Hi! My name is Thomas Cullipher and I would like to tell you a story. About a year ago, I experienced a pretty big health episode. It all began with some pretty bad headaches and then the lights went out, so to speak. Two months later, I awoke on the cancer floor at Duke. I was diagnosed with encephalitis and lymphoma. After 6 months of chemotherapy, I'm on the mend. I'm one of the lucky ones. I have a phenomenal wife and 5-year-old son who have really been a blessing during my fight.

About 5 years ago, my wife was diagnosed with a rare type of recurring brain tumor. Needless to say, we know the tremendous people at Duke VERY WELL. Her type of tumor is terminal. It's a lot, I know, but wait, there is more. My wife was born in Vietnam and has been here since the age of 4. Now we are facing our next challenge. It is now very likely that she will be forced to return there, a place she does not know.

My ask of you is not in our immigration battle, but myself and my family ask your help in trying to start our business. You see, I cannot work in my field in Vietnam. Our dream here has been to open a small restaurant. With 35 years of experience, it was our dream. Now with the very real possibility of my family spread over the globe, the need to open is more urgent as it will hopefully allow me to both assist in financially supporting my wife and son in Vietnam but the hopeful freedom to see them more than a week a year. I ask for your kindness to help us reach our humble goal. We love you all.