Incirlik raises money for Airman with cancer

  • Published
  • By Lori Alves
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  More than 100 Incirlik Airmen sporting green "Believe in Timmy" T-shirts swarmed the Hodja Lakes Golf Course March 22 to raise money for a 39th Security Forces Squadron Airman currently battling cancer. 

Staff Sgt. Timmy Gatherum, 25, was diagnosed with testicular cancer earlier this year and is now being treated at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. To help his family offset the cost of traveling expenses and time off from work, the 39 SFS held the Timmy Gatherum Golf Tournament on Saturday. 

"This is why I love the Air Force," said Col. Jeff Hanson, 39th Mission Support Group commander and tournament participant. "We really are a family. When an Airman is in need, we go above and beyond." 

A native of New Hampshire, Sergeant Gatherum has been assigned to Incirlik for more than a year. As a physical security noncommissioned officer, Sergeant Gatherum is in charge of controlling access to the base's weapons storage area. 

"It's really heartwarming to talk to everyone back in Turkey and hear about everything that they are doing for me," he wrote in an e-mail. "I don't know how I'm ever going to make it up to everyone." 

Sergeant Gatherum completed his first week of chemotherapy the day before the golf tournament. Other than experiencing some heartburn and being tired, he is "Feeling good and staying positive," he said. Sergeant Gatherum will undergo extensive chemo until June and will require routine checkups afterward. 

Capt. Drew Gehler, 39 SFS officer in charge of training, and his flight spearheaded Saturday's tournament; they had discussed Sergeant Gatherum's condition and the idea for the fundraiser was formed. 

"The Air Force prides themselves in being a family and taking care of their own," said Captain Gehler. "This event and all the participation we've had is a testament to the Air Force and security forces. When a defender needs help, we always step up." 

Airmen and golfers raised approximately $4,000 by hosting the tournament and selling T-shirts. Golfers were asked to donate $20 along with the $15 green fee. The $20 from each participant was added to a fund of prior donations collected for the Gatherum family. 

"It's really inspiring how this small community gives so much," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Summers, 39 SFS training instructor, who helped organize the event. "We've received donations from golfers, individual Airmen, civilian organizations and other squadrons. It's just been amazing." 

The news of Sergeant Gatherum's diagnosis hit the 39 SFS squadron hard. His fellow defenders describe him as a "jokester," a golfer and an expert at playing Guitar Hero on X-Box. The sergeant recently told his friend, Staff Sgt. Erik Blanco, 39 SFS, that the only thing he needed mailed to him immediately was his Red Sox shirts and X-Box. 

"Sergeant Gatherum is really one of the most important individuals in our operation," said Captain Gehler. "His spirit is robust both on-and-off duty. After we announced the tournament, there was an immediate outpouring of Airmen wanting to help in some way." 

Col. Ken Stefanek, 39th Air Base Wing vice commander, participated in the tournament and said the fundraiser epitomized the Airman's creed. 

"We never leave an Airman behind," he said. "When an Airman needs help we step up and help," 

Sergeant Gatherum's father, Tom Gatherum, has e-mailed members of the 39 SFS with regular updates of his son's treatment and has said he is in awe of the support his son has received, particularly when Sergeant Gatherum was flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, for his initial treatment. 

"It is just beyond words the way that I feel about the support that Tim is receiving from the Air Force community," said he said. "As a parent, it was extremely difficult knowing what he was going through while being so far away from his family. It was then that I really learned about his other family - the Air Force family." 

Mr. Gatherum was pleased to learn his son would not face his time in Germany alone. 

"I cannot begin to explain how comforting it was when Captain James Alves (39 SFS operations officer) and Master Sgt. Daniels assured me Tim would not be alone in Germany," he said. "Those first phone conversations were the start of it, and it hasn't let up since - the thoughts, prayers and encouragement Tim has received are unbelievable. He is blown away by the golf tournament. He just can't comprehend that so many people care that much about him. I guess you can imagine what that does for his spirit." 

Even though Sergeant. Gatherum was not at Saturday's tournament, he sent a letter to read by Captain Alves, 39 SFS, concerning the importance of checking regularly for signs of cancer. 

"Guys, don't be insecure or self conscious about testicular cancer," wrote Sergeant Gatherum. "If you had a hard lump growing or major swelling on your forehead, you'd get it checked pretty quickly. This is nothing different. Had I waited any longer, the next stop for the cancer would have been my brain. Every doctor I've had during this has been amazing. What they can do now with the cutting-edge medicines would have been considered a miracle only 20 years ago. However, you have to make the first step. Get anything suspicious checked early, it can save your life." 

The 39 SFS will collect donations for two more weeks. Anyone wishing to contribute may contact Captain Gehler at 676-6018.