Tom attwater

Tom Attwater Is Dying. His Daughter Might Die, Too. The Letter He Left For Her Is Unforgettable.

Confessions, Kindness, Kindness - Real-life Examples, Kindness Photos 398 comments

Tom Attwater is dying of a brain tumor, but he isn’t worried about his cancer. Instead, he is trying to save his 5 year-old daughter from her own.

tom attwater
Tom Attwater with daughter Kelli and wife Joely

He has vowed to raise approximately $820,200.00 for her cancer treatment, even if he wouldn’t be around to see her go through it.

Now Tom is almost half way to his fundraising target he is more adamant than ever to reach it. Tragically his deadline is short as his latest scans show his brain tumour is growing.

He says: “These days people make bucket lists, and the very top of mine – the one that matters most – is raising money to make sure Kelli gets the medical help she might need.

Tom attwater

“Some people have advised me to slow down and concentrate on enjoying the rest of my days. But how can I knowing Kelli’s bright life might be cut short?

“Fundraising is a lot of hard work, especially on days when I feel too poorly to get out of bed. But I honestly feel I can’t relax until I know Kelli can have the best chance of a long and full life. I’ve run out of chances, luck and time but have had a wonderful life. So if I drop dead tomorrow, I know I will have done my best for Kelli.”

Tom and Kelli Attwater

Kelli is only 5 years-old, but she has already beat the disease twice. She is likely to relapse and need treatment in the United States, so Tom is dedicated to leaving a legacy behind for her, as well as this touching letter. Read it below:

Darling Kelli,

I’m so sorry I will not get to see you grow up as I so want to. Please don’t blame people or the world for this. A lot of life is simply luck and mine is running out.

I wish I had the words to make you feel better. I wish I didn’t have cancer and you didn’t have to see me in pain as you often do now. I wish so many things were different but they are not.

Most dads and daughters have decades to chat around the kitchen table, their hands warmed by mugs of coffee, as the dad dishes out advice and their girls no doubt roll their eyes. We don’t have that time. I won’t be able to drop you off on your first day at big school, pick you up after your first date, hold you when your heart hurts or cheer when you graduate.

But while your old dad is still around I thought I’d try to give you some life advice in one go. I hope it gives you some comfort. I hope cancer never returns so that your life is long, fulfilled and happy.

School Everyone will say it’s vital to work hard at school. Hopefully you’ll always do your best. I did well at school but did it do me much good in life? Not really. School work IS important, but make sure you have fun too.

Boys At the moment you don’t make much distinction between girls and boys and see all children as friends. That’s typical of your sweet nature. But Kel, that will change as you get older. You might see them as stinky, pesky classmates in a few years’ time. But, probably at secondary school, you’ll realise they can be quite nice.

You’ll have boyfriends when you’re older – MUCH older hopefully! – and I won’t be here to grill them about their intentions. So here’s some advice from your old man. It’s very hard to describe how it feels to really be in love. You might remember seeing me and your mum laughing together and cuddling on the sofa, and once the love hearts and flowers fade that’s what real love looks like. Have fun finding it.

Always choose boys with gen­tlemanly values, manners and respect. Imag­ine them having tea and a chat with our family around our table and if you think they’ll fit in, you have found a decent young man.

Sadly, you will have your heart broken one day. It hurts like hell and will feel like the end of the world. But you will get over it. And even if a romance doesn’t work out, try to be kind. Boys have feelings too. Lastly, if you have a special boy pal who is always there for you when boyfriends come and go, don’t take him for granted. Don’t overlook him. He might really care for you.

Marriage I often dreamt about your wedding day and imagined filling up with tears as I walked you down the aisle before giving you away. I won’t be able to do that Kelli. Sorry sweetheart. But I will be looking over your shoulder on that day, proud and happy you have found a special someone to love you and care for you.

I wonder if you will play what you call “the family song” (which is really I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5). It meant so much to me and my brother and sister growing up, and I know it does to you too. I’ll be there on your wedding day in spirit.

Mummy You and your mum will argue at times, especially when you’re a teenager. Please remember she adores you and wants the best for you. Give Mummy a hug when she is feeling sad and help each other get through any horrible times when I am gone. When you’re a teenager you might think your friends are right and your mum is wrong. But she has to make hard decisions for you and, more than any friend you’ll ever have, has your interests at heart. Treat her well.

