In March I began a series titled Praiseworthy People. Today I’d like to introduce you to my friends, Tom & Lisa Bajoras. Although I’ve only known them for several years, they have made an inspirational impact in my cancer and creativity journey. Through Tom’s compositions and their shared faith, they still find beauty in the midst of life’s hardest milestones-his NET cancer journey.
Meet Tom Bajoras
It is an honor and privilege to introduce Tom Bajoras, composer/musician and fellow NET cancer thriver. Tom’s gift of music has touched the lives of others for over three decades. What does music mean to Tom?
“My oldest memory is of music. I was about three years old, and I remember music in a church. Later that day, I went to the piano in our living room. I was so small that my mother had to lift me up onto the piano bench. I then pounded on the keys, trying to re-create what I’d felt that morning in church. Ever since then, whenever I write music, I’ve been trying to communicate that feeling of being in the presence of beauty. Throughout my life, music has been a constant companion, in good times and in difficult times. Music has been with me at every significant milestone, whether it be my wedding day or the night that my father died. Music elevates joy, and it eases sorrow. And that brings us back to January 2015, the start of the most difficult time I’d ever gone through.“-Tom Bajoras
His Diagnosis
“On January 2, 2015, I had a life-changing experience: I almost died. I was suddenly hospitalized with internal bleeding caused by a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) on my pancreas, which had metastasized my liver. The tumors were crushing my spleen and pressing against a major vein, causing a life-threatening medical emergency. Thanks to some quick and creative thinking by a team of doctors, the bleeding was stopped, but I would need surgery as soon as possible to remove the tumors. And after that… well, no one really knew what would happen after that. One step at a time. The first step was to go home and get as strong and healthy as possible to prepare for surgery. ”
Tom’s marathon began after a major surgery to remove several organs and tumors.
“I’d be lying if I said my faith in God hasn’t been challenged, but that faith has emerged from the ordeal stronger, more mature, and more complex. Similarly, my relationships have deepened with my friends, family, and especially Lisa, my amazing wife, who has walked (and continues to walk) with me on this journey.”
Tom Bajoras
This idea of being “surprised by beauty” became essential to getting through this period. For someone used to a very high level of productivity, it required a complete shift of perspective to accept that on some days a short walk around the neighborhood with my wife would be all I accomplished that day. I remember one day as we were walking, I saw a flower, and I said to Lisa, “Look at that flower! It’s amazing!” It was a common kind of flower I’d probably seen a thousand times before, but this time it really did look amazing. In this moment I realized that even on the worst of days I could find at least one beautiful thing to be thankful for.
Meet Tom’s wife, Lisa
Lisa isn’t JUST an advocate, wife, daughter, TWIN, and wonderful aunt! She has over twelve years of experience as a nurse practitioner hospitalist prior to her husband’s diagnosis with advanced metastatic neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor (NET) in January 2015. With expertise as a healthcare professional, caregiver, and health coach for NET patients, she offers a multifaceted perspective to the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation (formerly LACNETS).
As the Director of Programs & Outreach, Ms. Yen works closely with her team to whip up content for the monthly educational meetings and the big yearly patient education conference. She also gets creative with initiatives like NETCONNECT, the NCF Health Coaching Program, and runs a fun weekly virtual support group for NET, plus a monthly one for caregivers. For all her hard work, she snagged the Monica Warner Award in 2020. Her main goal? To make life better for everyone dealing with NET.
Tom’s Heart-felt Composition
On April 16th, Tom & Lisa celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. In honor of Lisa and their marriage Tom composed a composition, “Our Book, Open Halfway Through” (which will be available on Spotify, Apple, etc. on May 21st; performed by Tom’s friend, Chris Weldon).
The piece is a narrative work based on our marriage. It features six themes representing different emotional states. Three of these are from pieces I previously wrote for her—”Butterfly & Tiger,” “Wedding Processional,” and “Bells”—while the other three are new. Throughout the piece, two themes often occur simultaneously to communicate various combinations of emotions. Additionally, I used a floating barline and frequent meter changes to represent the uncertainty of life and marriage.
The title refers to a poem by Wisława Szymborska: “Every beginning is only a sequel, after all, and the book of events is always open halfway through.” To me, this suggests that all moments of our lives are connected; in a mindfully lived life, we never close the book, but welcome the next page while being grateful for the last. This felt like the perfect description of our marriage.-Tom Bajoras
Tom’s Current Journey
Please join me in sending prayers, well-wishes, and blessings to Tom and Lisa as they travel this week for his 2nd round of liver tumor treatments. Although Tom and Lisa are thrilled to be celebrating his 11th year since diagnosis, he continues to receive multiple treatments that have had huge impacts on both of them. Specifically, pray for Tom’s nausea, weight, blood, bone marrow, and staying infection free! Also, for Lisa’s health and stamina. Through multiple surgeries, procedures, and drainage of lung fluid, he and Lisa continue to find the beauty in everyday lives. They support their family members and continue traveling to seek out further treatments. Faith guides them and they seek to enjoy the beauty and find joy so that cancer and the appointments don’t become their life. Their two furry kids keep them seeking fun and the great outdoors!
