Tom was an active member of several volunteer fire departments in Texas, serving the Caddo Mills, Itasca and Trinidad communities. As a member of the Choctaw Nation he is looking forward to classes to find a new career but, until that time, he needs a helping hand.

After extensive testing, Tom’s doctors at Texas Baylor Hospitals have determined he is a good candidate for transplant. Transplants are lifesaving but financially draining. Even with insurance Tom is facing very high expenses such as the drive to Baylor is a 1-hour drive, copays and anti-rejection medication he will need to take for the rest of his life.

To help with the financial burden of Tom’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the South-Central Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.

For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate now button.

Your support is critical to the overall success of Tom’s struggle. Please know that your contribution counts. Thank you in advance for your kind consideration.

With sincere gratitude,
The Bates Family
580-564-6867