For those of you that have not yet heard, Tom Smith of Kipling has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – a diagnosis which he definitely wasn’t expecting.
Smith hadn’t been feeling well and started experiencing symptoms of indigestion in early December, which eventually forced him to seek medical attention. Since meeting with local physicians, Smith has travelled to several additional medical centres and endured multiple tests and procedures.
He thought maybe it was gallbladder troubles. He was sent for an ultrasound and a CT scan and had his first surgery within a week. After taking a biopsy, Smith received unfortunate confirmation in late December that he indeed had cancer.
Given only months to live, Smith chose to accept surgery Feb. 18 as his only means of giving him a fighting chance at extending his life.
After surgery Smith will be unable to return to work for several months while he recovers at home. Smith is expected to need additional chemotherapy treatment once fit to do so, which will again further extend his inability to return to work and provide for his wife and himself.
“I know most of us have either directly or indirectly been around or involved with a loved one, friend, and or colleague that has been forced down this road of uncertainty,” said good friend Dwayne DeDecker. “The stress and financial burdens about to be endured by Tom and Mandy over the next few months are going to be tough. I am asking that you take a moment and think about them.
“Most of us know Tom as a very giving person, the type of guy that would give the shirt off his back for anyone that needed it, if it meant he could help. I believe you would have a very tough time to find someone that Tom hasn’t helped in some form or fashion in their past.”
“If now you can find it within your heart to consider Tom and provide any financial assistance it would be greatly appreciated during his greatest time of need,” said DeDecker, who spearheaded a GoFundMe page.
“These donations will be used to assist Tom and Mandy for travel and lodging expenses they will incur while away from home, plus help cover their day-to-day cost of living once Tom is able to return home and begin his long road to recovery.”
“Tom did come through his surgery successfully, and spent time recovering in hospital at Saskatoon University Hospital,” explains DeDecker. “The surgery did not go completely as planned, and so in a few weeks’ time, Tom will be turning to chemotherapy in hopes it will shrink his tumor. The goal will be once the chemo has shrunk his tumor enough to return for surgery and complete the remaining portion of his initial surgery.
“Tom returned home to continue his recovery at home. We wish him all the best and keep our fingers crossed as he goes through the next phase of his battle.”
“Our son Peter from Calgary joined us in Saskatoon to be of support to Mandy,” explains Tom and adds “Miki, Becky and family kept in close contact daily.”
Tom will start chemotherapy in about six to eight weeks when he has recovered from his surgery.
A GoFundMe page was started for Smith and his family on Feb. 16. To date, more than $32,000 has been raised of a $25,000 goal through both the GoFundMe page and donations made through the Cornerstone Credit Union’s Kipling branch.
To donate, please go to GoFundMe.com and search Tom Smith. For those that may not be on Facebook or have the ability to donate through GoFundMe, be aware that there will be an account set up in Smith’s name at the credit union.
The Smith family has the community’s support behind them as they tackle this journey.
“We would like to thank everyone for their best wishes, prayers and support through this difficult time,” said Smith and his wife. “For those of you who donated to the GoFundMe and at the credit union, you are amazing and we will be forever grateful for your help.”
“The love and support we have received from the community is overwhelming. We would especially like to thank the DeDecker and Baumann families for introducing the idea of the GoFundMe page and arranging all the details. We love you guys! The support will be immensely helpful in the coming months.”
“Tom’s wealth will never be measured in dollar bills or financial status,” says DeDecker. “It’s what he did and does for people. People remember him the most by what he did. He’s been so helpful to so many people.”
