Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs

Every one of us wants to find a job we love, but some of us are still searching. My dear friend Tom has been blessed with the joy of waking up to his calling every day for decades. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to the landscapes of golf courses, lawns, and even the very streets of the city he has called home since he was born--Fresno.

After years of putting in his hard work and sweat, the nature of his work has caught up to his body. Tom's back has suffered severe structural damage and he is in need of reconstructive surgery. Today he struggles with walking and even sitting, struggling to comfortably enjoy his usual rocking chair. Although some of us may have considered him to be superhuman at times, even he can't will his way through this.

After numerous consultations with physicians, he was able to find a doctor willing and able to perform the surgery he hopes will alleviate the pain. As with all surgical procedures, this will be rather costly. Given that this falls outside of their current coverage, this unexpected expense creates a substantial financial burden.

Tom has touched many lives through his work in the community and his career in landscaping. He has helped shape the landscape of the world around us and has personally helped shape me into the person I am today. I would love nothing more than to help restore him back to health and get him back to doing what he loves to do--playing in the dirt. I am asking for any amount of contribution you can provide to help cover the costs of this procedure. We may not be able to gather all the funds, but anything would help cushion the blow. I know that Tom would be beyond grateful. I have set up the fund to go directly to Tom and his wonderful wife Laurie but will be managing the fundraiser with their approval.