PERU — If there is anything bigger in this world than Tommy Condon's determination, it's gotta be his heart.
Condon, who has doggedly battled leukemia over the past several months while also preparing his strategy for dealing with prostate cancer, has not taken a moment's break from the benevolent activities he has been involved in for decades.
As co-owner of Tommy Condon Tours with his wife, Pat, he travels to the Dominican Republic for annual vacations, trips that always include spending time with and providing school supplies and other needs for the needy children there.
"He's big-hearted, plain and simple," said Colleen Ryan, a six-year veteran of the February trips. "His attitude and inner strength always give us a big boost."
Ryan and other tour members met with Condon a few days prior to their departure date to pick up school supplies for the kids and to listen to some last-minute instructions from their long-time guide.
"I love traveling with Tommy; he's just so organized," said Karen Kearns, who has participated for the last decade. "He knows what he needs to do, and he's always available for any questions or concerns we have."
Cindy Casey, who also traveled to the Dominican this February, said Tommy is without weakness and has always focused on the positive.
"I think that in itself is healing," she said.
CHEMO CONCLUDED
Sandy and Bernie Tavernia have become close friends with the Condons since they began traveling with Tommy and Pat over a decade ago.
"When he first told us (about his simultaneous battle with two types of cancer), it was quite a shock," Sandy said. "But he doesn't let it get him down. It's remarkable, watching how he has dealt with this. He's not ready to give up. I don't think he ever will be."
Tom Quesnell has known Tommy for 30 years and has great respect for the man.
"He's always been very professional and very positive," Quesnell said. "It's an honor to travel with him and to see what he does for these kids."
Health-wise, Tommy completed his chemotherapy treatments on New Year's Eve. There was actually a delay between his fifth and the final round because his blood-cell counts had dropped below where his oncologist, Dr. Jan Duus, wanted them to be.
After returning from the Dominican Republic during a preliminary visit in December, Tommy had a blood test that showed his counts were right on target.
"So I did my last round during the last week of December, and we finished up on New Year's Eve," he said. "We had a little non-alcoholic champagne and threw a little confetti.
"I can't tell you how wonderful that staff is up there," he added. "One of my withdrawal symptoms from the chemo is that I miss (the staff). They just get so close to you, always have a smile on their faces."
His counts dropped following the final treatment but then rebounded over the next few weeks and should be "perfectly normal" within a few more weeks.
"Tommy is one good patient," Dr. Duus said. "He reads a lot and is well-informed to make decisions. One of the things you try to do as a physician is to teach your patient about the illness, but it's nice when a patient has an understanding as well."
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Tommy knows that his leukemia is not cured but has more or less been stabilized. But within a few years, perhaps as many as five, he will need to return to the chemo lab for more treatments.
Meanwhile, he has decided to undergo radiation treatment for his prostate cancer, which doctors had been managing with hormone therapy during his chemotherapy for his leukemia.
"We're fortunate that both of these cancers did not require immediate, definitive treatment," Duus said. "Once he was diagnosed with the prostate cancer, we knew we needed to come up with a plan, but we were fortunate that they both could be treated in a timely manner."
Duus also praised Tommy's positive attitude, noting that he was always optimistic with any direction his treatments took.
"Pessimism does bad things," he said. "It saps the strength from you. If you're expecting something bad that day, then you're probably going to get something bad."
Tommy expects to continue his tours into the summer with a trip to Switzerland, including lots of time set aside for hiking.
"That's something he's positive about, too."
E-mail Jeff Meyers at: jmeyers@pressrepublican.com
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