Passing His Good Fortune to Others
Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” These words are certainly true for the quiet town of Traverse City, Michigan, where Tom, a musician-turned-home-renovator, uses his talents to better the lives of others.
Tom spends most of his days working with his hands to renovate rundown buildings and make them viable homes for the town’s families. He also serves as a landlord for these properties, ensuring they are cared for and loved.
“I rent and manage two properties, since I was unable to keep flipping houses,” Tom said.
In 2001, Tom was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, a condition of the nervous system affecting nearly 1 million Americans. As the years passed, Tom was unable to keep up with his heavy physical workload. While R&R symptoms can range from vision loss to speech loss, Tom most frequently experiences bouts of fatigue. But has never let the diagnosis bring his spirits down.
“If you’re going to get MS, R&R is the good kind,” Tom said. “I take a short break and I’m right back at it. I probably get done one-tenth of a day’s work, but I can paint, and I always get it done.”
Tom was lucky that the treatment his neurologist prescribed helped alleviate his symptoms, but the cost quickly became a problem.
“At the time, my treatment cost me hundreds of dollars,” Tom said. “I could only afford that for a while.”
When Tom’s doctor told him about The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Copay Program, he was elated. By then, Tom had eaten through most of his savings. Through the program, Tom was able to access an entire year of treatment at a time.
“For MS, my doctor says it’s about ‘maintaining and containing,’ Tom said. “I’m able to have a good life, access this medication, and help others,” Tom said.
With the peace of mind his treatment brings, Tom passes along his good fortune by helping other community members. Several years ago, Tom met Brynn, who was struggling with a disability and experiencing homelessness. Tom brought Brynn and her partner in off the streets, providing them a home in one of the buildings he had renovated. Brynn now manages two of Tom’s properties, and Tom thinks of Brynn and her husband as his family.
“I was able to help them grow up,” Tom said. “She has a real home now with somebody who loves her. She has a child and can give a new generation the childhood she never had.”
Tom said that without the assistance he received from TAF, he isn’t sure where his life would be.
“It’s because of the passionate work of the people there and the generosity of the donors,” Tom said. “Our town is better because of what TAF does. You people are the reason that I’m alive.”
