Thomas, a vibrant eight-year-old boy, was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. Aggressive chemotherapy followed, but the cancer continued to grow, and the treatment caused severe and unpleasant side effects.
With heavy hearts, the family decided to stop treatment and began focusing on keeping Thomas as comfortable as possible.
Companion Hospice, an agency that provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for terminally ill patients and their families, was called so that Thomas could enjoy living each day to the fullest. As the hospice team became acquainted with Thomas, they learned of his deep passion for Legos, Star Wars, and Harrison Ford.
Thomas’ hospice chaplain contacted the Southern California Hospice Foundation to help make Thomas’ final wishes come true. On Friday, April 1, 2011, Thomas and his family made an incredible journey to LEGOLAND California Theme Park where Thomas and his family were given a gift allowance from SCHF to spend on anything they wanted.
On Monday, April 11, 2011, like a superhero swooping in to save the day, actor and producer Harrison Ford—who made both Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones household names—visited Thomas’ home, delivering gift baskets, smiles, and love.
Thomas died three days later.
In loving memory of Thomas — February 24, 2003 – April 14, 2011.
To read more of Thomas’ story, see our 2011 annual report