Below are links to Tom’s amazing music! You’ll soon become a fan, too!
On Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tom-bajoras/302512692
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/44bXOwJG19kwDp2chBPi6j
Tom was kind enough to allow me to record a few prayers with his beautiful music. These guide my meditations and propel my praise to our Heavenly Father!
A Daily Prayer – Flannel with Faith
The song, “Sorrow”, in the prayer is in a minor key. His song, “Joy”, is in a major key. When joined together they share a single chord–yet, missing the middle note. Would it be a major or a minor? Tom shared, “Where Sorrow and Joy meet, there’s a moment where it’s both, and that’s the moment I’ve been learning to live in.”
Friends, may we pause long enough to look and find the praiseworthy people and remarkable grace all around us. To slow down and see the quiet heroes and steady lights that help us on our walks.
Keep the Faith. You are loved. 💚
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Dearest Karla, thank you for introducing me to Tom and Lisa. They are a beautiful couple exemplifying God’s amazing grace. The composition “Surprised by Beauty” made me think how often I am amazed at God’s creation. I just had to write before I am out the door for Bible study. Love you, my friend ❤️🙏🏻❤️ Will be back later today🥰
Pam, they are your kind of people! Lisa and the group is the reason why I connected with the NCI/NIH. I can’t thank all of them enough!
I thought of you when I was writing this piece (I began it in February). Thinking of your piano and how you grew up around one. And God’s creation!
Enjoy your study. I love you dearly!! ❣️🙏🏻❣️🎶🎶
I admire those who can find beauty and happiness, even during difficult times. And I hope remembering people like you and Tom will help to inspire me whenever hard times come my way, whether it be a stubbed toe, IRS audit, or debilitating disease. I wish the best for both you and everyone else with NET, and hope a cure will be discovered soon.
Tippy thank you for your support! You, Tom, and Lisa share a home state, my friend.
When I stub my toe I’ll definitely think of you, Tippy! Oh, and the IRS. 🙂
Seriously, it’s amazing to me how through hard times, some of the most beauty can be found.
I don’t question it anymore because of the miracles that have happened through it all.
There are SO many suffering, Tippy. It’s amazing to meet people with such wonderful spirits and happiness through it all!
I appreciate you, my friend!
FROM: Murphy’s Law
Thanks Karla for letting us meet Tom and Lisa….two amazing people who, like you, put everyone else first. Love their fur babies!
I will never cease to be amazed at the level of faith you all have and the stamina to undergo multiple surgeries and tests, ups and downs, and excruciating pain. You are all heroes in my book.
I will remember Tom and Lisa in my prayers for you and your family, and soooo many others. I may have to start praying in shifts! 🤗
ginger🦋
Thank you, precious Ginger. I pray that these messages will lift the spirits of Tom and Lisa–through his recovery and her care of him.
I’m blessed to walk alongside so many heroic individuals. You have been tested, my friend. I have a feeling we will be talking about this for years.
Thank you for being YOU!
Finn and I love you! ❣️🙏🏻💚🦓 ah, yes,…PS_–praying in “shifts”. I have a prayer journal in which I write all the names I’m praying for–many times I “group” them all by health, family, or job/career, or whatever category? For all of you, I call it my blogging family. God knows you all individually. There are many times he places you all individually in my heart and mind. At that time I’ll pray something simple like, “Protect her or him” or “Show them great love and miracles that can only happen through You.” He hears our hearts too. It’s so amazing.
What an inspirational couple Tom and Lisa are to the world. Thanks for the lovely intro Karla. Beautiful hearts attract beautiful hearts. You draw in the world with yours. I love you little sis. Love and hugs, C
Thank you, big sis! That’s so precious to share! They truly are! They will be thrilled to see the support.
You’re so thoughtful, C. I love you! ❣️
Thank you for sharing Tom’s story here. I loved to read when he realized that even in the worst times there can something beautiful be found. Maybe that is another reason that keeps him going, next to his amazing wife, and zest for life 💖
It’s my blessing, dear friend.Thank you for reading. Being able to see the beauty, even in the worst times, is such an inspiration! They truly are inspiring! Many blessings and hugs, Erika. ❣️❣️❣️
It absolutely is! It is the secret of regaining energy when one needs it the most, and probably it is a natural development… 💖
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Karla, Sometimes we fail to see the beauty of a flower (or something else) even in good times. It is a gift from God when we see the real beauty in something we may have observed many times before.
