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

  2. If this is true, in a way I hope it is not, there is hope for this family. Even the father. I wish i could get back to them. There is a therapy called “The Gerson Therapy,” Instead of sharing his story, somebody should help him find a happy ending for both him and his daughter. The the therapy has had a 100% cure rate with now returns. It completely obliterates cancer by using the bodies own immune system by boosting using a vegetarian diet, juicing, vitamins and other organic things. It could save their lives if the government didn’t always try to keep it out of the mainstream media. https://gerson.org/gerpress/the-gerson-therapy/

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    1. I was thinking the exact same thing! It doesn’t have to be this way, they have help! I feel this way about every cancer story. Often hitting home as I know many who have/had it. Many using traditional Chemo and other sorts. Thanks for posting this!

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    2. I do not agree with you. 1 example: Michael Landen had cancer and tried this method. Did not work. He died of cancer anyway.

      Thank you for giving something your Kelli will always treasure. Your heart in that letter, very good avice, your video so she will never forget your voice, presents, and most of all, your love. Thank you for sharing these private moments w/us, the rest of the world.

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      1. I believe that God knows when it is your time to go. I also believe in keeping an opened mind. What may not work for one person may work for another. I watched my sister in law go through chemo, radiation and surgery and she still passed away. The chemo alone made her suffer more then the actual Cancer. I say, go for the natural way!! At least, even if you do go, you don’t get the horrible thresh and scabbing, hair loss and over all pain and fatigue. My point is, is sometimes even chemo doesn’t work.

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      2. One example? C’mon. This isn’t foolproof. There is no guarantee, but it gives your body the best chance at fighting whatever illness, disease, or cancer you might have. Do you even know the success rate of traditional medicines?

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      3. Michael Landon tried Gerson Therapy, but then stopped and turned to conventional treatment. He did not follow the full treatment. It absolutely works, but because big pharma in the U.S. wants to keep making billions off of dying people, they scare patients into believing chemo and radiation are the best options. Big pharma killed Michael Landon and many others who are scared into drug therapies that kill them.

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    3. As I agree with your idea of ‘The Gerson Tharapy’, to suggest that this may not even be true is sad. It is against to law to collect donations for anything that is not true. If this family were to see that statement, it may offend them.

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    4. Is there any evidence whatsoever that this “Gerson Therapy” works? I mean proper scientific evidence? I find it disgusting that you would sell this scam to anyone, particularly people with cancer who may be desperate for answers. I admit that modern day medicine is not 100% fool-proof and does not always work (I am a medical student and have sadly seen people die of cancer), but please do not advertise the selling of hope! At least with medicine, there is both hope, and a chance that it will work.

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      1. Typical orthodox view. Of course there is scientific evidence. Look up GreenMedInfo, they have a ton of proper studies and everything on everything natural. Plus it makes sense.. Look at all the Chinese remedies that have been there for hundreds of years that cure plenty of stuff. Sadly most doctors are taught that only modern day “medicine” can cure things, but of course always come with side effects. Most medications have natural rooted ingredients. Synthetic stuff is never as good. Don’t just go off of pharmacy sponsored research. There is too much evidence to support or at least validate Natural Medicine..

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      2. Did you know that the major drug companies are stopping the cure for cancer? Dr Rath has a case against them because of this in the international court in hague. Do you know why after the 1st or 2nd world war, the drug companies were fined heavily for holding back cures. Do you know how much the drug companies stand to lose if the cure was allowed? 40 billion a month. Check out Dr Raths open videos on you tube explaining this.

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      3. Obviously being a medical student you are blinded by all the crap they are teaching you. Docs don’t want you to no these things, nor do the pharmesueticals. If you would only look at the alternative methods. I have already told my family I will not receive chemo or radiation should I get cancer. I will fight it aggressively through herbs and organics, which I use already. My mom past away 2 weeks ago today, western medicine did her no good! I pray for this family!

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    5. wow there is a cure for cancer that has 100% cure rate. Too bad Steve Jobs one of the richest, and smartest men in the world didn’t know about it. I understand there are alternative cures that have some success, but 100% and the government and all the doctors and cancer researchers of the world are managing to keep it a secret? Give your head a shake.

