Help Philip Recover from Surgery and Alpha-Gal Syndrome

My dad, Philip Dain Powell, is a bit of a local staple in Huntington's music community. From playing at the legendary Ragtime and RT Champ's to performing the front stage at the Grand Ole Opry, it's no surprise that Phil's music career has a long and prosperous legacy. On top of being a great dad, Philip has also spent the last 8-10 years as a laborer for the Laborers' Local 1353 union hall from Charleston, West Virginia. He has most recently had a part in building the Marshall University School of Pharmacy on Hal Greer Boulevard as well as the newer Brad D. Smith School of Business on 4th Avenue, among many other things. Both Philip and my mother, Tammie, are loved by many people in our community. They've helped put on the annual Christmas Party for the veterans at the Barboursville Veteran's Home for nearly 30 years. Simply put, Philip and Tammie have done so much for those in need while never asking for anything in return: only the smiles of everyone they've helped.

As of the past month, Philip has ran into several health issues that have put his everyday life on hold. He was recently admitted for a surgery for two hernias. As of this writing, he is recovering at home and doing okay. The biggest hurdle that has affected not only him, but our entire family, has been his recent diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome. AGS is a rare condition that is transmitted through the bite of a lone star tick. This disease can make someone extremely allergic to red meat and any mammal byproduct. On top of dealing with two hernias, his diagnosis of AGS has been difficult for all of us to navigate. His diet and ways of living completely changed overnight. Simple things such as medicines or even toothpastes can trigger severe allergic reactions. Because of this, my parents have completely changed the way they buy groceries and everyday necessities.

The truth of the matter is that, while Philip's AGS can be managed, managing it can be expensive. With the switch to vegan and other AGS friendly foods comes a hefty price tag: as these are often much more expensive compared to their non-vegan or non-AGS friendly counterparts. Tammie and Philip have had a difficult journey trying to navigate both the hernia surgery downtime of 6-weeks as well as the Alpha-Gal diagnosis. As their son, I do not wish to see my parents go through any hardships whatsoever. I write this today because Philip needs your help. I know my dad better than most, and he is not the type to ask anything from anyone. Everyone that knows Philip personally knows that he would give you the shirt off of his back. My dad is a kind and compassionate person, and he deserves to be happy and healthy. That is why I am asking for everyone's help during this time.

Firstly, 10% of all the proceeds gathered during this campaign will be donated to the Alpha Gal Allergy Research Fund at UNC Chapel Hill . My dad wants nothing more than to spread awareness about this disease, and I believe that this is a great way for him to promote it. The rest of the proceeds gathered during this campaign will go directly to Philip and Tammie. This will help towards medicines, inhalers/EpiPens, and anything else needed to carry on through this difficult time. The healing process from his hernia surgery will take roughly 6 weeks, and during this time he will be unable to work. Unfortunately, there is no end-goal for alpha-gal at this time. Having the right things that won't trigger him will ensure that Philip stays happy and healthy during the length of this disease. All I ask is for your help, from a concerned son.

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to read this. With this campaign, we can help my dad navigate this difficult time.