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It has been about a year since our Dear friend Phil began his hard fought battle with an unknown illness. The onset was abrupt and unforseen as well as the challenges to come. In a years time, Phil made countless trips to the doctors office and a variety of specialists all of whom had no answers to his rapid weight loss, constant fatigue, severe neck and shoulder pain which rendered him unable to sleep in a normal bed or perform simple daily tasks. Phil would be seen walking in the neighborhood with his wife Diane from time to time, almost unrecognizable to friends and neighbor due to symptoms. He was unable to stop and simply say hello due to the pain it would bring about, but he came out to walk trying to keep a positive attitude in the midst of his battle. Phil didn't offer complaint. He would simply say "I'm still here, I have to keep going." Although, dramatically physically compromised, his spirit still reigned supreme.
They say God works in mysterious ways. At about the same time Diane had retired from her job; timing is everything. She was Phil's constant. His wife, nurse and his encouragement. After nearly a year of "taking it one day at a time" Phil met Dr. Dellarippa who gave Phil the news ; I know what it is!!! Phil suffered from a severe blood infection stemming from a growth on his heart that manifested itself in his spinal column. His fight was not over yet, It had only just begun. Further testing indicated the need for a valve replacement after intensive treatment for infection removal. The surgery proved no less undaunting than the infection itself as he remained in a coma for nearly a week due to complications. In fine Phil fashion he graced his family once again by waking up on Christmas Day to begin his long journey back to what brings us to now. Given the legnth of Phils illness his employment status is on hold and regaining his health is his priority. Unforseen circumstances has brought our dear friend Phil to an unexpected challenge in life. For all of us who know and Love Phil we are hosting the "Friends for Phil" night to help them keep going on his way back to good health.
"Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change"
(Bob Kerry)
They say God works in mysterious ways. At about the same time Diane had retired from her job; timing is everything. She was Phil's constant. His wife, nurse and his encouragement. After nearly a year of "taking it one day at a time" Phil met Dr. Dellarippa who gave Phil the news ; I know what it is!!! Phil suffered from a severe blood infection stemming from a growth on his heart that manifested itself in his spinal column. His fight was not over yet, It had only just begun. Further testing indicated the need for a valve replacement after intensive treatment for infection removal. The surgery proved no less undaunting than the infection itself as he remained in a coma for nearly a week due to complications. In fine Phil fashion he graced his family once again by waking up on Christmas Day to begin his long journey back to what brings us to now. Given the legnth of Phils illness his employment status is on hold and regaining his health is his priority. Unforseen circumstances has brought our dear friend Phil to an unexpected challenge in life. For all of us who know and Love Phil we are hosting the "Friends for Phil" night to help them keep going on his way back to good health.
"Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change"
(Bob Kerry)
Organizer and beneficiary
Phil Conroy
Beneficiary