Dear friends,

I’m reaching out to you in the event of a personal tragedy. On January 20th, 2019, my father Sosa Thomas left this world.  He was suffering from Stage 4 Leukemia and survived less than 3 months after diagnosis. My family was intensely involved in the treatment process, with many sleepless nights and trips to the hospital. Despite a combination of both chemo and alternative therapies, he caught a fatal infection. In his last days, he could not even speak.

My family is overcome with loss and needs some time to grieve and pick up the pieces. I left my job and came to Bangalore to be with my dad during his treatment. Between the loss of income and the costs of treatment, we have exhausted all our money. The medical treatments would not have even been possible if not for the generous help from family and friends, to whom we are deeply indebted in love and in kind. Financially and in every way, we are on the precipice. Any buffer we can get will help us as we rebuild our lives.

I am utterly humbled by this experience, and reminded as vividly as possible that whatever I am, whatever I have, is by grace alone. His last few months were a powerful reminder of grace, and the magnanimity of family and community. It has also got me feeling more motivated than ever to be an instrument of grace in others’ lives, and thus continue the legacy my dad left behind. He was a man who gave generously even when he had little.

Anything you can contribute will be deeply appreciated and remembered.  If you are not able to contribute financially, that is totally fine. We could use all the love and positive vibes we can get.

Only love,
Philemon