Phil Zielke - Founder of Phil's Friend's
Phil Zielke and his family today
Speaker Phil Zielke tells of his organization “Phil’s Friends.”
Message: Cancer is strong but hope is stronger.
His story: When he was 22, his dad told Phil that Phil was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He remembers getting the news. He was glad the doctors had found out what was wrong. He had to tell girlfriend, mom, and sisters.
He asked the club to picture someone battling cancer. Phil pictures his father in law. That man wanted to retire in Florida. A year after he moved, the man was diagnosed at age 62 with stage 4 cancer. He died soon thereafter.
Phil told BBR of being in hospital for six months. He was college athlete but now he was immobile. He realized that there was more in life than himself. After six months, he was cancer-free, and he went to teach 4th grade. He taught from Sept. to April and became engaged. Then, in April, his cancer returned. He was angry and upset. He again had chemo and stem cell treatment. He kept a journal during that time.
Phil told us about a lady who was his mentor. He would work for her as an 8-year-old, and she would pay $20 and give soft cookies. She would tell him stories about how God had helped her through the difficult times. She called him when he had cancer and told him to keep a journal. He did so and recorded all that people did for him. He treasured the handwritten notes. He realized he would not have to walk the journey alone. He also remembered the people who visited. He was excited to get mail and the letters gave him strength. He looks back and feels that God delivered the messages.
A nurse told him that she thought his records and feelings could be used for more than a book. He thought about that. Then, he was at a breaking point during stem cell treatment. He thought he was ready for heaven, but he overcame the feeling and set small goals. He thought of his mentor and of the words of this nurse. He started to see the others in the hospital who were all facing treatment.
He started the non-profit “Phil’s Friends” — his father’s friends helped him start this organization to help others. This organization delivers care packages and cards across the U.S. to people with cancer. He has “Hope Centers” to fill packages and make cards that will be sent to the people suffering. They fill the packages just as Feed My Starving Children fills food boxes but more personalized, and his volunteers add signatures of many to show support. The package can be decorated with things the recipient enjoys such as golf or baseball. A person can request care package on his website. He sees this as a mission to empower people to go through the journey…. He sees it as 50% volunteerism, 50% supporting people we love. Phil’s Friends also has a Hope to Hospital program — organizing visits for people suffering at hospital. The woman (Caroline) who started the idea has passed away from cancer, but she started the program to help many others. Her vision to also have a program in Indiana has come to reality.
Phil returned to classroom. He would take naps in the classroom. He has now been married 14 years and has two sons. He feels God gave him the power to appreciate the good things in life. He now works on this charity full time. He looks for volunteers and donations. It costs $50 for each care package. For cards, a person sometimes remains on card list for years. Cards for 16,000 people per month. 7500 packages per year. Hospital program has grown.
Phil’s Friends is growing. Visit the website to learn more. https://philsfriends.org/phils-story/
Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club will make Fleece Blankets and cards next week rather than hosting a speaker.
Phil when he was in treatment
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Kris Young, Mark Gibson & Phil Zielke 2/21/19