Tom’s music is beautiful and so is Lisa. They even have two super cute dogs!
Your prayer recorded with Tom’s music was especially inspiring and beautiful. God bless all of you!
God bless you, precious friend! Many times it takes a life-altering occurence to help us see what truly matters. In our day and age, productivity and busyness can take precedence.
It’s so liberating when NOTHING else matters but God, his creation, and abiding in Him. It’s at that moment the veil is lifted and even the flowers shine more beautiful with Him. I can relate to what he experienced. It’s joyful!
His gift of music, her gift of advocacy and leadership–their love–it’s the stuff of powerhouses! All because of God!
I knew you’d love their dogs! Lisa sent the cutest video of the Doodle on the trampoline each morning–so precious! Joyful again!
I recorded the prayer back in the early winter–it was February when I thought I’d begin writing about Tom and God provided the timing. I’m excited about his newest composition! God bless you and Henry! Thank you for being such an encouragment and prayer warrior! We love you! 🩷🙏🏻
All of this is wonderful! Thank you, Karla!
It’s my blessing, MAK! I had a feeling you’d enjoy them! And their precious dogs!
What an amazing story of faith, courage, connection and creativity! Thank you so much for sharing this story about Tom and Lisa. As you described each of them and their life together, it became abundantly clear that God had a major role in crafting this union. They complement each other so well! His soul and talent are abundant. These are the stories that do not get told often enough, but I am so glad I was able to tune in to this one. Besides praying for Tom and Lisa, I hope you don’t mind me lifting a prayer or two for you. I caught Mitch Teemley’s appeal for you last week and was very moved. You are touching the world in so many good and positive ways, Karla. God bless you and yours.
Thank you so much!! I’m so happy you saw how God crafted their union and is using their journey to help others! It’s so amazing to share!
I thank you for your prayers for them and for me. How kind. God bless you and yours too!!
Tom and Lisa have been through a very powerful journey Karla. And like you, strengthen their hearts each step they take. And I have no doubt is a great driver to that music. Isn’t it amazing that music is your ‘turn to’ through your journey as well. Prayer and music, a beauty all their own. Allowing to give from deep within, to speak to God from somewhere He only feels and knows ❤️🙏
I hope all goes well for you all and much love and blessings returned to you all from that lovely prayer, thank you Karla 🤗❤️🙏
It’s my blessing, Mark. Yes, they have been through so much together! I’ve met the most amazing people through this cancer journey–and here, in this space, just like you, dear friend.
Music is so healing!
Finn and I love you and send our blessings and prayers your way always!! 🥰🦓🎶🐾🩷🐬🌊☕☀️🦓
Precious praiseworthy friend, Karla! Loved your writing
Thank you, precious Sue!! I love you!
Thanks for sharing Tom and Lisa’s journey. Sending prayers for them
It was my blessing! Thank you for your prayers for them, sweet Sadje!
Blessings to you too.
Thank you for sharing Tom and Lisa’s story. It wonderful to see their joy in their relationship with the Lord. We will certainly keep them in prayer
It was my blessing. Thank you for reading and praying for them! They appreciate the support and prayers!
Karla, I love Tom’s music! And I really enjoyed your recording at the end of your post! Big hugs and lots of prayers!!
Thank you for visiting, Val, and listening to Tom’s music! What a gift!
I’m happy you enjoyed the prayer too. His music is so soothing–and it comes from such a beautiful place in his heart and soul! And Lisa helps fuel those flames of faith and love! Big hugs and prayers to you and the parkawearing perfect pooch pal! We love you 2!
Thanks Karla! You are always in my prayers! Big hugs to you and a special tail wag to Finn from Mochi!
Your words are with comfort and power. I felt strengthened at the end with compassion and love. The Lord loves and strengthens you in ways you cannot see. You bless so many. I love you so much. This world does not deserve you. What a joy to shut your eyes and go home to see Jesus. It is what I live for, the real blessing. Soon He is coming and we will all be going home. You are not alone! ❤️🕊️🎶
Aw, Mama Wenda. Thank you for this precious message. I’ve been thinking of you as we approach Mother’s Day. My heart and prayers are with you. I love you so much!
The real blessing! We will all be together! ❣️🩷🥰💚💐🌺
Amen, Amen, Amen! 🥰🪻🌼😘🥰🤗💜😍
Little sister I admire the community you have with fellow NET Cancer warriors. I appreciate your faith. I received the items I ordered today and just posted about the coffee mug and your merch store.
Such wonder and beauty even when the storm is hitting ❤️
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Happy Mother’s Day my Dear Sister, Karla.
This is a really moving story. It shows how pain and beauty can exist together, and how faith and love can still hold people up in hard seasons.
Tom and Lisa’s journey is tough, but also full of strength, music, and gratitude in the middle of it all.
Praying for them both as they keep walking through this.