By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Friends and family of Westborough native Tom McDonald, 56, are organizing a fundraiser event to help cover medical expenses following his diagnosis with stage 3 inoperable lung cancer in November.
The event will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 17 Willow St., Westborough, from 6-11:30 p.m. It will feature appetizers, desserts, raffle baskets and a cash bar. The local band Three of a Kind will perform music that will appeal to all ages. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door, as well as in advance online at https://tommcdonald-benefit.eventbrite.com.
McDonald is self-employed and owns a remodeling and construction business. He is no longer able to work due to his illness and aggressive treatments. It is becoming difficult to meet the financial responsibilities of medical bills and rent.
Longtime family friend Sandra Fisher has created a GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/4ro66mg) to help lessen some of the financial stress the family is facing. Donors to the page have left McDonald and his family positive messages, thoughts and prayers as his battle continues.
“Tom has always been a generous and compassionate person that loves being surrounded by his family and friends,” said Fisher on the page. “His love of music is almost unparalleled by most people’s standards. His passion for music, life and politics is only a small part of the whole that makes him loved by so many of us.”
McDonald and his wife Eileen are both very appreciative of all the love and support surrounding them these past few months and said it helps to brighten up the day.
Eileen is also a Westborough native and met her future husband when she was just 4 years old. They have been married for 20 years. She is currently working two jobs as well as being Tom’s caregiver.
“Tom has always been active, healthy and always doing something work related,” she said. “We are thinking positive, hoping and praying every day. It’s difficult. You think of the reality of it; it’s in your face 24 hours a day.”
She is hoping that the fundraising event also brings awareness to lung cancer as it affects so many people.
“It affects more people than we imagine,” she said.
Three of a Kind band members Ron Taddeo, Jimi McGee and Mark Sabin are donating their time and musical talents to the effort.
“Tommy is a good soul and a solid guy,” said one of the event’s organizers and family friend Mary Grace Wood. “He loves music and has a great sense of humor. He’s a quiet guy and never wanted the limelight for himself. This is what you do for friends.”