Support Thomas' Battle with Kidney Cancer

My name is Thomas Magee, I'm 25 years old. I'm from Pennsylvania, I live alone in my single wide trailer with my cat, Don. I could write full pages about my life story but today we'll focus on what brought me here to create this fundraiser.

[Don, left, pictured with Me, right]

In April of this year, I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma to be more specific. It is a very rare and agressive subtype with a generally poor prognosis.

I began treatment shortly after my diagnosis, immunotherapy every 3 weeks. I did 4 rounds of that in high hopes that we could slow or outright stop the cancer. These hopes were justified in me feeling better as well. I was even considering returning to work because of this. But as my imaging appointment came closer the anxiety started to take over. I had my CT scan done and went home a ball of anxiety waiting to hear from my doctor. He called me the next day to share the news that things are not good... not only has the mass on my kidney grown, but the cancer has spread to my lungs. He said I basically "blew through" the first line of treatment.

When first diagnosed, I did not want to ask what the future looked like. Its hard to tell right off the bat with rare conditions like this. But now I had to ask the question, "with everything we know doc, how long are we talking?" I really appreciate my doctors honesty and transparency. He was straight up when he told me "many months to a year" and hes concerned about not hitting the multiple year mark.

I accepted the news and we chatted briefly about the next steps before disconnecting. I layed my phone down on the table and became flooded with thoughts of things I may never be able to do or see again. I'm on disability currently waiting for it to be extended. Even that is barely enough to survive. I just feel kind of stuck in a box with a timer on it, surrounded by worry and doubt. Its difficult to find peace with all of these things looming over. I just want to have a good time and live comfortably with the time I have without stressing about money

[My grandfather and I throwing horseshoes years ago]

Therefore I am humbly asking for your support. No act of generosity is too small. Every donation will make a huge difference. You're help is greatly appreciated.

Please remember to cherish the time were so lucky to have. Stupid cancer can strike any of us, at any time. Just do good and treat others with respect. It goes a long way. I wish you all a blessed day. Thank you.