This is a very difficult note to write.  As many of you know, Tom was diagnosed with a melanoma brain tumor two years ago.  During these two years, Tom has fought hard to beat this horrible disease and has done so with courage, grace and unwavering determination.  The fight is getting harder as the disease continues to get stronger.  

We are doing all that we can to ensure that Tom remains at home and is comfortable.  Keeping Tom comfortable and making sure that his needs are being met is my main priority and my sole focus every day, all day.  We have two amazing care takers who I oversee and work closely with. We work great together however, the goal is to make sure there are no gaps in Tom's care especially as his needs are increasing. The major gaps are at night and on weekends where I provide all of Tom's care. I am sadly finding that I am unable to care for Tom on my own during these gap times.  It is hard to admit, however the time has come where I need help. 

So many of you, our dear friends and family, have reached out to ask how you can help.  What is most important and urgent right now is making sure that Tom has home care.  The cost of care for Tom is $5000+ per month which is overwhelming. If you are able and willing, a donation of any amount would make a positive difference for us in a major way.  

We are beyond grateful for so many of you who are grocery shopping, cooking, delivering meals, calling to check in, stopping by, praying for us, sending care packages filled with Tom's favorite things from the East coast, emailing hand made cards (from our darling granddaughters) and the list goes on. We can feel the love and care and it means the world to us.  It's really what gets us through these hard days.  We love you all.

My sweet husband of 33 years has always been and will continue to be a fighter.  He is an inspiration to me, our daughter and her family, our extended family on the East and West coasts and our many dear friends.  At the same time, you all continue to inspire us.

Please continue to send your love and prayers to Tom, us and all in our family. 

Thank you so very much. 

   With much love, 

Patty and all in the O'Keefe Family