On December 13, 2006 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. And, in November I will join a three-month expedition to ski 750 miles to the South Pole, and kite-ski back.
As a reasonably fit 46 year old, with no previous family history, my diagnosis came as a shock. Like most people this was a disease I had scarcely heard of (breast, lung and prostate - yes, but colon?). Needless to say this is no longer the case. Besides researching and then experiencing the various treatment options, I have also come to realize how INCREDIBLY PREVENTABLE colorectal cancer can be with regular SCREENING.
I had been planning on doing a Polar expedition prior to my diagnosis but the cancer did make me realize 'not to put off tomorrow, what you can do today'. So when I got the medical go-ahead last Spring, I thought it would be great to use the expedition as a way of leveraging attention about the importance of colorectal prevention awareness - hence this association with the excellent work done by CCA and hence this fund to support them. Of course, none of would never would ever has been possible without the amazing support from my wife, Gail, son, Ryan, parents, siblings and friends...my employer (for the time away) and the excellent medical care (MSKCC and Sibley Hospital) I received.
You inspire as all!! Tks for your efforts!! May we all become as inspired.
Suellen & Billy
Wed, Jan 28, 2009
Tom... what an amazing thing you have done! congratulations on all that you have accomplished. After reading your blog, I will no longer complain about how cold it was on the mall for the wonderful inauguration. xxoo
Alejandro Alvarez
Wed, Jan 28, 2009
Tom,
Congratulations and welcome back! What an amazing thing you did, and what a lesson to everyone! Next: some sunny Caribbean Island, right?
Best
Mechelle Morgan-Flowers
Wed, Jan 21, 2009
Greetings from the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation,Ft Defiance, Arizona. Keep fighting the battle. We are having a Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Conference July 17-18, 2009 if you want to come somewhere warm-well it is warm in the summer. We could use a motivational speaker.
Nancy Hatschbach
Mon, Jan 19, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS!!! on Finishing your adventure and inspiring others!!
Dave Lawrence
Mon, Jan 12, 2009
I'll stop complaining about being frozen in Mongolia! Great stuff, really admire you.
Xavier Forneris
Fri, Jan 09, 2009
Happy new year Tom, impressive stuff! But for Heaven's sake stop breaking your friends' kites! Take care and safe trip back.
Cecile Fruman
Tue, Dec 16, 2008
Tom,
I've been following your fascinating adventure!! You know how the pace is here - it's hard to even find time to read your blog but it's so refreshing (on multiple accounts!!). We wish you here but are so happy that you are able to fulfill your life dream. Best wishes for the holidays. Looks like you're guaranteed a white christmas!
Peter Murray
Thu, Dec 11, 2008
Tom; Heard you on the CBC this AM. My diagnosis of colon cancer came on Nov 25, 2006. After a number of surgeries I am still here and curling, skiing and hiking. At 80, no complaints. Will follow your adventure and am pulling for you and your objective of public education of the need for screening. Best wishes and a Happy New Year.
Komal Mohindra
Wed, Dec 10, 2008
Hi Tom,
I just recently came to know of your personal struggle with colon cancer, your remarkable recovery and your fantastic adventure to the South Pole. You are an inspiration and I wish you all the best for the remainder of your journey.
Komal
Andrew O'Driscoll (Apprivo)
Thu, Dec 04, 2008
Hi Tom,
We met last year on the EMN project. Sumit at the World Bank told me about this and I support and commend you. What a journey.
My brother Rory, who also went to LSE as you may recall, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 4 year ago. He is now 44 and appears to have it beaten thank goodnees. (that was a lot of 4's!)
Good luck on the rest of your journey. See you in DC sometime I hope.
Andrew O'Driscoll.
Tatyana P. and Igor A.
Tue, Dec 02, 2008
Hi Tom, we are happy to read that your expedition is moving forward to the half-way milestone! Congratulations and smooth arrival at the South pole!
Our "expedition" to Russia is over. The prime-minister of Tatarstan, a former professional car-racer who participated in Paris - Dakar rally on a KAMAZ truck assembled in Tatarstan, told us that he was very sympathetic with adventurers like you, guys! Do you want us to ask him to send you a permafrost-proof KAMAZ to pull these sledges?
A comment on your notes -- sastrugui" is not a Russian word. You probably meant "sugroby" [sou-'gro-byi]. Sorry we can not help if an interpreter from Aussie into Kiwi is needed.
Please take good care of yourself and do not exhaust your body since we know your soul's longings are infinite :-)
Hez et al
Mon, Nov 24, 2008
We fear you may not be having roast turkey come Thursday but we will be thinking of you. Gobble-gobble to you. Much love
Nessa Busjeet
Mon, Nov 24, 2008
Hello! Hope you're enjoying your mission. Happy Thanksgiving!
Lance Crist
Sun, Nov 23, 2008
Yesterday Maria & I ran the JFK 50-miler, and as I passed beyond the 38-mile mark and my energy waned and my body was stiff and tightening, I conjured images of you in brutal winds dragging your sled mile after mile, and said to myself if Tom can, I can! Thx for your inspiration and keep it up Tom!!
Jamie Gorelick and Rich Waldhorn
Sat, Nov 22, 2008
We are in awe reading your updates, and hoping that you really do only have one 'storm day' left! We are following your progress and cheering you on. Jamie and Rich
Laurent Corthay
Wed, Nov 19, 2008
Go Tom!
We are all following your progress from the cozy 7th floor of our H building. Next update at the next CICRS Staff Meeting ;-)). Your example is an inspiration to the whole team...
Stay strong!
Nora Mangalindan
Thu, Oct 23, 2008
Hi Tom: We're checking T-Mobile if they have internet service in Antarctica; also AT&T. We don't want you to miss us. All the best in your unbelievable adventure! Cheers, Nora
Kathy Khuu
Tue, Oct 14, 2008
Best of luck Tom and we look forward to hearing about your adventures. Are there snow proof cameras out there? Take photos if you can!
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