Support Thomas and his Family in his fight Against Cancer

Thomas is a wonderful husband, father, son, co-worker, and friend. If you are lucky enough to know him, you know he always has a smile on his face, country music playing, and enjoys time with his family.

Thomas loves his boys Remi, Ashton, stepson Camden, and wife Tara fiercely.

Thomas' cancer journey began in July of 2023 when he was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma after months of enduring unexplained back pain. The doctors told him his cancer was slow-growing and very treatable. Shortly after his diagnosis, Thomas began 6 months of chemo. During his multiple rounds of chemo, the pain in his back returned, and in February of 2024, he ended up back in the hospital and was diagnosed with transformed lymphoma, diffused large B cell. He immediately started three additional rounds of more aggressive chemo. After the three rounds, he had a clear scan. The goal was to do one more round of chemo to prepare Thomas for a stem cell transplant in August. Unfortunately, a scan prior to the transplant showed one small spot, and the transplant was canceled.

Thomas' healthcare team decided OHSU would be the best place for him, and he was a good candidate for CAR-T cell therapy. Thomas was admitted to OHSU in September to start the procedure where they collect his T cells from his blood and send them to a specialized facility where they change them into CAR-T cells. The cells were then returned to his blood to help his immune system find and fight the cancer. The procedure went very well, and the 30-day scan showed he was cancer-free.

Life seemed to return to some form of normalcy, and the weight of the diagnosis started to lift. In early December, while playing with his two youngest boys, the pain in his back started to return. Thomas was readmitted to OHSU, and after many tests on December 13th, he learned the cancer had returned with a spot on his back again.

Thomas' journey isn't over, and his battle will continue. Thomas and his family have endured much over the past year and a half. They have two young children and have tried to keep normalcy for their family. Thomas has fought this nasty disease with a smile on his face with bravery that most could never do. He has continued to work even with vast amounts of pain as his most important goal is to provide for his family.

The Zitzwitz family has asked for nothing, and even during this challenging time, they continue to give and pour into their family and friends' lives as if they weren't fighting a tremendous battle. This has been challenging for their family financially, yet they have never complained or said anything, even when many weeks and months had to be taken off from work for both Tara and Thomas.

The weight of the diagnosis has been insurmountable, and I think it's time we all step up and bless this family. Finances are the last thing they should have to think or worry about. Perhaps they can take this money and go on a beautiful family trip and make memories.

During this Christmas season, we ask that you open your hearts and give generously to this wonderful family.