Phil and Marie Doutaz

Phil and Marie could use some help. They are 8 months into Phil’s acute battle with cancer. He had some brushes with it before, but in January, the cancer had become so aggressive that immediate and radical surgery was necessary. It’s been a hard road and a fast, furious haul since then.

Phil had bladder cancer, leading to full bladder removal in March. There were no other options at that point since the cancer was threatening to break through and metastasize.  He received a neo-bladder, miraculously created from his own tissue. It was a life-saving, but debilitating and profoundly strenuous ordeal for him. Since then he has hit recovery milestones, and fought the good fight, but he’s not out of the woods yet. Only in the last weeks has he been able to spend time alone, move around without a walker, and take brief outings from home.

There have been special needs at home since the bladder removal that insurance didn’t cover. Plus, Marie took on the role of constant caregiver. Phil was largely immobile in the months following his surgery. Because of the intense nature of his care, she was unable to work as much as usual.

Phil and Marie are both freelancers. He is a musician and hasn’t been able to work since December 2016, and she is a writer. That means they have heavily relied on a series of projects, but have not been able to do so for the last 8 months. Phil didn’t have the physical ability, and Marie hasn’t had the time. Things are slowly getting back to the point where Marie can work more, but expenses keep coming in, and now, they are particularly facing large ones at the end of the year—taxes, insurance… They need some time and breathing room to get themselves mentally, emotionally, and financially well as Phil gets back on his feet.

It’s expected that Phil will make a full recovery in about another 6 months, but they have hit a gap right now between full recovery, and the need for time to heal in many ways. They had savings, but medical expenses can wipe any of us out quickly. They are good, generous, and loving people who have fallen on some bad times. I was moved to make this support request because of the impact they’ve had in my life. I’ve also seen up close how they have consistently helped others. They have barely had time to come up for air, and now they are struggling with financial insecurity in the next several months.  Please help them out. It’s their turn to receive, and they're not out of the woods yet.

Thank you,

Marissa Hancock








Not out of the woods yet, but coming on strong!