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When Tom Mills (60) of Ringwood, New Jersey learned that his 13-year-old grandson Derek was afflicted with Nephrotic Syndrome, he decided to help find a cure by raising money through an unconventional fundraiser.
 Tom is determined to skydive for Derek, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, to support the NephCure Foundation in its mission to save kidneys and to save lives. His goal is to raise $10,000 or more which will be put towards kidney disease research and public awareness efforts!
On September 8th, Tom will depart from Sussex County Airport in Sussex, New Jersey at 10 a.m. He will perform a tandem skydive and will be securely fastened to an instructor.
Everyone is invited to participate. Come, watch and cheer Tom on when he jumps out of the airplane and help him achieving his fundraising goal!
Even non-Adrenaline-Fanatics can participate in Dive for Derek. Click on the "Donate Online" button below and help Tom achieve his fundraising goal!
Tom in the News:
Granddad to skydive to help his grandson
March 2007. Four years ago, borough resident Tom Mills suffered a debilitating back injury that would dramatically change his life and the lives of so many around him.
Soon after his back went out, he fell ill with pneumonia and his health quickly worsened to the point where he almost needed a ventilator just to stay alive.
Only several years removed from the brink of death, Mills now has a new outlook on life. Turning his own misfortune upside down, he is dedicated to helping others in any way that he can –even if it means risking his life by jumping out of a plane.
Despite lingering health effects from his injury and other conditions, including anxiety disorder, the 60-year-old optimistic grandfather is committed to going skydiving. He is taking the plunge to bring attention and gather donations for Nephcure, a nonprofit organization committed to seeking a cure for two potentially devastating kidney conditions.
Mills is seeking to help his 13- year- old grandson, Derek, whom doctors diagnosed with one of those kidney conditions- when he was 5 years old. The disease, which usually affects young children between 2 and 5, restricts the kidney’s ability to clean the blood and rid the body of waste and excess water.
When the kidneys become diseased, they can malfunction and get rid of vital things needed by the body such as blood cells and protein. The protein imbalance usually causes swelling around the eyes, belly or legs as water moves into the body tissues of children with the syndrome.
While the condition generally isn’t life threatening and most children grow out of the disease in their late teens, there is no specific cure. In addition, it is common for children to relapse, and the disorder can reappear several years after the effects have gone away. That was the case with Derek.
When Mills learned that his grandson was suffering from reoccurring effects of the syndrome, he wanted to help, but wasn’t sure how.
He thought if he went skydiving, people might be more willing to donate their support. He also thought that raising money and awareness for Nephrotic Syndrome would give hope to future children who may suffer from the disease.
“I knew I wanted to help out other people, but I didn’t know what to do or how to go about it,”said Mills. “This is something different and I think it’s going to add to their interest.
The fundraiser, nicknamed “Dive for Derek” is set for 10 am. June 23* at Sussex County Airport. Mills and his wife, Sue welcome anyone who would like to come. Those wishing to give a donation can log onto Nephcure.org and pledge their support.
Mills is glad to talk to anyone about the cause and answer questions people may have. He can be reached at 973-835-4486 or tommymills149@aol.com
When he isn’t thinking about jumping out of planes, Mills spends his time helping others. After battling health issues, he tried to return to a normal work routine but was unable. He eventually came to terms with early retirement.
Relegated to a couch for an extended period of time after the injury, Mills started selling Beatle memorabilia to make money. But the business wasn’t as lucrative as he had hoped nor did it fulfill his desire to help others.
Looking to make the most of his time, Mills eventually discovered that he could make a little money while brightening other people’s lives. He works for Home Instead Senior Care, a companionship and home-care service company based in Teaneck.
While he doesn’t provide any medical benefits to patients, Mills visits sick and often suffering elderly. He brings a spark of enthusiasm to this sometimes hopeless situations with his soft spoken, compassionate nature.
“It’s tough, but it’s a rewarding thing,” says Mills.” You walk out every day and you just feel it in your heart that like you’re really helping people.”
In his extra time, Mills has been trying to spread the word about his upcoming skydiving fundraiser however he can. He has been posting flyers, contacting friends and family and even writing to large companies in hopes of building as much financial support as possible.
He is looking to raise a minimum of $2500 but thinks $10,000 wouldn’t be out of the question.
As for his fear of heights and health concerns, he doesn’t worry too much. After all, his doctor has given him the okay.
But most importantly, Derek is excited about the jump.
“That’s cool. That would be great,” Derek said when he heard what his grandfather was planning to do.
(c) Suburban Trends/North Jersey Media Group/Staff Writer Tim Fox.
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*NEW DATE: September 8th, 2007
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