Family Nothing is more important than family and the values they give us. Nothing.

Friends Treat people as they treat you. Be nice to anyone who helps you, always. Bullying is horrible – never become one.

Christmas & birthdays On your first Christmas without me, I’d love if you and Mummy would light a candle and remember me for a few minutes. It would be great if you two did the monkey dance together. Jumping around shaking our bottoms always made us laugh. That’s something to make me smile from up above. I’d also love if you visit my parents on Boxing Day. They will be hurting too.

I’ve given Nanny Sue presents for all your birthdays. I wish I could be there to see you open them. Hopefully you will like everything as it’s hard to imagine you at 10, 15, 20. I wonder if you’ll still like One Direction. I wonder if they’ll still make you dance around the living room.

Career You were two when you told me you wanted to be a “princess astronaut” so you could wear nice dresses and find new planets. You might now realise that’s not possible. But so many things ARE possible for you, darling. Do what makes you happy and that you enjoy. If you do so, life suddenly becomes much, much easier.

You may need to start a few different careers to find the one you enjoy, but so be it. One life, one chance.

Manners Always remember your please and thank-yous. The reason Mummy and I drum manners into you is because they will help you throughout your life. Always be courteous, especially to elders. Never put a knife in your mouth. Remember to write thank-you letters for gifts of kindness as it is always nice to act with grace and gratitude. (And please note that poo jokes are only funny when you are five, you cheeky girl!)

Learn to drive Most dads teach their daughters to drive and usually fall out in the process. Make sure you learn how to drive as soon you can – it opens up the world for you. Also, make sure Mummy doesn’t teach you (just joking, Joely).

Travel abroad It’s a cliche to say travel broadens the mind, but it’s true. See as much of the world as you can. But never on a motorbike (too dangerous).

Be happy You never laugh at 50%: you always laugh at 100%. Your laugh takes over your whole body and is highly infectious. I hope you never lose that. There is no point in asking you not to be sad when I go. I know you will be, princess. And I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you and snuggle you until you smile again. Remember the Eeyore teddy I bought you from a charity shop? You said you’d keep him safe and cuddle him when you miss me. That’s a great idea. You can feel sad and use it as a driving force throughout your life. Or you can just be sad. You know which one I hope you choose.

Be charitable Please give to charities. Charities have been good to you and I. You’ll probably always remember our trip to Disneyland. But I’ll never forget the sacrifices people made to pay for your healthcare if ever cancer returns. Elderly people sent prayer cards and £10 notes they couldn’t afford. Heads were shaved, miles were run, thousands were raised. All for you. It’s important to pay back. Doing good deeds uplifts the soul. Never forget there are people worse off than you who you can help.

Remember your life motto Always keep trying. You might remember that I taught you to say “giving up is for losers”. I failed a number of times in my life but never gave up. Kelli, never give up.

Believe in yourself In life, many people will say you cannot do things. You make up your mind. Can you? Do you want to? Big challenges involve risks so make smart choices. Those who told me I couldn’t do certain things didn’t want me to do them. If you want something, it is nearly always possible, so do your best. I’m sure there’s a hell of a lot you can achieve!

I know you will make me proud and do something great in my memory. I know you can do it – so let’s start now.

And finally… Thank you for being you, Kelli. Thank you for paying me the biggest compliment of all time by calling me Daddy. Having you as my daughter is the greatest honour of my life. Thank you for teaching me more about love and happiness than any other person.

Enjoy your life. Don’t rush through it. I will be waiting.

All my love, always, to you princess and to Mummy,

Daddy xxxxxxxxxxTom and Kelli AttwaterIf you would like to donate to help save Kelli’s young life, visit her Just Giving page. It’s not fair that Kelli and her mom will be losing Tom so soon… but it’s even worse to know that young Kelli has her own big battles to fight.

Source: Just Giving / Help Kelli

Tom and Kelli Attwater

Please share Tom’s letter with others. Help us spread the word and save Kelli.

