Health Hero Tom Moore will be missed by many
2007 Live Well Challenge -- The Hypertension Rangers.
Team members (clockwise, from left): Team Captain Tom Cannon (Central Base), Tom Moore (North Base), Sandy Rankins (Ryerson Base) and Paul Hesseltine (South Base) get vitals from new Operator of the Year, Pat Calman (seated). | Tom Moore was a part-time Transit Operator for King County Metro Transit from May of 1983 until his passing on February 16, 2009. Tom was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in January, 2008 but his treatment of chemotherapy and radiation proved inadequate to eradicate the disease. Although he was a bus driver for many years he was best known for his work on the Metro Transit employee health promotion program called MetroFit. Tom went to all the Transit sites each week to help inform Transit employees on various health issues. Tom also gave blood pressure readings at various King County employee events, including the 2007 Health & Benefits Fair where his reading for an employee with an irregular heart beat helped save her life. Tom was known for his caring manner, his good humor and his love of music. Tom will be missed by the many people he has touched along his path.The following is an anonymous testimonial from a King County Employee: 2007 Health & Benefits Fair Saves Lives“My doctor says the Health & Benefits Fair saved my life. I got a blood pressure check from the MetroFit booth. At the time, I thought it was a wasted effort because I’d just had my pressure checked at the doctor’s the day before. After the check, Tom, the MetroFit Rep, took both my wrists in his hand. He said ‘do you know your heart skips?’ I knew, but thought it was normal. I am working with my doctor on a variety of health issues and have been having my blood pressure taken at their office regularly. Tom said ‘It’s just that I’ve never heard it like this.’ On Monday after the fair, I went to my doctor with a list and mentioned Tom’s comment. My doctor took an EKG, put me on an immediate medical treatment, and told me that getting my blood pressure that day saved my life. Thank you Tom!” – story told to Health Matters staff after the Health & Benefits Fair and relayed with permission of the teller, who wishes to remain anonymous.
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