Thomas “Tom” Pong
Thomas “Tom” Pong’s journey with Cameron House began at the age of 12, when his friend, Sherman Mo, first brought him to Friday Night Club. He felt nervous being in a new place for the first time and yet excited for what would ultimately become a 60-year relationship with the organization that shaped him into the person he is today.
Growing up, Tom felt a sense of loneliness. Junior high was filled with peer pressure and the need to fit in, and his home life wasn’t any easier. Tom lived in a very traditional Chinese home with strict parents, he found acceptance and saw what it looked like to live life with love, service, leadership, and faith at Cameron House. Tom’s first leaders were Landy Dong and Gordie Lam, he was instantly struck by their patience and care. “I soon saw them as my mentors and surrogate parents, and Cameron House as a second home. I felt accepted and supported.”
He remembers a backpacking trip in Los Padres National Forest and his leaders, Gordie Lam and Phil Chin. Tom remembers reading the Boy Scout magazine Boys’ Life and pictured himself as one of the scouts.
“My first trip wasn’t quite like what was in the magazine! Since it was early spring, it was raining; at one point we crossed a river in chest-high water; we were soaked! Despite these unexpected challenges, I loved the experience. I learned the importance of teamwork, believing in yourself, trusting your leaders, and having Faith.”
Tom began his faith journey at Cameron House. His commission leaders, Sharon Quan and John Wichman, inspired Tom to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Tom attended church school at Cameron House Sunday mornings and attended worship at the Presbytarian Church in Chinatown Sunday evenings. Tom was baptized in his senior year of high school.
During his high school and college summers, he learned the importance of service and leadership as a Day Camp leader and director. Tom participated in Volunteers in Mission, a program of the national Presbyterian Church; served as an inner-city day camp leader in New Jersey, and as a volunteer for the Oregon Health Fair.
When questioned by his parents as to why he volunteered so much time at Cameron House rather than getting a job during those summers, Tom would tell them that these experiences were more important. These experiences had a huge impact and directed his values and goals in life. Tom decided that health was one of the most important factors in well-being; he became a dedicated cardiologist, providing health care in South San Francisco for 35 years.
Tom’s relationship with Cameron House continues to this day. His fellow commission members are lifelong friends. He served on the Cameron House Board of Directors from 1993 to 2000 and as Board Chair from 2013 to 2020. One of Tom’s favorite events is the Scholarship Awards dinner every summer. “When the youth share their stories of holistic transformation, I see myself.”
“Cameron House continues to provide opportunities and services to children, women and adults in Chinatown today. As we near our 150th anniversary, I want to do my part in ensuring the impact of the Cameron House mission endures.
I have enthusiastically joined the Legacy Society and invite you to join me. To someone considering an estate gift, I encourage you to consider how Cameron House impacted your life? If the experience impacted your life as it did mine, I encourage you to commit to the Legacy Society.”
