Team Pasek Race Against Cancer

Our brother Tom Pasek, a fun-loving racing, Pipe Fitter has recently experienced one of the toughest pit stops of his life. At the end of August, Tom was diagnosed with Stage Four Rhaboid Melanoma; a disease rarely seen outside of childhood. As in all aspects of his life, this makes him unique. It has metastasized to the lymph nodes surrounding the kidneys, adrenal glands, neck, and his spinal fluid. Tom’s debilitating pain makes it hard to get out of bed and leaves him with little appetite. Quite honestly, his head hurts so much that concentration is hard, but occasionally his quick wit and contagious smile come through

 

 

A dedicated 597 pipefitter for the last 30 years, he is happy to share his knowledge with others. In 1992, Tom joined local 597 as a second-generation pipefitter. He is proud of the hard work he has done in his 30-year career. He gladly mentors’ young pipefitters on the job site. He enjoys the comradery of the job site and is well respected for his work ethic and mechanical talents. If you know Tom, then you know that he has a smile and a quick wit for everyone.

 

Tom has always loved to live life to the fullest with activities such as dirt bike racing from his youth to snowmobiles, jet skis, and more recently Friday night dirt track racing.

 

 

Tom was forced to leave work in September and is out of work on disability due to effects the cancer was having on his body. He is no longer physically able to perform his duties. He has had extensive testing and hospital stays and visits to date. October 11, he had his most recent PETscan and MRI. We are anxiously awaiting those results to find out his best course of action to help him keep fighting and find comfort. Tom will require treatment and testing for the remainder of his life.

 

Tom is facing a multitude of bills and financial needs throughout this process. Currently there is no plan to return to work due to his physical limitations. He is looking for the ultimate bump draft on this racetrack and we hope you can help ease the stress he is facing and concentrate on healing!

 

Tom, Lisa, and family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers & support they have received from their families, friends, local union brothers & sisters and racing friends. All donations will go directly toward medical costs for Tom.

 

“The winner aint’ the one with fastest car. It’s the one who refuses to lose.” Dale Earnhardt.