Skimmer Bob, your thoughts are right on. '... helping him when he needs it is a no brainer.'
There are too many people who find it too easy to complain. Though the Internet format is a useful one to communicate and share ideas, it also is a platform for those who attack, complain and drag others down. Many cowards find bravery when it is done in an anonymous way.
I donated a bit to Tom not carrying about whether he had insurance or not or by how much money he has in the bank. None of that matters. He is a man who has freely shared his skills and ideas and fate has hit him hard. When a friend is hurt you don't think about anything else but to help him up.
https://gofund.me/143204dd
Note: I correctred the link. This is the correct one and it works.