By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – After receiving a cancer diagnosis, a Tomahawk-area man has used unique art to raise funds for a local organization.
In 2016, Tom Kuehn was diagnosed with smoldering myeloma, which Donna, Tom’s wife, said eventually becomes an incurable blood cancer.
Donna said a local cancer support group, Ties That Bind Us, found out about Tom’s situation and surprised the Kuehns with gas and food cards.
“These were very appreciated,” Donna said.
Tom’s myeloma became active in Dec. 2022, and he began chemotherapy the following month. At that time, Tom was also diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer was only affecting Tom’s prostate, and his prostate was removed in Feb. 2023.
Last October, Tom went through a through a stem cell transplant, which was unsuccessful. However, Donna said Tom’s chemo has helped push him into partial remission.
“He is still holding his own,” Donna stated. “The tests are still continuing to go down, so that is wonderful.”
Tom wanted to give back to the organization that helped his family. He got the idea to carve and paint purple carrots and string them onto necklaces to give out for donations, with all proceeds going to Ties That Bind Us.
Tom dubbed his fundraising efforts “Care a Patch.” He started with 100 necklaces, and he raised nearly $250.00 for the group after giving away about 40 necklaces.
Donna explained that Tom is a member of the Tomahawk Farm and Flea Market, held on Saturdays at Qualheim’s True Value in Tomahawk. At the market, Tom set up a small stand dedicated to Care a Patch, where market-goers could donate and pick up necklaces.
When Tom was unable to attend the market, other vendors helped out by taking care of his necklace stand, Donna noted.
This year, Tom set a goal: he wanted to give away 108 necklaces. Tom recently hit his mark, and he was able to raise $641.50 for Ties That Bind Us.
Tom said he plans on holding the Care a Patch fundraiser again next year.
