Capt. Johnathan Hillstrand of the Time Bandit needs your help!

Deadliest Catch Captain Johnathan Hillstrand Asks for Help for Local Family in Crisis

Johnathan Hillstrand, well known as the captain of the Time Bandit on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, has stepped away from the Bering Sea to make a heartfelt public plea — not for himself, but for a family he describes as “salt of the earth.”

Hillstrand shared that he has known Tom, a Maple Valley resident, for the past seven or eight years, ever since Hillstrand moved to the area. He describes Tom as an honest, hardworking man who always says what he means — someone Hillstrand deeply respects.

“He’s a very proud man,” Hillstrand explained. “He wouldn’t ask for this help himself. He’d probably be embarrassed that I’m doing this.”

According to Hillstrand, Tom and his family lived what he called a normal American family life until the past three years, when a devastating series of events began to unfold. One hardship led to another, creating what Hillstrand described as a chain reaction that has pushed the family to the brink of losing everything.

The family’s situation became especially dire when Tom’s son, Thomas Jr., was diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of cancer affecting children. Hillstrand said he met Thomas Jr. when he was just a young boy, watching him grow into a teenager and reach high school before his diagnosis.

As the family was already struggling, tragedy struck again. Tom himself was involved in a freak accident that left him severely burned. Both father and son are currently hospitalized, unable to work or manage their mounting responsibilities.

With medical crises overwhelming the household, the family’s home is now facing foreclosure.

“It’s just been one thing after the next,” Hillstrand said. “They could really use a little help.”

Hillstrand emphasized that he did not come forward lightly. He chose to speak out because he believes that even small contributions, if made by enough people, could make a life-changing difference.

“If a lot of people helped out just a little,” he said, “it could turn this whole thing around and save this family.”

Hillstrand ended his message by reaffirming his belief in the family’s character and resilience, saying they are a great family who simply need support during an incredibly difficult moment in their lives.