Help Phill Ervin and His Family!

Phill Ervin was at his best in early December 2020. The former Texas Tech cornerback was just over a month into his new career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at UW Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. He lived once again with his wife, Natalie, and three daughters after a year apart so Phill could complete his Doctorate from Union University and Natalie could continue her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)  Degree. Then, Phill suddenly became challenged by simple fine motor skills during an otherwise routine day in the OR. He was dizzy and could not see well. Natalie knew something wasn't right, and she helped coordinate an MRI within the week. 


The MRI confirmed his family's worst nightmare: a brain tumor (later diagnosed as form of Multiple Sclerosis which presents initially as a tumor). This is an extremely rare diagnosis for a 35-year old. While there is no "right time" for a diagnosis like this to appear, it threw Phill's entire family into personal anguish and extreme financial stress. Natalie put her FNP degree on hold to care for Phill and the girls. Both Natalie and Phill have student loans, and because Phill was budding in his career, they did not have time to obtain a disability or life insurance policy. Suddenly, after decades of putting others first, this father of three young daughters and husband must now put himself first to battle this disease. 
 

Hailing from Abilene, Texas, Phill is no stranger to the meaning of hard work. He is the child of retired Military parents, a former college student-athlete, and a first-generation college graduate, earning both Masters and  Doctorate degrees. He always believed in himself and maintained a mindset of determination and grit to ensure the best life possible for his girls. Phill is a kind, caring, and compassionate person. His former ICU colleagues at Baptist Medical Center and Desert Springs Medical Center still praise his generosity and selflessness. Without hesitation, Phill would offer his own sick time and give up days off to support someone else in need. In Phill's role as a CRNA, it is his face that patients see last before going under anesthesia. His calming voice and presence assure patients they will be comfortable and remain safe. Now, Phill finds himself on the other side, as a patient. He needs our support to battle this disease. 


The unexpected emotions that come with any patient diagnosis can rip like a torrent and add to the layers of complexity present in everyday life. More than anything, Phill and Natalie want to ensure a sense of stability for Tierney (12), Tristyn (11), and Charlotte (5) while they navigate these uncharted waters. 


The path forward is uncertain as Phill is early in his diagnosis. Still, it will likely include  months of recovery in which Phill will be unable to work. 


Proceeds from your donation go directly to Phill and Natalie to help manage medical bills, student loans, and living costs. Please give generously if you can to support this young family.


Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and love.