Goodwill

Thomas Hill

His boss says there isn’t anyone at work Thomas doesn’t match in pace and stamina.

He thought it was only some type of congestion. He was coughing some, his chest had tightness. Questionable X-Rays led to a CAT scan which revealed far worse than the expected pneumonia. “Turns out I had stage four cancer in three places – my lungs, spleen and kidneys.” Thomas Hill, who was well into his 60’s, got the news that treatment had to start the very next day. “The doctor said the cancer cells were aggressive and growing quickly.” He began a six-month chemotherapy regimen almost immediately. The journey to wellness was as hard as any he haad taken in his life.

 As a youngster, no older than 7 years old, he joined other members of his family picking cotton and fruit. Born in Bakersfield, California, he quickly learned migrant farm labor carried great expectations. “It was very hard work, and we were expected to be fast.” Despite the enormous, back-breaking task, he had to take the lead, being the oldest of his nine brothers and sisters.

 At 19, Thomas was drafted into what was called the Cold War. For two years he was part of the Army Artillery. The Korean War had ended and he served his country stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After his military service, from age 21 to 65, Thomas worked as a journeyman in cement construction building high rises and highway bridges. He married, divorced and married again. Along the way, his family grew from sons and daughters to grandchildren to
great-grandchildren.         

 “As I went through the cancer treatment, it was scary. My family and my faith were always in my thoughts.” Thomas was quarantined part of the time and lived through a 107 degree temperature. Miraculously, he suffered no brain damage. “After making it through, I decided to retire. Fish and catch whatever was biting.” But the man who had worked since 1st grade grew bored.

 In July 2008, at 70 years old, Thomas Hill joined the Oregon City Goodwill as a store donation attendant. “I wake up thankful, everyday.” His boss says there isn’t anyone at work Thomas doesn’t match in pace and stamina. His doctor told him it usually takes a person five years to become cancer-free. “I did it in three!”

 Thomas still gets nervous when he thinks about the cancer coming back. A friend of his died from the disease that Thomas seems to have licked so far. “I keep my faith and don’t take for granted being able to move. I like seeing our regular donors and I like feeling good, I really do.” The 72-year old may retire at 75, but then again, he may just keep pushing forward. “I have been lucky in health and being able to work hard is part of that gift. As long as my health holds,
I don’t see myself slowing down.” Good luck Thomas!