My name is Gaje Thomas, and I’m 31 years old. Last year, my life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with lymphoma or possible metastasis disease, which means the illness may have already spread throughout my body. Since then, I’ve endured five surgeries, including open biopsies in my pelvis, femoral, inguinal, and chest areas. I’ve also had bone marrow extractions from my hip and spine, countless scans, blood transfusions, and a lung biopsy due to a granuloma. My surgery in June 2025 left me unable to walk for months, and I only began to regain mobility in December.
The impact of my illness has been overwhelming. I lost my home and my job after using up all my sick days, and my employer refused to let me continue working. I was even forced to separate my dogs because I couldn’t care for them both while staying in a hotel. Even now, months later, I’m still struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. I’m facing more medical procedures and tests, and the uncertainty is daunting. I am also only able to work very limited hours, which makes it even harder to cover my basic needs. These challenges have led to homelessness and a series of unfortunate events that have made it difficult to get back on my feet.
In January 2026, I experienced another devastating loss: my father passed away. The day I decided to return home for support, I learned of his passing. My dad always told me, “You always have a place at home,” and losing him while already facing so much has been incredibly hard. I am grieving his loss while trying to find stability and hope for the future.
I’m reaching out for help because I need support to cover my rent, as well as food and basic necessities like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Most importantly, your support will help keep me from sleeping under a bridge again and give me a chance to get back on my feet while I continue my medical journey and grieve my father. Please consider donating or sharing my fundraiser. Your support, whether through a donation, sharing my story, or sending words of encouragement, means the world to me. I also want to encourage others to take post-cancer treatment seriously and to always monitor and care for your health.
The impact of my illness has been overwhelming. I lost my home and my job after using up all my sick days, and my employer refused to let me continue working. I was even forced to separate my dogs because I couldn’t care for them both while staying in a hotel. Even now, months later, I’m still struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. I’m facing more medical procedures and tests, and the uncertainty is daunting. I am also only able to work very limited hours, which makes it even harder to cover my basic needs. These challenges have led to homelessness and a series of unfortunate events that have made it difficult to get back on my feet.
In January 2026, I experienced another devastating loss: my father passed away. The day I decided to return home for support, I learned of his passing. My dad always told me, “You always have a place at home,” and losing him while already facing so much has been incredibly hard. I am grieving his loss while trying to find stability and hope for the future.
I’m reaching out for help because I need support to cover my rent, as well as food and basic necessities like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Most importantly, your support will help keep me from sleeping under a bridge again and give me a chance to get back on my feet while I continue my medical journey and grieve my father. Please consider donating or sharing my fundraiser. Your support, whether through a donation, sharing my story, or sending words of encouragement, means the world to me. I also want to encourage others to take post-cancer treatment seriously and to always monitor and care for your health.
Organizer
