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This is Thom Parkison.
Thom is a teacher. He has a passion for teaching and has been working in schools and universities throughout the USA and Asia for more than 30 years. His motivation is the desire to inspire his students to realise their full potential. This year Thom has enjoyed working in an international college in Jiangsu Province, China. Until recently, he has enthusiastically embraced life here, relishing the opportunity to participate in both the school and wider community.
Suddenly in July, right before the summer vacation was about to begin, Thom was unexpectedly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (think Steve Jobs). This resulted in urgent, major surgery, in China, the very next week. A 9cm cancerous tumour, his entire spleen, two-thirds of his pancreas, and an infected lymph gland were removed. While the surgery was technically a success, Thom instantly became a Type 1 diabetic facing a life time of multiple insulin injections daily, not ot mention rigid dietary restrictions.
Thom has now started follow-up treatment which entails several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy. After his initial round of chemo, which should have taken only a few days, Thom endured two additional weeks of hospitalisation due to comlications caused by a staph infection. Just this one infection tripled the price and duration of that one course of chemo. Each medical procedure and bottle of medication; every pair of scissors and tweezers; each pack of pandages and wad of cottonwool; breakfast, lunch and dinner; has a cost. Not to mention the ongoing blood sugar testing strips, insulin and diabetic injection supplies which will necessary for Thom.
Compounding Thom's current medical situation is the fact that, on the 15th October, he must leave China creating a further financial burden. All of these events have drastically and irrevocably changed Thom's life and leave him facing an uncertain future.
Thom needs your help.
Thom's fundraising goal is US $20,000. This amount will cover the cost of his surgery and, remaining three chemo treatments. Funds raised in excess of this amount will assist in contributing towards relocation costs, the ongoing cost of medication, home-care and not being able to work.
Team Thom Cancer Campaign (TTCC) is a group of Thom's friends and colleagues here in China. Our goal and wish is that after completion of chemotherapy, Thom will be able to return to his passion of teaching, bringing inspiration to his students, and return to a life full of good health and joy.
Please help Thom reach his goal.
Thank you!
Like our Facebook Page Team Thom Cancer Campaign and click the links for updates on Thom's condition and upcoming fundraising events.
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