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  6. Screw you, Mitchell Philips-Walker. You think a vegetarian diet, juicing, and vitamins will save someone dying of cancer? I’m sure doctors make cancer patients go through radiation and/or chemotherapy, and let terminal patients die, because they don’t want anyone to find out all they had to do was eat healthier! I’m sure if this man had a dime for every time someone suggested he change his diet to magically cure his cancer, he would have enough money to pay for his daughter’s treatment.
    Ignorant people like you make me want to vomit.

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    1. Clearly you haven’t looked up Science based evidence of treatments like “Gerson Therapy”. My mom was cured of cancer because of the natural route. You also don’t have much of an education on food in general as they have many healing properties. Please don’t be ignorant and take the time to study this. The doctors may not be that way, but the big company’s are. To think that all doctors and companies are in it to save lives is quite ignorant to be honest. Just look at abortion doctors and how big their wallets are! Not to mention how much drug companies make off of the worlds sickness, on a lesser scale though as its not life or death in a short period of time. People like you make me sad.

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      1. This Gerson Therapy, is this the same as what I heard from China. Cause they have this treatment there where the patient no longer needs to undergo chemotherapy as it kills the good and bad cells in our body making the immune system to go down. In China with their treatment the only focus to eliminate the bad cells and strengthens the good ones. By the way may I just ask if someone here knows from where this family are? I am currently online with this Center of Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou been asking them what they can do bout this case.

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      2. Juicing marijuana is curing tumors. The plant has no psychoactive properties when its fresh and not dried or burned. It is especially effective against tumors.

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      3. Sorry but I think you are talking shit two my dad found out he had cancer in October 2012 he was told he could not have chemo he past away 3months later at the age of 55 he all ways ate his veg never drank never smoked or ate un healthy food never got I’ll then all ov a sudden he got cancer and lasted 3months sorry but eating healthy does not cure cancer

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      4. Kath: It could be. Look it up! Gerson’s philosophy was using vegetables and fruits only with enemas!

        Haven’t heard of that Sarah, I’ll check it out!

        Natalie, just eating “veggies” won’t cure cancer, you have to follow The Gerson Therapy. Sorry for your loss though. Just don’t assumed eating some “veggies” will help anything. Not to mention all the terrible foods out there that you think are OK, that really aid cancer. Sugar is a big contributor as well, not just smoking and drinking.

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    1. I no what your saying thanks but the thing is my dad was a big health freak he told me all my life never eat food with lots of sugar always look at every thing that goes in your food befor you buy and allways ask we’re it came from and he did not just eat some veg he ate veg I’ve never seen be for sorry I’m just not convinced

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      1. Well that’s fine, I’m really not here to convince you. Although I believe in the natural route it isn’t full proof or guaranteed. But it gives your body the best chance for survival. And a MUCH better alternative to Chemo and Radiation. There success rates are lower than my chances of becoming an F1 racer.

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  11. In Jesus name! you will be healed Tom!!!
    dont lose ur hope!keep ur faith and entrust ur life to the God who does everything,who heals every sickness and who comforts every weary hearts…
    i will pray for ur fast recovery coz i believe that today God will perform a miracle to u n ur daughter at this very moment

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  14. So beautifull 🙂 I hope toms daughter gets better soon sending love to her and her family toms daughter is going to miss her daddy xxx

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  16. The letter Tom has left his daughter is something she can always read, let’s hope he has many years before Kelli gets the letter. Xx

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  19. I don’t know where Tom and his family actually live but I believe it must be somewhere in the UK because of the words he uses and the fact that he spoke of the thousands of pounds (British Currency) raised by people to help his daughter
    My thoughts and prayers are with this family

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  20. It was sad read 2 read it life is unfair reading that brought it back for my husband Jeff was 43 he had grade 4 brain tumour and he was a fab dad 2 his 2 year old like boy and 3 year old little girl and he was the best husband ever and Jeff passed away last your on the 9 of April and they is not a day day goes by that I never forget him and now I blame me was there any more I could for him

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  21. Oh my gosh, I cried so hard the whole time while reading this post! I wish you both the best of luck in your life and eventually your deceased lives 🙂

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  22. In God all things are possible.Satan likes to shake or shatter our faith. God says blessed are those who believe in me, for they will see the kingdom of God. You never know who God will use to show us, the people are nothing without God. Tom and his family shows us their faith. I believe God is watching over this family. You never know how many people will be touched because of this.God works in mysterious ways. I believe God will bless this family for their strong faith.So i will continue to pray for them.

