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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Tom Klein battling chronic liver disease

Fundraising effort launched

Posted

COOK— Longtime Timberjay Cook-Orr editor Tom Klein is battling a genetic liver disease that has left him severely debilitated and in need of a liver transplant. Tom has been battling the disease for several years, but it has recently taken a turn for the worse, leaving him hospitalized for the past ten days.

While medication and supplemental oxygen may allow him to leave the hospital later this week, his long-term recovery is dependent on an organ transplant. While Tom has health insurance, the costs of deductibles, co-pays, and other health-related expenses have overwhelmed his ability to keep pace, leaving him owing thousands of dollars in medical bills. At the same time, he faces continuing medical expenses going forward.

That’s why the Timberjay has set up a fundraising appeal at gofundme.com. “We’re encouraging anyone who wants to help out Tom to consider going to the website and making a contribution,” said Timberjay Publisher Marshall Helmberger. “Tom’s a great guy who is suffering through no fault of his own.”

You can go directly to his gofundme.com by clicking on the link below.

Tom knew from a young age that he wanted to be a journalist and it’s a career he’s pursued with passion, courage, and tirelessness for more than 30 years. He hopes to be able to continue his work reporting on the news and events in the Cook and Orr areas on a part-time basis, but his health will determine whether that’s possible.

In the meantime, the Timberjay staff is working to cover the news in the Cook and Orr area and appreciates the understanding and patience of readers of our Cook/Orr edition as we work to adjust to Tom’s situation.