Help John Tobias (J.T.) fight colon cancer

In early spring, John hadn’t been feeling well. If you know J.T., he is a workaholic and isn’t one to run to the doctor to get checked out for every little thing but after developing severe abdominal pain and thinking it may be appendicitis, he finally decided to seek care. After running many tests and scans, J.T. found out he was diagnosed with colon cancer and received word that it had spread in his liver. Chemotherapy is the next step in his treatment and no one is certain how this journey will unfold in the days, weeks and months to come but J.T. is ready for the fight.

Since 1986, J.T. has dedicated his career to Safeway. He began working at the Sacramento Natomas location, in the produce area, when it opened in 2004. He is a true legend there. If you have ever had the pleasure of encountering him at Safeway, then you know what a kind soul he is. He will drop whatever he is doing to help anyone out and is happy to do it.

I moved to Natomas in 2005 and was a shopper at Safeway. J.T. and I became good friends over this time. Over the last 18 years, we have shared all of our day to day struggles and life events. We’ve talked and counseled and laughed and cried together over the years. He is a treasure and I am blessed to call him my friend.

Does my story with him sound similar to yours? I bet it does! That is no surprise. J.T. has touched so many people’s lives each and every day. He gives of himself to others selflessly whether you are a shopper, coworker, family or friend. You seek him out because he is fun to be around with positive energy. You can always count on J.T. for advice, a listening ear, to talk sports, just a hello, or to help you pick out that juicy watermelon. He is a light that shines bright in a dark room. He is our light!

We are setting up this "go fund me" to help make his life more comfortable and less financially stressful as he continues on this journey. If you are able, please consider giving to help. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated. J.T. is single and lives with just his sweet dog, Sadie, so your contribution will be a great support to him during this time. Don’t worry if you are unable to contribute; however, if you are a spiritual person, please pray for him. Thank you for caring enough to read this and sharing it with others.