Tom Oar's Heartwarming Act: How He Stepped Up to Support a Cancer Patient

Tom Oar, a well-known figure from the reality TV show “Mountain Men” and a ‍long-time resident of Yaak, Montana, is as genuine in real life as he appears on screen. ‌When Tom and his wife Nancy heard about the heartbreaking news that‌ Ziva, a 4-year-old girl from their community, ‌had been diagnosed with polycythemia vera—a rare bone marrow disorder that can lead to cancer—they didn’t hesitate to lend their support.

In an act of kindness that speaks volumes⁢ about his character, Tom autographed a Savage Axis 30-06 rifle.⁤ This rifle was generously donated for a raffle aimed at raising ⁢funds to cover Ziva’s travel expenses for ⁤her treatment in Seattle. But Tom’s generosity didn’t end there.

The much-anticipated raffle took place on Saturday, April 16th at the Yaak River Tavern.⁤ The event was more than just a drawing; it was an⁣ entire day dedicated to supporting Ziva and her family. It featured ‍not only the raffle ⁢but also a benefit dinner and an exciting auction—turning it into ‌an unforgettable community gathering starting at 1 p.m., filled with hope and camaraderie.

For those ⁤who wanted to contribute by participating in the raffle, tickets were affordably priced at $20 each or $35 for two. To ensure everyone had easy access to participate⁢ in this noble cause, tickets were made available at several ⁢local venues.

Who is Tom Oar?

Tom Oar is not just another face on ⁣television;⁤ he’s someone whose life story resonates deeply‍ with many who yearn for simplicity and self-reliance. Born in Illinois in 1943, Tom grew up‌ influenced by his father Chike Oar’s involvement in Wild West shows during the late ’80s and early ’90s—events that captured America’s imagination with tales of frontier life. Unfortunately, little is known about his mother as her identity remains undisclosed.

Seeking freedom from modern life’s complexities, Tom made a pivotal decision back in ⁢1970: he chose to leave behind urban comforts for ‌the untamed beauty⁣ of nature. Alongside his ‌wife Nancy, he settled into Montana’s serene Yaak River Valley—a place ‌where they could live off-grid and embrace self-sufficiency fully.

Their new way of ‌life involved⁢ mastering survival skills most people today would ⁤find ‌daunting—from building their own shelters to sourcing food directly from nature’s bounty. The couple also honed their craftsmanship skills by creating various‍ items like shoes and⁣ clothing out of carefully tanned deer hides—a testament to their⁣ resourcefulness.

Among all these talents stands out ‌one particular skill: trapping and tanning furs—an art form where Tom has achieved mastery over decades spent navigating harsh seasons amidst ‌wild forests few dare venture into so deeply⁣ or so often.