Supporting Tim Wilson Through His 2nd Bone Marrow Transplant

When my dad, Tim Wilson, was just 25 years old, and I was only 16 days old, he was diagnosed with Leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). It was a devastating and life-changing moment for our family. My dad endured grueling chemotherapy and radiation treatments with incredible strength. Meanwhile, my mom, Ruth, faced immense challenges, balancing her time between caring for a newborn (me), supporting my dad in the hospital, and looking after my 3-year-old sister, Brittany. Through love and resilience, they made it through those trying times.

Fast forward to 1991, at 31 years old, my dad received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his youngest brother, Eric. Eric’s selflessness gave my dad a second chance at life, allowing him to create countless cherished memories with our family. Tragically, Uncle Eric passed away in a car accident in 2004, but his courage continues to inspire us, and my sister chose to name her son, Eric Weza, after our uncle.

This year, at age 65, my dad has found himself in another fight for his life.

In March 2024, he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare group of cancers where the bone marrow produces unhealthy blood cells. Since then, he has endured countless transfusions, drug therapies, and trips to Moffitt Cancer Center. Thankfully, my dad’s siblings were tested, and my Uncle Kurt was a perfect match. Uncle Kurt stepped forward without hesitation and on November 23rd, 2024, my dad received a second bone marrow transplant, giving us hope for the future.

Despite his determination, my dad has faced complications. He contracted a severe post-transplant infection, and engraftment has yet to occur. His white blood cell count remains low, and we are asking for all the prayers and positive energy we can get to help him recover.

Those who know my dad know he is an incredibly private person, which is why we’ve kept this journey quiet until now. My dad loves surfing, reading, and fixing anything and everything—there’s truly nothing he can’t repair. He’s the hardest worker I know, a loyal friend, and a loving father and husband. His dream is to recover and take another surf trip to Costa Rica with his siblings and family—a dream we are determined to help him achieve.

Even once discharged, the recovery will be long and challenging. My dad will have to stay in Tampa, away from home, family, and work, to follow a strict care plan.

At 65 years old, my dad has so much more life to live. He wants to create more memories with his family, share his passions with his grandchildren, and continue to inspire all of us with his strength and resilience.

Contributions to this campaign will go toward:

Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign, means the world to us. Please join us in praying for my dad—that his white blood cell count will rise, engraftment will occur, and he will return to the life he loves.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Together, we can help my dad on his road to recovery and support him in achieving his dream of surfing in Costa Rica once again.