Help Tom Recover From Life-Saving Heart Surgery
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My name is Tom Ward, and I’ve dedicated my career to helping others as an Anaesthetic Technician at Hollywood Hospital (and previously RPH and SJOG Murdoch). Today, I find myself on the other side of healthcare — needing urgent help myself.
Recently, I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and need surgery to repair/replace my Aortic Root. Thanks to my health insurance and an incredible cardiac team, the surgery itself is covered — but the recovery will take at least three months off work, leaving me with no income to cover my living costs.
This year has already been financially tough, with car and rental property setbacks, and despite trying to access my super, I don’t meet the release criteria. So here I am, humbly asking for help to get through this period.
My basic expenses during recovery are:
• Rent: $550/fortnight
• Health Insurance: $65/fortnight
• Phone: $50/fortnight
• RAC Insurance: $80/month
I’ve always lived an active, healthy life. I was once an elite road cyclist and, more recently, I’ve taken up marathon running — completing 5 of the 6 World Marathon Majors, including Tokyo this year. My dream is to complete the final marathon next year once I’ve recovered.
This surgery is not the end of my story — it’s the fight to keep chasing my goals, to return to the job I love, and to rebuild my health.
If you can help — whether by donating or simply sharing my story — it would mean the world to me. Every bit of support brings me one step closer to recovery, peace of mind, and the chance to cross that final marathon finish line.
Thank you, from the bottom of my (soon-to-be mended) heart.
Tom
Recently, I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and need surgery to repair/replace my Aortic Root. Thanks to my health insurance and an incredible cardiac team, the surgery itself is covered — but the recovery will take at least three months off work, leaving me with no income to cover my living costs.
This year has already been financially tough, with car and rental property setbacks, and despite trying to access my super, I don’t meet the release criteria. So here I am, humbly asking for help to get through this period.
My basic expenses during recovery are:
• Rent: $550/fortnight
• Health Insurance: $65/fortnight
• Phone: $50/fortnight
• RAC Insurance: $80/month
I’ve always lived an active, healthy life. I was once an elite road cyclist and, more recently, I’ve taken up marathon running — completing 5 of the 6 World Marathon Majors, including Tokyo this year. My dream is to complete the final marathon next year once I’ve recovered.
This surgery is not the end of my story — it’s the fight to keep chasing my goals, to return to the job I love, and to rebuild my health.
If you can help — whether by donating or simply sharing my story — it would mean the world to me. Every bit of support brings me one step closer to recovery, peace of mind, and the chance to cross that final marathon finish line.
Thank you, from the bottom of my (soon-to-be mended) heart.
Tom
Organizer
Tom Ward
Organizer
Melville, WA