Thomas (a.k.a. “Tomalodon”) is vibrant kid who loves the water and sharks, in particular. His favorite shark has always been the powerful and strong Megalodon. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of four. The day before treatment started, he said, “I am bigger and stronger than the Megalodon – I am the Tomalodon!” And Tomalodon was born. He endured 10 rounds of chemo, 28 days of proton therapy, hospital stays, and hair loss. He beat cancer in 2018 but relapsed in November 2022. The repeat diagnosis astounded us and left us broken with so many questions. However, Thomas handled the news like a warrior. He was covered in prayer and always positive. Instead of being a “regular” eight-year-old that should be playing soccer, hockey and football, Thomas was starting chemotherapy again for the second time. This time around, Thomas had to have a 12-hour lifesaving surgery. Prior to his surgery, the medical team created a 3D image of his head so that they could continually practice the exact surgery due to the high-risk nature of it. The surgery required three separate surgeons and a month-long recovery that was grueling for Thomas and heart wrenching to watch. Awareness is the key to funding and research. That is why when you purchase a Tomalodon shirt or sweatshirt by Buoy 4, 15% goes directly to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The ribbon was inspired by Thomas. Since he defeated cancer two times, there are two shark bites! https://buoy4.com/pages/team-store-tomalodon