Tom's Story
It's been nearly 30 years ago that I fainted in class and was given a short time to live. After being taken to the infirmary and having some blood tests, I was told I had a life-threatening disease, CML or Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. The doctor at baptist hospital said their was no hope! But I found out about an experimental program in Seattle. The bone marrow transplant was going to cost well over $100,000. It was 1984, and Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center told my family that the money would have to be paid up front. They also said I needed a marrow match. My unlikely match came from my only sibling, he was a perfect match! Just 6 months later, through gospel concerts, church benefits, etc, $150,000 was raised and I was immediately flown to Seattle. There I came very close to death many times. I went into a "no hope" blast crisis. Having been totally paralyzed, lungs collapsed, and on life support, I had been to battle but the war was far from over. I thought the day would never come, but eventually I came home. Not in good health, by any means, but alive. As the months passed, I was confined to a wheelchair for the next 8 years. But through it all, I had hope and knew God was with me! On return visits to Seattle, others would tell me what an encouragement I had been to them. One nurse said I was an inspiration to her when she had her child with multiple sclerosis. There was also a church that ministered to me and they said many life's were changed because of what God did for me. Thankfully, He still uses me today. That's what it's all about for me. If I can help and encourage someone else, it's been worth it all!
Now, the leukemia is totally cured, the paralysis is gone and I'm walking, talking and singing again! If I hadn’t learned the "true source of hope" many years ago, I wouldn’t be here today. I always remind others to never give up!
In 1998, I met my wife Terry and a year later, we were happily married. Together we sing of God’s love and I share my miraculous story of how God saved me from the grip of death. In 2005, God led me in a new ministry direction so I attended ministry school, graduated in 2007 and was ordained by my church several years later.
Since those early days in 1984, I have encountered various challenges. I've been through valleys but with God, there is victory!
Please let me share what God has done in my life. I desire to tell others what He wants to do for them!
Tom is a speaker for Psalm 23 Ministry.
Contact Tom to speak for your next meeting or event.
Call Toll Free: 1-855-BOOK-TOM /(855) 266-5866
