Hi Everyone, This is my nephew Thomas "Tommy" Gallinot. Tommy is a quiet, caring young man who is always willing to help. He was working in his community at a local nursing home assisting with the dietary needs of the elderly residents while pursuing his true passion is to be a computer engineer and was excited to be attending classes at Penn State University. In Feb 2024, Tommy noticed a lump on the side of his ribcage. His Mom (Melanie Gallinot) wasted no time in getting it checked. He was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma. Ewings Sarcoma is a very rare malignant cancerous bone tumor affecting kids and young adults. It was a shock to our whole family (like most families) but nothing prepared his parents (Melanie Gallinot and Tom Gallinot) nor Tommy for the intensive treatment plan that they have to execute in order to battle and beat this aggressive cancer. Tommy and his Mom travel 1.5 hours to the hospital every other week to be admitted for a 5-day treatment of chemotherapy. Because of the many challenges that chemo presents, it is not uncommon for Tommy and his Mom to travel multiple times to the hospital in between scheduled treatments. His battle reached the next phase in June, where he had a 6-hour surgery to remove the tumor from his chest wall. He had to have 3 ribs removed, his chest wall reconstructed with mesh, and his diaphragm reconstructed. The surgery was a success but Tommy still has a long way to go. 10 days after surgery, during a check-up, Tommy once again had to be admitted to the hospital for a blood clot for 3 days. Not long after that fluid started to build up and Tommy was admitted again for an aspiration procedure to remove excess fluid from his chest. A week later, now July, Tommy was admitted again with a fever, a staph infection, and CDIFF. He will undergo surgery tomorrow, July 26, to replace the mesh that reconstructed his chest wall. The next phase of his treatment plan requires a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for an additional 5 months. This young man is extremely positive and says " I will do what I have to do to get better". He does not complain. He is modest and finds happiness in the little things. He tries to see his friends to play Dungeon and Dragons together; and enjoys a good book. He loves spending time with his dogs and smiles when he can convince his sister to take him to Dunkin Donuts. ( for a coffee and a bagel). He continues to amaze me with a positive outlook. His parents and the entire family are very positive and hopeful for his recovery from this awful disease. His Oncologist and the hospital are located 1.5 hours away and many times they travel 2-3 times a week back and forth. We are asking for your help with the challenges of uncovered medical expenses, loss of income, and travel expenses. If you are unable to donate a share is welcome, and we believe in the power of prayers. Thank you for your kindness and blessings. Amy Fashauer / Melanie Gallilnot / Tom Gallinot
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