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  23. My heart goes out to you. There are signs for those who want to see it. This website has a Netherlands cancer lab address where we got a non medicinal natural cure for my sister in England. She was cured of 4th stage cancer in 2 months. Trust the lord for he cures.
    bless you all.

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  24. I really cried after I read this. A lot. Ive seen my aunt and my friend suffered from terminal cancer. What doctors had foretold about their illness was proved wrong when Im seeinh them live more than the term they were given.My friend was just 17 then she is 37 now.my aunt was given 3 months to live that was last 2007. She is well alive to see her grand kids now. We cannot fathom how God works His wonders. I hope Tom will be more than inspired to do what he’s got to do but God has a better planbetter.My prayers is for you dad anf child to have longer years to spend together. May His will be done. God bless you Tom and Kelli and your mom.

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  26. Pingback: Tom Attwater Is Dying. His Daughter Might Die, Too. The Letter He Left For Her Is Unforgettable. | MOONSIDE
  28. Pingback: Not So Mundane Monday – Letter of a Dying Father « Previntage's Blog

  30. This is very sad that a child only five year old and she has cancer and her father i feel sorry for there family what will they be going through only they know we don’t know only one way to soet this problem out if you read then give money to them it will be a very good help for then to do they treatment

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  37. Tom,let me quickly say this to you,you will not die but live to declare the glory of God in the land of the living,have u heard about the master healer?His name is JESUS CHRIST,your case is not above him,its on record that he healed and still healing all manner of sicknesses and diseases he comes accross,irrespective of your doctors report,if you really want your life and that of your sweet daughter saved,take her now and run to him,he ministers in every living church,i have seen him @work in the SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS in Nigeria(west africa). The plan of the devil is to wipe off your generation but Jesus is waiting to give you life in abundance.

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  40. Reblogged this on Going for Gold and commented:

    So nothing at all to do with Gaisce, but this is so sad! However, it puts everything into perspective and the letter Tom writes to his daughter is so heart-wrenching, yet I feel the entire post serves to be an inspiration to us all, not just advice to an older Kelli.

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  42. This is a very touching letter and I hope the two of you pull through because cancer is a horrible thing and no one deserves to have it xx

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  43. Would trying rick Simpsons cannibis oil b worth trying.. U have nothing to lose.. I personally in ur situation would try anything.. Medical cannabis oil Is legal in over 21 states in America parents with children as young as 8 months old have fought for their child to have it wen there’s been no hope.. It’s worth looking into.. It’s noted to shrink tumours sometimes by 100% kids are surviving cancers using this.. So are adults.. Why do u think it’s now legal because the results can’t b denied

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  44. I wish people would just take this for what it is, a beautiful article. A precious moment for this man to leave behind something amazing for his daughter.
    This is no place to discuss all of your personal opinions on treatment you think he needs. You assume that this man has done nothing to save himself? Cut it out, and quite ruining this beautiful story.

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  46. What an inspiration Tom is to his wife and his daughter and all his family and friends and many more people in the world. I saw this lovely family on the this morning tv programme, so sad and very brave. My heart goes out to Tom and his family. I hope you get lots more time together. How amazingly selfless of Tom to put his daughters needs before his own. Much respect and best wishes to them all. Xxxxx

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  49. I have read the article and am crying because its so sad.It makes me wonder many things about life in terms of questions but i cant get the answers.All i know is that God is in control of our lives and future.Despite the challenging times Toms has and is facing, God is there.

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