The Pacific Northwest Relocation Family

The relocation industry is a close, active and giving community, with strong and dedicated leaders.  Jocelyn Rockstrom of One to One Relocation, is one of those dedicated leaders who has served on the Board of Directors for both the PNwRC and the PRC.   

 On May 13, 2009, Jocelyn and her husband Jeff welcomed their first son, Thomas Dean Blize.  Tommy was a beautiful newborn, and we celebrated along with Jocelyn and Jeff.  Two weeks later at Tommy’s first doctor’s appointment, his parents received the difficult news that a mass had been identified.  Shortly thereafter, Tommy was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, one of the more common forms of early childhood cancer.  Tommy was very fortunate that a vigilant doctor identified the cancer in its early stages, and a treatment plan was immediately established.  Tommy had his first surgery on June 2^nd, and 95% of the tumor surrounding his right kidney was removed.  His oncologists felt very positive about the outcome of the surgery, and began to outline the next steps in Tommy’s recovery. 

 The next three months for Jeff and Jocelyn were entirely focused on Tommy’s care.  June especially was an intense and action-filled month, including a nearly constant regimen of doctor visits, MRI’s, and blood or urine tests.  For Jeff and Jocelyn, June was a physical and emotional journey.  Many of their days were spent in waiting rooms, and their nights were passed on the pullout recliners reserved for those for whom going home is not an option.  Through several weeks filled with tubes, monitors, and intense decisions, the results of Tommy’s tests were consistently positive.  There were no signs that the cancer had spread.  Tommy was eating well and growing at a healthy pace.  His pictures showed the world his handsome features and beautiful smile, and we smiled along with him.

For the last six months, many of us have been following Tommy’s progress through his website (www.caringbridge.org/visit/thomasdeanblize) .  We hungered for the email notifications which signified a new journal entry was there for us, and we were continually encouraged by the good news that came from Tommy’s progress reports.  Through all of his tests and appointments, Tommy grew, and gained weight, and developed a personality which we came to know through the pictures Jeff and Jocelyn posted on the site.  We smiled as we read and hoped for the outcome that had been suggested shortly after his surgery – that the tumor would become benign and eventually disappear on its own, as sometimes occurs with this type of cancer. 

On Friday, December 4^th, we learned this outcome is not yet within reach.  Jocelyn and Jeff were informed that two new tumors have grown from the remnants of the original tumor  – one is about the size of his kidney, and the other is smaller.  On December 9^th, a second review of the MRI results revealed more tough news – a third tumor may have formed on the right side of Tommy’s body.  If confirmed, that would move Tommy’s situation from stage 2 to stage 3. 

 The next 30 days for Tommy will include another surgery and a new, more intensive treatment plan.  For his parents, the next 30 days will once again include a journey of waiting rooms, big decisions, and nights on pullout recliners.

For those of us who are close to Jeff, Jocelyn and Tommy, the feeling of helplessness is overwhelming.  From our desks and our kitchens, our hearts are with them, but we wish we could do more.  This summary is for those who share our feelings of helplessness and are looking for meaningful ways to support Tommy, Jocelyn, and Jeff.  As you can imagine, medical bills are mounting for the family.  The costs for all his procedures are significantly higher for an infant than for an adult, often requiring anesthesiology and additional supporting staff because of his age. 

One of the ways we can participate is to help reduce their financial stress so they can concentrate entirely on Tommy’s care.  A fund has been established to provide a resource for Jeff and Jocelyn for some of their medical expenses.  Donation checks can be made out to:

Thomas Dean Blize

P.O. Box 596

North Bend, WA 98045 

All donations will be used to cover medical expenses.  Donation amounts will remain anonymous and any donation in any amount is greatly appreciated. 

In the meantime, Tommy’s CaringBridge site is a great way to stay connected and keep up to date with the latest developments.  It also includes a guest book that gives us a chance to show Jeff and Jocelyn that we are always there with emotional support.

Thanks so much for caring and being there in meaningful ways for Jeff, Jocelyn and Tommy – your support makes all the difference.

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