My name is Melinda Rhodes, and I’m raising funds so my brother, Tom, can continue traveling to Houston for a clinical trial that’s finally showing real progress against his rare spinal cancer, chordoma.

Tom has been my hero for as long as I can remember. After we lost our dad when I was young, he was my champion, my big strong older brother who I knew would always keep me safe. As I’ve grown into an adult, he’s now the person in my life who teaches me about kindness, healthy practices, and helps me to see the good in the world. He’s smart, creative, gentle, and endlessly hopeful — even after everything this cancer has taken from him.

Tom was first diagnosed in 2003 and endured multiple major spinal surgeries, a recurrence in 2009, and years of treatment before doctors believed it was gone. Then in 2021, a lump on his chest revealed the cancer had returned and spread to his spine, chest, lungs, and liver. Surgery was no longer an option. A clinical trial in New York helped for a while, but when the cancer began to grow again, he was accepted into a promising new study at MD Anderson. This trial is not just slowing the cancer — it’s actually shrinking it.

Even while coping with pain, fatigue, and mobility challenges, Tom continues to give back. He spent 18 years as a college professor and later opened Holistic Health and Happiness with his partner, Craig, to help seniors and people with chronic conditions improve their quality of life. He still teaches adaptive classes and volunteers in his local community, offering whatever he can — time, creativity, even 3D-printed designs — despite everything he’s facing.

What this trial gives in hope, it takes back in cost. Travel to Houston every other week, lodging near the hospital, ongoing appointments, rehabilitation, and coordination among specialists in three states all come with out-of-pocket expenses that are becoming overwhelming. Travel is the lifeline that keeps Tom in this trial — the one treatment that’s working.

Tom’s incredible partner, Craig, works full-time as an educator and has taken on two additional part-time jobs to help offset the costs of travel and treatment. Both his and my family have contributed what they can, but it’s not sustainable for two years of ongoing care and flights.

The Chordoma Foundation currently provides a $1,500 monthly travel grant, which is a tremendous help. However, that support doesn’t cover every trip and isn’t guaranteed to continue long term, which is why I’m asking for your help to bridge that gap and ensure continuity of Tom’s treatments.

If you’re able to help, your support will ensure Tom can stay in the fight and continue receiving the care that’s giving him a real chance. My family and I are deeply grateful for every donation, share, and message of encouragement. Thank you for helping my brother keep going, it honestly means the world to me. ❤️