Hello, my name is Tom Calhoun. I'm a Pastor in Red Wing, Minnesota, specializing in outreach ministry. I serve those who can't...or won't...make it to Church, helping them to find a way in their spiritual journeys. As most of these folks are quite poor, I typically do this as a volunteer. I also serve the homeless, I serve on my city's Charter and Sustainability Commissions, and I am the Chaplain for the Red Wing Aktion Club, the Kiwanis Club for disabled adults. I was diagnosed with advanced-stage kidney cancer in 2010. My left kidney and adrenal gland, and half of my right kidney were removed, and I underwent 7 months of chemotherapy. My treatment caused my remaining adrenal gland to fail. This cancer left me disabled, forcing me to leave my former occupation as a retail manager and live on Social Security Disability. Five years later, the cancer has returned, with 2 masses on my remaining kidney and one on my lung. I've started chemotherapy again, and will have lung surgery, and if the chemo works, another kidney surgery. My insurance is covering practically all of the medical treatment. The problem is the incidental costs. It's 60 miles one-way to the Cancer Center, and each of many appointments means transportation, parking, meals, etc. In addition, my vehicle has many miles on it and needs some repairs. Our household is still trying to recover from the financial turmoil from the cancer 5 years ago, and your generous donations would stabilize our budget. My son lives 1,000 miles away with his mother, and he's graduating from High School this year. I would love to be able to attend, especially since my future is uncertain. I would also love to give him a Christmas, something he's graciously sacrificed on for several years. No matter the outcome of the cancer, securing my family's future will bring us all peace of mind, and there are no words to describe the gratitude we will have for each and every one of you.

