Why we are raising money for 'Healing Tom'

Tom Carver, until January 16, 2013, was a very healthy young guy and was in top form. He was athletic and took good care of himself, being fond of bodybuilding. He even helped many people overcome weight problems and lack of self esteem, teaching them how they can succeed in their struggle to get fit and improve their physical appearance.

He had passed all the tests to get the title of a beach life guard, in spite of suffering a lung disease. He was in the prime of his life, at the age of 21. He has always been a great guy, generous, loved and admired by all who have known him, for his good character and determination to achieve all his goals.
 
On January 16, 2013, his world turned upside down. He had been ill with a virus, for some time and this had left him with what appeared to be a bad cough. However, neither Tom nor his family realised that he had developed pneumonia and during that night, Tom was very ill and lost consciousness. Tom's mother raised the alarm when she could not wake him up the next morning and he was immediately transferred by ambulance to "hospital Dr. Jose Molina Orosa" General Hospital, Arrecife.

He was admitted to intensive care with a diagnosis of sepsis as a result hypoxic brain injury, and was in high risk of a unilateral organ failure. His heart, kidneys and liver were swollen and were on the way to shutting down. A fantastic job was done by the entire hospital team, in order to prevent the worst from happening.

He remained in intensive care for more than two weeks and when stabilised, he was transferred to the general ward, in a state of coma. The hospital did a great job to save the life of Tom and attend to the care he needs.
 
 Despite the good care he has received, the hospital did not have the appropriate specialists as therapists for rehabilitation.
 
 Tom needed a specialised neurological rehabilitation, with the help of a multi disciplinary team of specialists who will give him the best chance to regain a quality of life and, God willing, independence that he deserves.
 
 Currently Tom cannot move his limbs spontaneously, although he has some grip in one hand. He cannot speak, however he is showing positive signs of trying to communicate by making noises, recognising images and smiling and laughing at the comments of the people who come to see him.

The good news is that Tom is very strong in mind and body and has been showing signs in recent weeks of his tremendous strength of will to fight, participate in rehabilitation and potentially start this long and hard road towards the best possible result.

Tom is a very well loved by his family, girlfriend and friends. He has great strength, with all the love and support of his family and friends, and this is something that will help, in many different ways, along the road to a full recovery.
 
On behalf of Thomas we thank you all for the great amount of support and love you have given so far and constant love, kindness for the future, the goal of 'Healing Tom'.
 
After many hours of research, it was concluded that the most appropriate specialist centre, for this purpose, is the "Queen Elizabeth Foundation" in Banstead, Surrey, in southern England.
 
 Tom needs more than 13,000 euros per month (£10,000), for the required treatment, for a minimum period of at least six months. This amount of money is out of our reach, but we have a chance to raise it, with your help.
 
We appreciate your help with all our heart. Together, we will put him back on his own feet, and capable of communication, as God intended.

Thank you x