In some circles, the word "hero" is overused. Those who may most deserve the title, often seek anonymity instead of fame. For the past seven years, Tom Ingram and his wife Barb have traveled to first Romania, then Moldova. Both massage therapists, they traveled with medical teams international (formerly Northwest Medical Teams), working with orphans, amputees, and burn victims.

Tom's doctor told him his trip this year would probably be his last, so he rescheduled the September date to go instead in July. He was more concerned with making others lives' better, even as his own body fought to save itself. That was how I met Tom; I interviewed him for a KING 5 news report the night before he left, July 25.

Tom and Barb kept their promise to their colleagues in Moldova. Tom packed up over 22 different medications to keep himself alive during his trip. This week, just a few days after he returned home to Redmond, he died. A service is scheduled for him this weekend.

When Tom and I talked off camera last month, he credited his cancer for strengthening his already strong marriage, for helping him prioritize, and for deepening his faith. He found many ways to beat the enemy after all.