of me... a wonderful thing. I got more than I gave when it came to Tom. So very sorry for your loss. Love the man, love the memories.
Fran
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Why only $10.00 per visit?
I believe in chiropractic care. I believe that the quality of my life and my patients' lives are much improved when we are adjusted on a regular basis. A healthy nervous system is key to having a body that can communicate within itself and maintain homeostasis.
Our bodies were designed to heal themselves, but the messages that are sent to all parts of our bodies through our spines meet up with interferences. These interferences, called subluxations, are caused by the things we do and encounter in everyday life - by movement, by stress, by emotions. A chiropractor helps to remove subluxations with gentle movements of the spine called adjustments.
I believe that removing subluxations helps to maintain our bodies and our minds. I believe that when we are adjusted regularly we become the best we can be - physically and spiritually.
I charge $10.00 per visit because I want everyone to be able to afford what I can offer them as a chiropractor. So I offer good chiropractic care at a price that people can pay because I want to help as many people as I can become the best they can be.
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| My Mission
It is my desire to share the wonder of chiropractic with as many people as I can. I will share the message of a better life with the masses so that they, too, can experience a more abundant life.
That they might have life and have it more abundantly... John 10:10
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100 years ago the founder of chiropractic, D.D. Palmer, said, “The purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is to unite man the Spiritual with man the physical...." 100 years later scientists have demonstrated just what Palmer predicted. With special brain studies called PET scans it has been shown that people who pray and meditate a great deal, like Buddhist Monks, Catholic Nuns and Evangelical Christians, have markedly different brain physiology than the population at large. These people also enjoy levels of health, joy, and happiness that the rest of us would find very enviable indeed.
These same types of brain activity changes have been demonstrated in patients after the chiropractic adjustment! All of these activities put the brain in the proper physiology to receive energy and information for a better existence from the higher power....sometimes called the quantum field, or the Gap, or God. I propose to you that the force that created and drives the universe is available to you to help you in all aspects of your life and health!!!
Suppose we just refer to this power as the Universal Intelligence. As a human being you are particularly gifted with a nervous system which can communicate directly with this Universal Intelligence, so long as that nervous system is quiet. The chiropractic adjustment calms and relaxes the nervous system and ensures that quiet. This permits the flow of Universal Intelligence from above-down-inside-out. This is to say, the force that runs the universe will flow from heaven above into you, through you, and out into the world around you, if it is just given a chance. If it is permitted to flow unimpeded through your spine and nervous system you WILL enjoy the highest level of health and human potential possible. What is the highest level of human potential possible? Does anyone know?
Why not be the best… Do you know how good you can feel? Do you know how good you can be? Do you know what level of health, wealth, and wisdom you can achieve? If your mind were communicating all the time with the God of your understanding, the power that runs the universe, how much better would your low back feel? Your PMS? Your sinuses? How much better would your overall health be? Your marriage? Your relations with your kids? Your finances? Your world?
I don't have to tell you that the world today is full of sadness and suffering. Now more than ever we need exceptional people to save this old planet. The fact that you are still reading this tells me that you are an exceptional person; you are MY hero! It is time for you to step up to the plate, take me to task, and let me prove to you what I am saying is true.
I invite you to join me in this adventure; I invite you to commit to a period of chiropractic care and be amazed at the changes in your lives.
Thank you and God bless.
Dr. Thomas Braun
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