Thirty-nine year old Todd Painton was diagnosed with a rare form of ocular melanoma
in January, 2008… almost two years ago. Despite radiation therapy, and periods of
time where his eye was clear of any tumors, recurrences began again in the summer
of 2009. The melanoma became aggressive in August, moving to a lymph node in his
neck, as well as his liver. Todd’s present diagnosis is Stage 4 metastatic melanoma,
and he is currently undergoing a systemic chemotherapy regimen after enduring nine
operations to date.
The family and medical team at Thomas Jefferson in Phila. are exhausting all current
methods of treatment for this form of cancer, before moving on to clinical trials
and potentially more surgery. He is currently on medical leave from work, with very
limited use of his right eye.
Friends say when you ask Todd about his situation, he says “We have been blessed
in so many ways through this challenging time, it’s hard to remember what our life
was like before this, nor would we want it back. There are no guarantees in life,
and we’ve seen love coming from the most unexpected of places.”
Along with his wife Susie, and their four children ( Luke (9), Jacob (8), Sarah
(6), and Hannah (4)), Todd extends his gratitude for all of the meals, cards, gifts,
phone calls, and most importantly…the prayers. The Painton Family Fund has been
established by Todd’s friends as another way to offer the family some help during
this difficult time. The funds will be used for expenses and going concerns for
the family…medical bills, expenses related to travel and treatment, and excursions
and diversions for the kids and Mom. Also, many of the experimental treatments and
potential vaccines that are becoming available will not be covered under insurance.
The Painton family thanks all of you in advance for your continued prayers, and
if you are moved to make a contribution, please follow the PayPal directions or
send a check to the address below:
Todd W. Painton
96 Commerce Dr.
#118
Wyomissing, PA 19610
In all regards, thank you for your continued generosity of spirit.
Sincerely,
Friends and Family of Todd W. Painton