Thomas Family Support

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of the Thomas Family:

As many of you know, Jon was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015 and has been fighting the horrible disease ever since. For many of us it has, during the great times we have spent with the Thomas family, been hard to remember Jon is silently fighting this battle as he has remained the same kind, compassionate and energetic friend we have all loved since we were kids.

In the last several months Jon’s battle has become dire. The tumor returned more aggressively and in November he was diagnosed with grade 4 brain cancer. As a result, over the past few months Jon and Kim (along with their son Conner, daughter Emma, family members, and their support systems) have endured numerous surgeries, procedures, treatments, emergency room visits, and hospital stays at Dana Farber and Dartmouth, where Jon currently continues his battle.

Having lived with Kim and Jon in Vermont for multiple years, I know that they ask little of their friends and family and give unconditionally. I also know, however, that Kim and Jon could use help right now. Jon’s treatment has caused an inability for both Kim and Jon to work, while still paying for hospital bills and the expenses of everyday life (including daycare for two children, student loans, and a mortgage, for example). I am thus setting up this GoFundMe on behalf of the Thomas family. The support provided through this page will go directly to our friend, Kimberly Thomas, to support the family’s needs both now, for growing medical expenses, and into the future (Kimberly has been added as a beneficiary to this page, for the funds to be received directly by her). All funds will be provided directly to the family. It is my sincere hope that this fund not only provides them with much needed financial support, but also shows them an outpouring of support from which they can draw strength during these difficult times.

When Jon was given the prognosis that his cancer had progressed to Grade 4 brain cancer, he had several things that he wanted shared when the time was right. The family has agreed to allow me to share Jon’s thoughts so that his words can be read by his loved ones and all of those that he has touched. In Jon’s words, as transcribed by his wife in November:

“Eight years ago when I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with brain cancer. We recently found out my cancer has progressed to Grade 4. My prognosis isn’t great, and I want to express myself while I have the mental clarity to do so. My number one concern is for my wife and my children and what I’m leaving behind for them. Even more than that, I want my son and my daughter to one day look back at this and see the impact I made on other people’s lives by just being myself and being a good person. Even after I’m gone, I want to teach them that life is what you make of it and what really matters most are the relationships you make. Even though life isn’t always fair, I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to have closure and reflect on these things. I know for a fact that I’m leaving my children behind with the best mom in the entire world, and they will never feel a shortage of love. But if I can have peace knowing that I was able to do everything I possibly could to help them in the aftermath, then I want to do that. If you’re reading this, thank you so much for being a part of my life and making a difference for my family.”

To know Jon is to love him. There’s no doubt about that. I think we can all agree with his statements about always being himself, a truly good (and kind, caring, funny, thoughtful) person at heart. Jon’s words about how important relationships and family are to him encompasses the person he is and has always been. He has a unique way of making long-lasting relationships with everyone he encounters; from Fonda to Clarkson to Vermont to PC Construction and everywhere in between. It has been a blessing to call him a great friend.

Please share this request widely and give what you can. Our initial goal is to raise $ 25,000. (Update -- let's aim for $40,000!) Any and all contributions are appreciated. In addition to donations, any words you have to share for the family would be cherished. Most importantly, please keep Jon and his family in your thoughts and prayers as he continues this fight.

To Jon, Kim, Conner, and Emma: We love you.