I have grappled for a couple of week about sharing this but I have had so many messages from across the globe from people asking to help!

To hear the words “it may be weeks, it may be months” shattered our hearts. This journey has been long, it has been scary, and now it’s heartbreaking in a whole different kind of way.

Tom has fought like an absolute champion for almost 3.5 years trying to defeat this beast that is Metastatic Malignant Melanoma. To Tom, a Stage IV Cancer diagnosis was not going to hold him back. He has been through trials, treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, moments of joy, and also complete despair, but he continued to fight. He has fought with grit, determination, and courage. His fight has inspired not only our family but everyone who has witnessed his journey.

During the last 3.5 years, Tom was not able to work for about 18 months (although he tried a few times and agrees he should have listened to me!). The rigors of treatment were often just too much. His head and heart wanted to work, but his body would just not allow it. This was hard for Tom because he is a provider. Being self-employed, there is no sick leave or paid time off. If you aren’t working, you’re not getting paid. The financial burden has been immense and even with insurance, cancer treatment is EXPENSIVE. In his weakest moments, Tom is more worried about us than himself, and he still worries that he has not done enough for Caleb and me. That's who Tom is. Sick, hurting, scared, he has never stopped fighting for US ❤️

The money that is raised will pay off the what seems to be never-ending medical expenses, Tom’s final expenses, and allow us to get some projects done around the house that Tom was not well enough to complete. If we have more than we need, Tom has given us a plan for that too!

We have decided to try one last treatment. We are not sure if it will work or even help, but Tom always said, “until Doc tells me there is nothing else, I will keep fighting.” As you can understand, this is an extremely difficult time for our family. We are trying to focus on loving Tom, being here by his side, and treasuring the time we have left together.

So many people have reached out asking how they can help. The truth is, I honestly don’t know. I feel so helpless, there is NOTHING I can do to ease Tom’s pain. A prayer, a message, a hug, a meal, or financial support to help carry some of this weight and ease Tom’s mind a little…I am not sure. Our life was once filled with promise, and now it’s filled with fear and uncertainty. I am reaching out with hope and gratitude to ask for your support. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the burden and allow us to focus on family.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us in this fight. We absolutely truly appreciate every bit of love and kindness. They mean more to us than we can ever express or repay.

We have not walked this journey alone, and we are so thankful to everyone who has prayed for us, lifted us up, and loved us through it.

Tom is not done fighting, but he is tired ❤️