My dad, Tom Syferd, & our family has had quite a 2020. Along with the rest of the world. 

In January he had a blood clot in his leg and had that taken care of quickly. In April he had a  mini-stroke. The CT scan also picked up that he had a spot in his lung. That lead to more tests, that discovered he had cancer in his lung, surrounding lymph nodes & adrenal glands. While he was waiting on pathology to come back to state the specific mutation of cancer to determine the best course of treatment he endured a massive heart attack on June 2nd. 

Prior to the heart attack we were all confident that cancer treatment would heal his body and he’d be able to continue to lead his usual active & full life. 

Dad spent most of June receiving world class care at Methodist Hospital.  We were all hopeful he would recover and all accepted that the recovery process would be long but that he would recover. 

In July he spent most of the month out of the hospital. The medical team discussed other options to help him recover. Hope for recovery was still strong. 

On July 16th he had a procedure done to help put his heart back into rhythm and he didn’t take to it so well.  He was admitted back into the hospital. As the days went on his condition continued to worsen. The doctors told my parents they’ve done all they can do and unfortunately there’s nothing more that can be done. 

My dad entered hospice care at home on August 1st. Our goal is to keep him as comfortable as possible. 

Those of you that know my dad know he’s the rock to our family. He’s been the perfect husband to our mom, Cathy & the perfect father for Teryl & I.  He’s been an incredible father in law to Andy & Tommy. He’s loved his five grandchildren, Walker, Mayson, Anna, Maddox & Jack so much. He’s a spiritual giant in my opinion. I’m confident I can also say Teryl would agree.  He’s touched so many lives.  He’s a one of a kind man, he’s a man of strength & valor. 

More than anything my Dad loves Jesus Christ. My dad is the man he is because of his relationship with Jesus. While enduring this journey, my dad would say “I believe but help my un-belief (Mark 9:24).” We know when he moves to the other side his maker will be there saying to him “Well done my good & faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master” Matthew 25:23

Stay tuned for more updates. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.