Personal Stories

Tom

I was diagnosed on October 13, 2006 with Stage 4 rectal cancer which metastasized to my liver and lungs. I've undergone two resections -- rectal surgery in October of 2006 and liver surgery in September of 2007 as well as continuous chemotherapy which I receive at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio (where I live with my dear wife and two grown children). With those treatments, I have been able to maintain my full-time law practice throughout these adventures.

I became involved in the Buddy Program in 2007 as a way of supporting other patients. I expected then, and have confirmed many times over, that our fellow CRC patients have a wide variety of needs, but most all of us can make good use of contact with others -- the Buddy Program provides that. I've also learned that our fellow patients differ widely in their ability to cope, their ability to absorb all of the information we receive, and their willingness carry on. As a Buddy Program participant, I've found it most rewarding to share with the people referred by the CCA, as those contacts always provide a positive experience for all concerned. No one can be happy getting our disease, and none of us can maintain a positive outlook each and every day, but being a Buddy helps because it is an opportunity to offer an understanding ear, and a small dose of good cheer, when they are most needed.

Sadly, Tom passed away on April 28th, 2010. He will be missed. His positive spirit and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire us. You may leave your condolences on his My CCA Support page.

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