Father Raises 6 Figures For Lifesaving Treatment via Crowdfunding
In a matter of weeks, a father of three from Colorado Springs managed to raise over $125,000 with crowdfunding to pay for an aggressive, last resort cancer treatment.
Like many others with the shock of cancer, Rick Thomas’ life was suddenly interrupted with a rare form of kidney cancer. After surgery didn’t help, sister Annie Thomas Howell sprang into action by starting a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe.
The family quickly saw a response from over 1,500 donors offering encouragement and financial support. Howell created the campaign not only to help out her brother by raising the money his family would need, but to also tell his story.
After surgery, it was presumed that Thomas won his battle with cancer. Unfortunately, his cancer returned quickly and aggressively leaving the family with one last option. Thomas’ current form of medical treatments are only temporary and will eventually stop helping. The only question is when. Once the treatments stop working, there is one last ditch medication that medical insurance refuses to pay for, that could give Thomas one more chance at life.
Howell’s crowdfunding project was launched less than a month ago and has already raised $134,000. Although some thought their goal of $125,000 was ambitious, the outpouring of support has proven otherwise.
If you’re curious where the donations are coming from, the 1,500 donors comprise a mixture of family, friends, co-workers, and friends-of-friends.
Any friend of Steve Kill is a friend of mine. Best of luck to you, Rick.
Ken EvansHi, I'm Michelle’s boyfriend, heard a lot about you. hope to meet you soon!
T.J. Mackfall
Thomas is also receiving support from other families that have experienced a similar situation, such as the Seapy family.
Dear Rick and family, We know the devastation that comes from cancer. We lost our son to that dreaded disease. We will pray for a cure.
Don and Karen Seapy
With the help of crowdfunding, Thomas has been given a chance to beat cancer, get back to his flying career, and be there for his family.