Tom's Cancer Treatment
Donation protected
Our dear friend Tom Griffith is battling Stage 3 colorectal cancer. He's undergone chemo and radiation, re-sectioning of his colon and ileostomy surgery, and now is in the midst of chemotherapy.
From Tom:
One can pray, wish, hope, send good vibes or write letters to Santa Clause on my behalf, and I appreciate all the above. Another way to give, which so many have blessed me with, is donation of money. I appreciate any form of help but I can pay my bills for awhile longer with money. The soup and food have been delicious but I can only eat so much on chemo now that I weigh about a buck fifty.
Group Health has authorized payment for my chemo which wasn't clear at all initially, but my policy is catastrophic coverage only with a high deductible and out of pocket costs which sadly renews as of January. I've also been unable to work since February due to the inconsistency of my vitality and function. The expenses continue to pile up and have forced me to sell my half ownership of Beyond Medicine so that I can keep my practice Vital HealthCare open and not foreclose on my home.
My practice is currently staffed with my able substitute Dr. Katie Shaffe. Vital HealthCare will be moving from its current location as of December 1st. The timing of this move coincides with the toughest part of my chemo regimen and though I have great support from friends and colleagues, such moves are very costly. The best support I can get will be from my patients staying with us and new patients coming on board so please check our website docgriffith.com if you are interested in helping that way. I should be returning to work this spring if all goes as expected. I can't wait to return to my work and my life. I won't be taking anything for granted and my appreciation for each day deepens every time I wake up.
Thank you all so much for being there! You've all taught me so much about being a friend and a truly human being.
Tom Griffith ND
From Tom:
One can pray, wish, hope, send good vibes or write letters to Santa Clause on my behalf, and I appreciate all the above. Another way to give, which so many have blessed me with, is donation of money. I appreciate any form of help but I can pay my bills for awhile longer with money. The soup and food have been delicious but I can only eat so much on chemo now that I weigh about a buck fifty.
Group Health has authorized payment for my chemo which wasn't clear at all initially, but my policy is catastrophic coverage only with a high deductible and out of pocket costs which sadly renews as of January. I've also been unable to work since February due to the inconsistency of my vitality and function. The expenses continue to pile up and have forced me to sell my half ownership of Beyond Medicine so that I can keep my practice Vital HealthCare open and not foreclose on my home.
My practice is currently staffed with my able substitute Dr. Katie Shaffe. Vital HealthCare will be moving from its current location as of December 1st. The timing of this move coincides with the toughest part of my chemo regimen and though I have great support from friends and colleagues, such moves are very costly. The best support I can get will be from my patients staying with us and new patients coming on board so please check our website docgriffith.com if you are interested in helping that way. I should be returning to work this spring if all goes as expected. I can't wait to return to my work and my life. I won't be taking anything for granted and my appreciation for each day deepens every time I wake up.
Thank you all so much for being there! You've all taught me so much about being a friend and a truly human being.
Tom Griffith ND
Organizer
Michelle Pope
Organizer
Olympia, WA
