My name is Susan Persinger and I want to share my husband Tom's story. On January 17th he went to the doctor about a bad cough and on January 19th we got the devastating news that he has lung cancer. We were overwhelmed and scared by his news but not giving up. Tom has overcome other significant life challenges including a traumatic brain injury from a fall at home and a catastrophic fire that destroyed our home, most of our belongings, and beloved new pets which were only 2 weeks old. Just as we recovered from the fire I had to quit my job to be here for the the new house. I was traveling 124 miles to work. Regaining employment in our field was difficult dew to physical limitations and living in a rural area. These incidents have been emotionally and financially devastating but we didn't give up. Finally in October we both got jobs with the same company and we're looking forward to steady pay checks medical insurance but the insurance hadn't kicked in yet so with this news of lung cancer and no medical right now we don't know how we will make it. Tom hasn't been able to go back to work and this is a really financial burden on us. We are waiting on his Medicare to kick in until it does our out of pocket expenses for medical bills is piling up. 

While life has thrown us major curve balls, we've proudly managed to handle them without asking for help. We know there are many people who struggle daily and so we have tried to help others when we can, including extending our home and and a hot meal to individuals without shelter we also take in abandoned and abused animals. We give them a safe, clean, and loving home. But this latest news hit us hard and now we find ourselves emotionally, physically, and financially spent. After much soul searching, we've agreed to swallow our pride and share Tom's story, and if it inspires you to donate, please know that the money will go to Tom's medical care and living expenses as he begins the fight for his life. Thank you for taking time to read and share Tom's story. 

PS: He is down to 110lbs so kemo may not be an option for him so we don't know what his treatment will be.