Sources: Daily Mirror & ViralFury

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398 comments

  6. SUCH A LOVING FATHER TO TAKE THE TIME TO DO THIS FOR HIS LITTLE ONE. I HOPE THAT YOUR HEART IS READY TO MEET GOD SO YOU WILL SEE GOD IN ALL OF HIS GLORY AND EVENTUALLY SEE YOUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTER. MAY GOD GIVE ALL OF YOU THE STRENGTH TO MAKE THIS DIFFICULT JOURNEY. GOD SPEED TO THE 3 OF YOU

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  7. It’s unfortunate that people are dying because of the profiteering “cancer” corps.
    The proven cures of the past were stifled by big pharma (ex. Royal Rife’s cure)
    There is a University in Canada that has found a new medicine which kills cancer cells and not every cell around it (like chemo does). The problem is that again big pharma will do anything to stop it because it is cheap to make and therefore will destroy the profit machine trillion dollar a year cancer industry.

    Let’s stop letting children (and adults) die under the “care” of the cancer industry.
    http://www.thedcasite.com Dichloroacetate isn’t perfect, and there can be some side effects… but compared to a bombardment of radiation that does more destruction compared to its amount of good… DCA would be my choice if I had to fight this battle… I’d bet money on my survival with it over chemo.

    Cheers.
    Lawrence MacKenzie

    Ps I am NOT affiliated with thedcasite in any way. I just hate seeing people die needlessly.

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    1. Totally agreed,,,,my 5 year old nephew has brain cancer…he’s cancer free now…for how long one never knows…Yes they have a cure…greed has become more important then our loved ones…I will pray for a miracle for you all…Dad…your an awesome person to be so brave, and rest assure we will pray for your family and lil Kelli…. prayers & hugs to all…best of luck!!!

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  9. I lost my father to cancer when I was a little girl. When I got older I descided to do my own research . I didnt want to believe that no one had come up with a cure and that chemo was the only option for cancer patients. So I did my research. And I found out cannabis/marijuna oil has helped numerous patients in their battle to fight cancer. Many have been cured. Such as this little guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yP4uoh3Ebo (Dad Saves Dying Son From Brain Cancer With Cannabis / Marijuana oil) His son was cured with this oil . Its the rick simpson oil and you can find the documentary on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIZSxvrdmy8 (run from the cure) Rick simpson from Canada will tell you all about the oil and the scientific effects of it. Its worth trying. The western medical industry do not want you to know about the healing benefits of marijuana oil, because then they wont be able to sell their medicine , and without money there wont be any power, thats why the governments have made the Cannabis plant illegal. If everyone knew then everyone would start planting their own plants, but the plant has been so allienated by the governments that its hard to make someone listen and understand the healing benefits of it. Cigarettes are legal and its the cause of million of deaths and diseases everyday, and the same with alcohol. Cannabis/pot/skunk ( name it whatever you would like I prefer to call it the wonder plant . lol ) has not killed or been the cause of death ever, on the contrary it has had numerous positive effects on people with cancer, diabetes, depression , sclerosis, ect ect. Makes you wonder why its illegal? doesnt it? Well ask the government in your country, see if you can get an honest answer out of them. I doubt it, thats why: Do your own research and trust yourself.

    Look up ” scientific effects of cannabis oil” on youtube or google. Alot of people rely on science, well there you go. You can even find doctors admitting the healing effects of cannabis “oil”. I wrote a message to Tom on facebook but dont know if can receive it, since im not on his friendslist. so if anyone sees this message, pls forward it to Tom attwater on facebook. Anything is worth trying if it means saving your own life or someone you love.
    Peace

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  10. It only takes a few minuts, and I promise its well worth it. forward it to Tom attwater or anyone you know . Spread the word. And let us all as a unity stand together and fight this horrible disease. If you want a cure you gotta look for it. Dont just trust your doctor or the pharmaceutical companies, everything is about profit nowadays , even humanlives. Believe it or not.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lsvHMkWFg ( Dad Gives Cannabis Oil to Toddler Battling Brain Cancer – Medical marijuana) I want to clarifY I do not condone anything illegal BUT, this is WORTH looking into because the medical marijuana cured the child.

    . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl5cu1H4Hss (Nurse Shares 30 Years Of Spiritual Experiences With Death & dying)- She talks about her patients near- death experiences. Her name is Becki hawkins and she has written books too. It brings peace to your heart knowing you wont be alone when you transition.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIZSxvrdmy8 ( Run from the Cure – Rick Simpson’s Hemp Oil – KeepSharing ) Rick simpson came up with this amazing idea of the hemp oil. As we know cannabis is illegal in many countries. But it has through out history been a well known plant , that can cure many diseases , Cancer is one of them. Many people have been cured by this amazing plant. Its WORTH looking into. look up Kristina marie on youtube, she has a brain tumor too , doctors gave her only 5 years to live in. She choose to stop with the western medicine because it made her even more sick, and she started on the rick simpson oil, and since then her tumor has shrunk and she feels healthier than ever.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U231AUP1xBs (kristina marie making the oil that helps cure her from cancer) you can look on her other videos, and see her testimony. its really inspiring.

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  12. Pingback: Tom Attwater Is Dying. His Daughter Might Die, Too. The Letter He Left For Her Is Unforgettable. | Kevin DiMinno – Social_Media_Real_Estate_CT

  14. Drinking dairy promotes the growth of cancer, change your dairy products to soy or rice milk products to put the cancer into remission.

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  15. Pingback: Kindness Blog Thanks You! | Kindness Blog

  17. This is so heart breaking! Just remember tom, there are amazing places like St. Jude’s that help families of children with cancer… They don’t charge the families. Enjoy the time you have left with your family, make it the best time of your life! God bless!

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  21. Pingback: » Tom Attwater Is Dying. His Daughter Might Die, Too. The Letter He Left For Her Is Unforgettable.

  22. Who is handling the money here…where is the accountability of the funds. So moving I just want to be sure it is handled correctly.

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  25. This is such a beautiful letter, but my heart feels heavy with a few concerns. What if your daughter finds herself drawn to other forms of connection and love – not marriage. I am afraid she will then feel like she has disappointed you. What if she is gay? This especially worries me – reading a letter from your father so heavy with wishes and thoughts about your future boyfriends and husband, when you are grappling with coming to terms with your sexuality. I hope you will add something in that assures her that the most important thing is your love for her and that she should be sure to know that that will never fade, no matter what she chooses to do in life, or, especially, who she loves (no matter their gender).
    I think this is so important considering the letter is so heavy on relationships and learning about love and dating, and the like. Please make sure she knows this.
    Best.

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  28. Pingback: Tom Attwater, Dying of Cancer, Reads the Letter he Wrote to His Daughter Kelli | Kindness Blog

  29. tom u are an amazing daddy,this has touched me in a way I cant control my emotions ,I wish u the best of luck,and for the little misses ,lets spread this letter and help this little princess ,so she can live a long life and fore fill her daddys dreams ,he has for her,,kell your dady is wright , there maybe a day that u think he may be wrong ,but u will look back to see he is wright,, god please give this family the will to get through this ,,,bless them with all there love ,and give them the time needed to get kell in the right direction ,,,,lord with ur will and power guide and look over this family,,,in Jesus name amen,,

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  30. Pingback: An Incredibly Heartbreaking/Heartwarming Letter | What I Learned Last Night
  31. Pingback: An Incredibly Heartbreaking/Heartwarming Letter | because happy is beautiful

  34. Does anyone know how i can reach Tom, I can refer him to someone that may be able to help and also direct him to ways where the treatment may be covered? For now check out the following: ww.rationaltherapeutics.com/about/index.aspx
    yixivillar@yahoo.com

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  44. What an amazing and beautiful story. I lost my father when I was 8, not to cancer but to murder. Either way, growing up without my dad was hard, it still is. I pray for this family and their beautiful little girl. A friend of mine lost her daughter to brain cancer last week. It is such a heartbreaking thing. No child should ever have to deal with such sadness and pain.

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    1. Thank you for sharing from your own life experience and so sorry to hear of the loss of your father 😦

      If you ever want to share further about your experiences and what you have learned from such a hard experience, please contact us.

      Best, Mike.

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      1. Thank you very much. It took me a long time to talk about it. But with time I have become comfortable because I know it is an experience that can teach others and it helps me let out the pain instead of balling it up.

        I would definitely love to share my story further.

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  48. Pingback: Tom Attwater Is Dying. His Daughter Might Die, Too. The Letter He Left For Her Is Unforgettable. | Petty Thoughts

  50. That’s one of the most beautiful letters I’ve ever read. I wish the family the best and hope Kelli fights through it all. She seems like such a strong child. She’s so young but has gone through so much. I’ll make sure to share this via Facebook and Google. Stories like these are just heartwarming and really forces you evaluate your own life.

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