Heart Transplant for our Trainer
Donation protected
You ever wonder what it would be like to pack your suit case for a minimum 6 month trip and leave all your children behind? (and it’s no grand vacation trust me). Who will feed them, clothe them, pay the bills, pick the boys up from practice, will the baby be able to go to daycare, will someone stay home with him? Or who will the children go to when they need something and mom and dad are gone and you don't know exactly when you're coming home? So many questions, not enough answers, money, or people to entrust your lives most important possessions with.
Well that's exactly what a family has to go through when a parent needs an organ transplant and both parents have to leave hundreds even thousands of miles away to a hospital. It's a scary thought and something none of us hope to ever endure. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what Phillip and his family are trying to prepare for. Phillip was born with a congenital heart defect and has had 3 open heart surgeries throughout his life. Although his mother was told he wouldn't even make it to 7 months old, he’s beat every odd and obstacle set in front of him. After his 3rd heart surgery Phil dragged himself out of a depression hole this illness sucked him into and decided enough was enough and he would do everything he could to get healthy. That was the beginning of the ManCave, Phil turned his garage into his personal gym and embarked on a new journey of health. Along the way he dragged his friends into this road right along with him, giving them support, tough love, and a tough workout. He did everything he could to push them and give them emotional and physical strength they needed and he received the strength and inspiration he needed to continue his own health journey. Becoming a personal trainer has been one of his most fulfilling accomplishments in his life. Phil continues to dedicate his time in the gym to this day, 25% heart function does not stop him from helping those in need of health and his help. He is the inspiration and motivation we all need with us when we’re working out!
Phil has always known there would be a heart transplant somewhere along this road to health but it was always a question of when. At the age of 37 Phil has reached this bridge and he and his family need our help to get him through it. Phil and Maggie have a big blended family of 7 boys and 2 girls, ages 2yrs to 16 yrs of age. Your financial support is greatly appreciated as this family prepares their home, living expenses in Stanford/palo alto, medical costs after transplant as well as the numerous trips to Stanford for tests and doctor appointments with the cardiac, congenital, and transplant team they do monthly. One of the most important expenses needed right now is providing daycare for PJ and Maggie’s hotel cost for at least 3 months. This is a requirement the transplant team has set before they will place his name on the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) list. Please spread the word and share this story with your friends and colleagues so we can ease that burden for this family, and when that time comes and Phil and Maggie are in Stanford let’s not forget their children, If you aren't able to help financially perhaps you could make them dinner or bake them some cookies, or whatever God sets in your heart to show them the love he’s placed in each one of us.
Most of all please pray for the Lopez Gutierrez family that God’s love, favor, and grace be upon them and his strength get them through this difficult time.
Phil’s favorite verse (which is tattooed in his arms) is
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
and a very appropriate one it is, Thank you for taking the time to read Phil's story, and may God bless you and yours
Well that's exactly what a family has to go through when a parent needs an organ transplant and both parents have to leave hundreds even thousands of miles away to a hospital. It's a scary thought and something none of us hope to ever endure. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what Phillip and his family are trying to prepare for. Phillip was born with a congenital heart defect and has had 3 open heart surgeries throughout his life. Although his mother was told he wouldn't even make it to 7 months old, he’s beat every odd and obstacle set in front of him. After his 3rd heart surgery Phil dragged himself out of a depression hole this illness sucked him into and decided enough was enough and he would do everything he could to get healthy. That was the beginning of the ManCave, Phil turned his garage into his personal gym and embarked on a new journey of health. Along the way he dragged his friends into this road right along with him, giving them support, tough love, and a tough workout. He did everything he could to push them and give them emotional and physical strength they needed and he received the strength and inspiration he needed to continue his own health journey. Becoming a personal trainer has been one of his most fulfilling accomplishments in his life. Phil continues to dedicate his time in the gym to this day, 25% heart function does not stop him from helping those in need of health and his help. He is the inspiration and motivation we all need with us when we’re working out!
Phil has always known there would be a heart transplant somewhere along this road to health but it was always a question of when. At the age of 37 Phil has reached this bridge and he and his family need our help to get him through it. Phil and Maggie have a big blended family of 7 boys and 2 girls, ages 2yrs to 16 yrs of age. Your financial support is greatly appreciated as this family prepares their home, living expenses in Stanford/palo alto, medical costs after transplant as well as the numerous trips to Stanford for tests and doctor appointments with the cardiac, congenital, and transplant team they do monthly. One of the most important expenses needed right now is providing daycare for PJ and Maggie’s hotel cost for at least 3 months. This is a requirement the transplant team has set before they will place his name on the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) list. Please spread the word and share this story with your friends and colleagues so we can ease that burden for this family, and when that time comes and Phil and Maggie are in Stanford let’s not forget their children, If you aren't able to help financially perhaps you could make them dinner or bake them some cookies, or whatever God sets in your heart to show them the love he’s placed in each one of us.
Most of all please pray for the Lopez Gutierrez family that God’s love, favor, and grace be upon them and his strength get them through this difficult time.
Phil’s favorite verse (which is tattooed in his arms) is
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
and a very appropriate one it is, Thank you for taking the time to read Phil's story, and may God bless you and yours
Organizer
Keila Lino
Organizer
Visalia, CA
