Tom Attwater, 32, is suffering from brain cancer and has battled his deteriorating health condition in order to raise money for his own stepdaughter, Kelli's cancer treatment. The five-year old girl has just begun treatment a few months before he was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer.
Despite his illness and deteriorating health, he has raised nearly $1 million for Kelli. Tom married Kelli's mother eight months ago and has loved the little girl as if she were his own. He wants to ensure that Kelli's cancer would not relapse again so he wants her to undergo the pioneering medical treatment she needs.
"I feel elated. When I saw the figures at 100 percent to target on JustGiving I was in such shock I didn't know whether to laugh or cry," Tom told the Daily Mail.
Attwater and Kelli's mother are expecting a baby in May. It was in his bucket list to have a baby but he is sad that he might be not around to witness the baby's journey to childbirth. However, at the top of his bucket list, was to raise money for Kelli's treatment.
"Time is running out for me, and my health is declining. But I can now spend my time in peace, enjoying my family safe in the knowledge that I have done my best to give Kelli a chance of a long and happy life," he added.
Tom said that Mirror readers played a major role in boosting the charity fund of Tom wherein thousands of donations and messages were sent. He said, "Mirror readers have been so kind to us and helped us enormously. For every single person that donated, and there have been thousands, thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Aside from his terminal illness, he is also suffering from daily seizures that often leave him bedridden. Several treatments have also made his body weak and fatigued. It was his promise to never fail Kelli and he has done it. However, his only regret is that he will not be able to walk Kelli down the aisle someday.
Donations are still being accepted but will be used for Neuroblastoma research. Donations can be given by visiting www.justgiving.com/helpkelli.
