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Help Support the Philipbar Family Experience

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This is a call to action to boost our good friend, John Philipbar. Back at Arlington High School, “Philipbar” was the kid you couldn’t miss in class because he enthusiastically raised his hand to answer every single question. You also couldn’t miss him on the school field either, whether he was quarterbacking the football team, or dressed from head to toe in maroon and gold beaming with school pride and cheering on his fellow Arlington Admiral athletes at just about every school sporting event.

After high school and for the last twenty years, John’s source of pride became his family including his beautiful and loving wife, Jill, and their three children, Brooke, Jack, and Brady.  John works in the Beacon school system and Jill teaches at Our Lady of Lourdes.  Philipbar’s love of sports continued as he has dedicated his free time to coaching Beacon High School basketball.

Philipbar is now a youthful 40 year-old husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, and dedicated friend to many. This charismatic guy who loves making others laugh, even at his own expense, is now facing a serious challenge: an advanced cancer diagnosis and grueling treatment. In August, John began aggressive chemo treatment for stage 4 diffuse large cell B lymphoma. Doctors have been in awe of his positive and indomitable spirit. Philipbar still uses his sense of humor as a source of strength and relief. While enduring chemo treatment, there have been signs of hope where a number of tumors are shrinking.  However, other stubborn tumors continue to grow. Chemo treatment continues.

This December the doctors anticipate giving him a short break from treatment to rest his body and recuperate. This pause in treatment provides a window for John and his family to create special memories together – days where they can smile, laugh, and enjoy time together.

This GoFundMe page has been set up as a way to provide Philipbar and his family with funds to take a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio in Orlando, Florida over school break. In light of the current pandemic, trip insurance will also be purchased in case they are forced to change their plans.

All of us who know John and Jill admire that they are people who put others before themselves, and they are reluctant to ask for or receive anything from others.  This GoFundMe is a heartfelt way to boost the two of them and their kids with a trip and experience of a lifetime. 

While you keep Philipbar and his family in your prayers, please also consider a gift in any amount, if you are able, to contribute to this special family experience. Your heartfelt generosity will create wonderful memories for John, Jill, and their three kids. Many thanks for your support of our dear friend, Philipbar.
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Donations 

  • Matt VanVoorhis
    • $30
    • 4 yrs
  • Bridgette Kenton
    • $200
    • 4 yrs
  • Roger Lawlor
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
  • Mark Kraehling
    • $300
    • 4 yrs
  • John Delaney
    • $300
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Shannon Creedon
Organizer
Shrewsbury, MA

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