Tom’s Story

Site created on May 7, 2018

Tom was diagnosed in April/May 2018, with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, which is a rare blood cancer that in his case is proving to be aggressive, as it is already at Stage 4. He is to undergo a curative, aggressive chemotherapy to kick this in the butt starting Monday, May 14.  This Caringbridge was set up by Tom's incredible sister Connie (modifier added by Tom, of course!), as a communications tool to help everyone stay informed. Tom and his team will work to keep you all in the loop and offer opportunities for help should those arise. In the meantime, prayers are greatly appreciated, as is envisioning a cancer-free and newly healthy life once this is all said and done, which is to say in 2019. Blessings and gratitude to you who may choose to absorb and reflect on Tom's situation, as he knows each of your lives is already so full of its own blend of joy, sadness and struggle. Live well and with gratitude! This, too, shall pass...



Newest Update

Journal entry by Connie Shiplett

Tom's service will be on Saturday, October 5th at 4:00 pm at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., San Francisco, with an informal reception of remembrance at the Cathedral Chapter House immediately following.  We hope that anyone who supported Tom in any way through this journey is able to attend. 

Although our hearts ache, they are also full of gratitude for how so many of you shared your love for Tom.  For your thoughts, prayers, cards, and words of encouragement; For opening your homes and making cars available to Tom for respite or for visiting family; For sharing a meal, a glass of wine, a cocktail, a concert, a hike, a bike ride, a cooking class, a picnic, or the "family" card game; For watching a basketball or football game, or a movie together; For making a cozy blanket or a hat; For being a driver and providing company during ER visits or transfusions; For cleaning, moving furniture, or helping with trash; For cutting Cling Wrap; For Reiki; For helping with any of the details and logistics; For your patience and humor; and for being the words, hands and feet of grace and compassion.  For those who were there in the beginning to share the news of his illness and plan of action, to those who were there at the end to eat strawberries and share a glass of champagne.  May you all be blessed beyond measure, and a life that is changed with more beauty and noticed-stars because of having known and loved my dear brother, Tom.
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