In mid-December, Tom fell while decorating his house for Christmas. His 27-year-old daughter, Kate, was due to arrive in just a few days to celebrate the holidays. As always, Tom was making a special effort to ensure everything felt festive and welcoming for her. His Christmas tree stood undecorated in the living room, ready to be trimmed, and he was finishing the light display to greet Kate when she arrived.

While hanging a string of lights along the eaves of the house, Tom lost his balance on the ladder and fell, hitting the concrete hard. The impact knocked the wind out of him, and he immediately knew something was terribly wrong. He could barely move, let alone get back on his feet. Hearing his calls for help, neighbors rushed into the yard and found him lying on his back, unable to move.

When the ambulance arrived, texts were sent to family members, and Tom was taken to Cottage Hospital. He was diagnosed with a C6–C7 spinal cord injury. With no family in Santa Barbara, Kate boarded an Amtrak train and arrived within a couple of days to be by his side. Tom spent 14 days under the exceptional care of the Cottage Hospital ICU and hospital team. As many of you know, Tom has no immediate family locally, and we are deeply grateful to the friends who have visited and supported him during this time.

The road to recovery is long, but Tom is making steady progress. He was transferred to Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital just before the New Year and has continued to improve. He is now beginning to walk with a walker and is doing well as he works toward the goals required for him to return home. The good news is that, with his daughter Caroline’s help, Tom is scheduled to go home on February 10.

Sadly, Tom is no longer able to care for his beloved dog, Mac. Mac is a big, goofy, lovable dog, but his strength makes him difficult for Tom to manage safely. We have begun the process of finding Mac a new, loving home. In the meantime, Mac is being boarded.

This situation has created significant financial strain. Several of you have generously offered to help, and we are now opening the opportunity to do so.

Funds raised will go toward:

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and continued support during Tom’s recovery.