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Tom Dees, a longtime reporter for Fox 13 and an Emmy-winning journalist, gave up the ghost on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at his house in Olive Branch, Mississippi. He used to be 57 years outdated and just a few days shy of his 58th birthday. He is survived through his spouse, Cathy, and their 3 youngsters, Amelia, Ally, and Austin.

Dees was a liked determine in the Mid-South group, where he had worked for Fox 13 since 1995. He coated a wide selection of tales, from breaking information to human pastime options, with a special passion for Northern Mississippi. He received an Emmy award for his protection of the area and used to be recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and humor.

What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

The cause of death for Tom Dees was once idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and modern lung disease that is affecting the tissue surrounding the air sacs in the lungs. IPF causes scarring and thickening of the lung tissue, making it more difficult for oxygen to pass via. This results in signs reminiscent of shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and weight reduction.

The precise cause of IPF is unknown, hence the time period “idiopathic”, this means that having no known cause. Some imaginable risk components include genetic predisposition, smoking, environmental exposure to mud or chemical compounds, viral infections, and acid reflux disorder. However, none of these factors can give an explanation for why some other people develop IPF and others don't.

There isn't any treatment for IPF and the prognosis is poor. The median survival time after analysis is ready three to five years. The handiest remedy options are medicines that may decelerate the progression of the disease, oxygen therapy that can ease the breathing difficulties, and lung transplantation that can extend the life span of some sufferers.

How Tom Dees Fought Against IPF

Tom Dees was identified with IPF in early January 2023, after he skilled respiring issues and chest ache. He was once hospitalized for several days and underwent quite a lot of tests and treatments. He was once hopeful that he can be eligible for a lung transplant and used to be looking ahead to a donor fit.

According to Fox 13, Dees was constructive about his condition and persisted to do business from home until his last day. He was in constant communique along with his colleagues and pals, sharing updates and jokes. He additionally gained an outpouring of beef up from his audience and enthusiasts, who despatched him messages of encouragement and prayers.

Dees was not the only one in his family who suffered from IPF. His father, Tom Dees Sr., also had the identical disease and passed on to the great beyond in April 2020. His daughter, Ally Dees, created a GoFundMe web page to boost budget for her father’s clinical expenses and to boost consciousness about IPF. She wrote:

“My dad has spent the past 25 years being the perfect father me and my two siblings can have requested for. We have had the privilege of assembly so many wonderful folks in the Mid-South community because of him, and we have absolute religion that this group will rally to improve him all over this time.”

How Tom Dees Will Be Remembered

Tom Dees shall be remembered as a devoted journalist who beloved his activity and his community. He was once admired by way of his peers and revered by his assets. He was once additionally a loving husband and father who beloved his family.

His colleagues at Fox 13 paid tribute to him on air and online, describing him as a dependable good friend and a gifted storyteller. They stated:

“To know Tom Dees was once to love him. A man with a million questions, his passion for the Mid-South for my part and professionally was once endearing and admirable. He was a tireless and dependable good friend and colleague. He was fast with a self-deprecating quip (typically about his hair, or lack thereof) and may all the time bring a smile to those around him. He will likely be neglected by means of all who knew him.”

His viewers and fans also expressed their condolences and appreciation on social media, thanking him for his provider and his tales. They stated:

“Tom Dees was once one of my favourite journalists on Fox 13. He all the time had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He will probably be very much neglected.”

“Tom Dees used to be a nice reporter who at all times gave us the facts without bias or sensationalism. He was additionally a sort one that cared about other people. He was once an asset to our community.”

“Tom Dees used to be a fantastic storyteller who made us chortle, cry, and think. He touched so many lives together with his phrases and his middle. He used to be a true skilled and a authentic human being.”

Tom Dees’ funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced but. His circle of relatives has asked privacy and respect all over this tough time. They have additionally requested for donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in lieu of vegetation.

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