It’s always something… This time, Cancer!

tbellemare

Honorary Member
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Joined
Nov 3, 2007
Messages
5,133
I started, built, and have run Tool Home solo for over a decade. It was a lot of work and for quite some time now, has been more fun than work. I work with great tools and great people. At the end of March, (actually on my birthday), I learned I have advanced prostate cancer, Stage IV.

When I learned of my medical condition, this business was already at the edge of what I could do by myself and with the medical community getting involved, I need help.

I have had incredibly generous offers of help from all over and am more than grateful – I am touched deeply! WOW even offered to drive with his dog from Minnesnowta to TX to help me out. I knew he had just gotten out of the hospital and I politely declined the offer. Unfortunately, that was the last time we spoke...

So, I am entertaining various ways to transition the business that is Tool Home so I can spend more time with my new friends, a small army of doctors and other medical staff. I am happy to discuss just about anything, including but not limited to, Investment, partnership, purchase, etc.

If this sounds interesting to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me with your ideas.

Thanks!

Tom
 
Hi Tom,

although we don't know each other personally I want to wish you all the best! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

I also hope you find a good solution in regard to your tool store that will ease your mind and let you concentrate on the "stuff" that is far more important now!

All the best,
Oliver
 
Tom,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.  I sincerely hope that you find a way to fight this.

I wish I was closer and in a position to help with the store, but I know there are a lot of Foggers that think highly of you and care about you. 

I'm looking forward to hearing some future good news about your health as well as the store.

Mike A.

 
Wishing you all the best from London Tom.

I don't know you and I don't think we've ever chatted on here in the 8 years I've been a member. In that time though I've only ever read good stuff about you on here.

Good luck and I'm sure someone your side of the pond will help you out.

Chris
 
Hi Tom,

Although we do not know each other you are very much a part of the FOG and long may that continue.

Please be tough, remember that you have a huge load of friends here expecting you to beat this.

God bless you and your family during the battle ahead.

Peter
 
Hey Tom,

You and I have spoken a few times about this crap you are dealing with so you know that you are always on my mind and in my prayers.  I always with you the best and hate to see anyone have to deal with this...

I also hope that there is someone out there who would love to take over Tool-Home... I know it isn't for the faint of heart, but you have done an awesome job of taking care of us and I would love to see someone help take care of your baby!  Speaking of taking care... as I said before, if you ever need anything, you know how to get a hold of me.

Cheers.  Bryan.
 
Tom:
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Hopefully, when I next get to TX. I will have time swing by and visit.

Tim
 
Tom,
I remember when you helped me out when I was looking for a 20mm router bit to bore holes for a MFT top and you got me one from Italy.  I pray that the Lord's will will be done in your life and you will beat this cancer and live a long and rewarding life. 
In my prayers,
Rusty
 
Oh no, man, not you too. Very sad to hear this. I wish you all the best in your fight to beat this, we're rooting for you.
 
Zacharytanner said:
Tom
I am praying that you kick cancers !!
In my prayers my friend.

Frank

Thank you, FranK!

I'm trying and with the amount of goodwill around here, I don't think I could ask for much more.

Tom

six-point socket said:
Hi Tom,

although we don't know each other personally I want to wish you all the best! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

I also hope you find a good solution in regard to your tool store that will ease your mind and let you concentrate on the "stuff" that is far more important now!

All the best,
Oliver

Luckily, I am surrounded by wonderful people online and in reality. You are certainly right, Oliver, about what's important!

Tom

mike_aa said:
Tom,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.  I sincerely hope that you find a way to fight this.

I wish I was closer and in a position to help with the store, but I know there are a lot of Foggers that think highly of you and care about you. 

I'm looking forward to hearing some future good news about your health as well as the store.

Mike A.

Thanks, Mike! I am looking forward to some good news too.

Tom

joiner1970 said:
Wishing you all the best from London Tom.

I don't know you and I don't think we've ever chatted on here in the 8 years I've been a member. In that time though I've only ever read good stuff about you on here.

Good luck and I'm sure someone your side of the pond will help you out.

Chris

Thanks so much, Chris! This is a great community of people and the overwhelming outpouring of support is really something...

Tom

Peter Parfitt said:
Hi Tom,

Although we do not know each other you are very much a part of the FOG and long may that continue.

Please be tough, remember that you have a huge load of friends here expecting you to beat this.

God bless you and your family during the battle ahead.

Peter

Thank you, Peter! I'll try to keep a "stiff upper lip"...

Tom

bkharman said:
Hey Tom,

You and I have spoken a few times about this crap you are dealing with so you know that you are always on my mind and in my prayers.  I always with you the best and hate to see anyone have to deal with this...

I also hope that there is someone out there who would love to take over Tool-Home... I know it isn't for the faint of heart, but you have done an awesome job of taking care of us and I would love to see someone help take care of your baby!  Speaking of taking care... as I said before, if you ever need anything, you know how to get a hold of me.

Cheers.  Bryan.

Your offer(s) of support have been very helpful throughout this, Bryan! Hopefully, this is not the last chapter in my saga.

Tom

Tim Raleigh said:
Tom:
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Hopefully, when I next get to TX. I will have time swing by and visit.

Tim

Thanks, Tim!

You are welcome to stop by any time, as is everyone.

Tom

Rusty Miller said:
Tom,
I remember when you helped me out when I was looking for a 20mm router bit to bore holes for a MFT top and you got me one from Italy.  I pray that the Lord's will will be done in your life and you will beat this cancer and live a long and rewarding life. 
In my prayers,
Rusty

I'm always glad to help, Rusty! That's a big part of what makes this fun!

Tom

Alex said:
Oh no, man, not you too. Very sad to hear this. I wish you all the best in your fight to beat this, we're rooting for you.

Yup, me tool... Thank you for the kind wishes!

Tom
 
Sorry to hear what you are going through. I had reoccurring colon rectal problems that took over 2 years to resolve, but it did not turn into cancer.  Still I can not comprehend  what you and your family are going through. Our prayers are with you guys.
 
Tom,

Only because we talked previously I suspect that things have not improved since we talked.  My friend, I do not have magical words to utter or a magic potion to give.  If I did you would romping around at all of your favorite eating establishments.

All I can offer are my thought, prayers, and encouragement.  What I went thru is nothing is comparison to you.  Miracles do happen and if you believe that the bad days will be a little better.

Peter
 
Oh Tom, my favorite Festool dealer!  That is some bummer news, man. 
Sounds like you have a good group of people around you.  I truly hope you pull through and beat this thing.
The very best wishes for a recovery!
 
Tom,
My friend, you and your family are in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Steve
 
Tom,

Damm I sorry to learn about the cancer.  I'll be pulling for you buddy.

Jack
 
Tom, God Bless you and your family and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be strong my friend!
 
Tom,

As you already know, hoping the best for you.

Being selfish----you have to beat this, I don't have time to break in another dealer (don't think any would put up with me).

Take care my friend.

Tom
 
Tom, this is horrible news to read, I really hope you can come out on the other side healthy and happy. Keep fighting.
 
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