Philip Van Hilten Blindness Emergency Funds Needed

Hello, my name is Chuck and I’m reaching out to raise money for a dear friend Philip Van Hilten who has been confronted with a series of health challenges since 2017 and Blindness. These challenges and the strict COVID lockdown requirements in California have made working virtually impossible for Philip. Philip loves his work and loves to work; he takes pride in supporting himself and helping others. Throughout his life, he always shared what he has with others, sacrificed even when his resources were thin and gave to others in need financially and volunteered his time to help others. His joys were being a walker for the elderly and offering them needed transportation, helping his neighbor, and sharing his fun and entertaining novelty products with kids and friends to give joy and a smile, and his passion is golf which he hopes to have the opportunity enjoy again. Philip loves life and people. Even through this tough time he keeps a positive outlook and enjoys bringing joy to others. Philip needs these emergency funds due to his inability to work for 6 years and the sudden onset of his recent blindness.

Health History:

2017 -2018- Philip’s health challenge started in 2017 when he returned to Holland to care for his terminally ill mother and discovered he had difficulty with his foot. It was discovered he had a severe infection that required him to stay in Holland for nine additional months until the infection was resolved. It was during this time he was diagnosed with diabetes.

2019-2021-When he returned to California in 2018 his doctors diagnosed his foot condition as Charcot Arthropathy which would require surgery to implant multiple pins to rebuild and save his foot. Because of the infection risk and fragility of his foot, the recovery time took 2.5 years to rehabilitate and walk

2021-2022- During the rehabilitation of his foot surgery Philip began to lose sight in his left eye. In 2021 his doctor administered a procedure to the left eye which caused severe bleeding and two days later he suffered a stroke. This stroke caused paralysis affecting the left side of his face, left arm, and left leg. His recovery and rehabilitation from the stroke took 1 year. Fortunately, he was able to mostly recover from his paralysis, however, he lost total hearing in his left ear.

2023- Philip began to recover and was able to work again even with his physical challenges and recover financially however in February his septic system collapse on his home exhausting all reserves he had left and on July 30th, 2023, he had major bleeding in his right eye causing blindness in his right eye. Last week his doctor indicated there is a chance his body could absorb the blood over the next 5 to 6 months and he may regain some of his sight back. If the body doesn’t stop the bleeding and absorb the blood, he will need surgery.

Financial Need and Use of Funds:

Philip has done everything he can to support himself during these challenging 6 years, working when he could, selling personal items, and depleting his safety reserves. He needs these emergency funds to survive through the next 6 months to help cover his basic living needs and until he can recuperate and develop a plan for his future. Fortunately, California has a good healthcare system that covers most of Philip's medical costs. The money you contribute will be used to cover miscellaneous medical bills, house payments, home insurance and bills, food, and transportation needs for 6 months. We’ve set a goal of $12,000, however, any contribution will be appreciated and a great help.