My name is Lisa Troop, and I’m Tom’s older sister. I started this GoFundMe to help support Tom as he urgently fights glioma, an aggressive brain cancer discovered suddenly.  

In December, Tom suffered multiple seizures at work. A CT scan revealed a walnut-sized tumor in the left frontal lobe of his brain. Because it appeared to be in a good location and did not initially show characteristics of cancer, Tom and his neurosurgeon decided to try managing the seizures with medication. After being released from the hospital, Tom moved in with our mom so he could recover safely.

Within a couple of weeks, it became clear something was very wrong. We rushed Tom to the ER, where scans showed swelling on his brain. He was admitted again and had surgery three days later. The neurosurgeon was able to remove about 80% of the tumor—everything he could safely remove.

At first, we were hopeful, but Tom’s condition declined quickly after he was discharged. He lost his speech, became confused and nauseous, and slept most of the time. We rushed him back to the ER, where doctors found dangerously low sodium levels and significant brain swelling. That was when we received preliminary pathology results showing the tumor was a high-grade glioma that had grown rapidly in just a few weeks. This was the worst day of my life.

Tom is still in the hospital, one step below the ICU, and we are hoping he can begin radiation treatment soon. He has lost much of his memory and language ability and is in daily speech therapy for aphasia. He knows what he wants to say but can’t always find the words—and if you know Tom, you know how hard that is for him.

This GoFundMe will help cover medical care, treatment, therapy, and expenses not covered by insurance. Tom is unable to work, and we don’t know when he will be able to return. All funds raised will be used solely for Tom so he can receive the best care and quality of life possible.

If Tom has ever helped you, encouraged you, or inspired you, please consider donating or sharing this page. Our family is incredibly grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time.