Community Hero Tom Adams Seeks a Hero of His Own
By Sonya Newman
Ashland Beacon
There’s something really special about someone who has a long history of selflessly giving over the course of decades. That in and of itself is worthy of honor, but what happens when that person finds themselves needing a selfless giver? Donate Life America established National Donate Life Month in 2003, and each April there’s a push to raise awareness to encourage people to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and to honor those whose lives have been dramatically affected by the gift of donation.
Tom Adams has been a selfless giver his entire adult life. Now, he finds himself being the one in need. After a 30-year battle with diabetes, his kidneys have gradually diminished and medication has awakened his previously dormant kidney disease leaving him on the verge of a life devoted to dialysis treatments. “The disease has slowly gotten worse, and now my kidney function is so bad I qualify for a transplant,” Adams shared, “So finding a living donor is the difference between 15 or more years of a life of good quality or 5-6 years possibly of life with a lot of bad days.”
He’s a husband, father of six, and grandfather of six. Tom is quick to point out, “My family is the greatest gift God ever sent my way.”
His work life has included: a job as orderly in the emergency department, worked his way through paramedic school, worked for Greenup County EMS, joined the Cannonsburg Fire Department and served 29 years until his retirement, and worked with Boyd County EMS until he retired in 2017. Additionally, he served as Executive Director of Boyd Co EMS. As if that weren’t enough, Tom also became an EMS instructor and fire service instructor through KCTCS and the Kentucky Fire Commission, and even taught at Marshall University in their paramedic program. His service extended to being a Regional Coordinator with the Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board where he assisted with disasters like Southern Kentucky flooding and tornados that destroyed parts of Tollesboro and West Liberty. He served on an EMS task force for Kentucky during Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana and was caught in a second hurricane while there. Adams also served on the Kentucky Ambulance Providers Board of Directors, seven years of which he was President. He’s discussed with state lawmakers in Washington D.C. EMS issues and legislation. He’s still active on the Board of Directors for the Summit-Ironville Fire Department and Boyd County EMS. Adams even still finds time to work part time at KDMC with their van ministry.
“I loved my job and career feeling like at times I made an impact on someone,” Tom pointed out, “other times being strongly impacted by what I experienced. After being raised here, raising my family here and working to save and protect the people here, I am proud to be a part of it.”
“My dad makes me want to be a better person every single day,” shared Tom’s daughter Becca Adams through Facebook, “He’s kind, he’s incredibly hard working, he’s brave, and he also has a huge giving heart that spent over 38 years in EMS changing and saving lives in our area.” She also outlined the 5-year waiting list and 100,000 people who are hoping that their lives can be extended. “It’s tough,” Becca revealed, “Time is not on our side, and the only other option is a living kidney donor.” She pointed out that the surgery could be done laparoscopically, recovery for the donor is really quick, and Tom’s insurance will cover all the expenses.
“They say God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers and if anyone can get through this it’s my daddy,” declared daughter Jennifer Bullion from her post on social media, “We will just take all the prayers we can get!”
Family has taken to social media to seek prayer and get help spreading the word about Tom’s urgent need. “I am truly humbled by the outpouring of prayers and concern that has been sent my way,” Adams stated, “I am thankful to the Lord for whatever he has in store for me.”
Bullion shared, “My biggest role model, hero and cheerleader is my daddy, Tom Adams.”
The once lauded WSAZ Hometown Hero, now needs a hometown hero of his own. If you’re reading this and think you may feel compelled to help Tom or his family, you can contact UK Transplant Center at 866.285.4337.
