An avid hunter and dedicated family man, Phil lives on a small, generational farm in Alto, MI. The land, rich with history, has been in his wife Jenny’s family for decades, a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. Here, Phil and Jenny, who both grew up on dairy farms, have raised their three daughters: Lavonda, who graduated in 2023; Autumn, a senior at LHS this fall; and Jolene, a sophomore.
Life on the farm is filled with early mornings and hard work, but it's a labor of love for the family. The rhythm of the seasons guides their days, from planting their small garden to caring for their cattle and chickens. The farm is not just a place to live; it's a living, breathing part of their family's heritage.
Phil's life isn't confined to the farm, though. He's spent years as a truck driver, navigating the open roads and hauling goods across the country, continuing a family tradition as a third-generation truck driver. The solitude of the long hauls is a stark contrast to the lively bustle of home, but Phil has managed to balance it well, driven by the need to provide for his family.
In 2016, Phil's life took an unexpected turn. While walking home after a morning hunt, he noticed moisture running down his stomach and discovered a bleeding growth on his chest. A visit to the dermatologist revealed a pre-melanoma spot on his head, which was removed in February 2017. However, two years later, another spot appeared, leading to a diagnosis of melanoma. This revelation came with the unfortunate news that critical follow-up information had not been shared by his previous surgeon.
Choosing to seek care at the Lemmen Holton Cancer Pavilion in Spectrum Health, Phil underwent a grueling seven-and-a-half-hour surgery in February 2019. The procedure, which initially was supposed to last just 3.5 hours, involved removing cancer on his head, part of a saliva gland, and numerous lymph nodes. The aftermath included permanent nerve damage and ongoing health challenges. The second surgery caused a traumatic neuroma, adding to his list of health issues.
Despite the trials, Phil’s spirit remained unbroken. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed further necessary treatments, but in May 2021, he had the traumatic neuroma removed. Later that year, another melanoma spot was found and removed from his hairline.
In February 2024, a new lump appeared near the location of the traumatic neuroma on the left side of his neck, a distance away from all previous melanoma locations. This led to more tests and learning that the melanoma was in a lymph node. A group specializing in melanoma at Lemmen Holton Cancer Pavilion recommended immunotherapy before surgery. After completing four rounds of immunotherapy over three months, during which the lump on Phil’s neck grew and became painful, another round of testing was done, showing that the immunotherapy did not work as intended and the cancer had grown by more than 30 percent and spread to two additional lymph nodes. At this point, the cancer was deemed inoperable. There was a whirlwind week of appointments and testing to prepare for Phil to start chemotherapy. Since beginning chemo, the lump has considerably decreased, giving hope that he’ll soon be able to have surgery to remove the lymph nodes containing melanoma.
Through it all, Phil's family stood by him, drawing strength from their close-knit community and the support of organizations like the Pink Arrow Pride and the Lowell Clubhouse at Gilda's Club. These resources have been a lifeline, offering emotional and practical support.
Phil’s journey is one of resilience and gratitude. From the open roads he traveled as a truck driver to the fields of his family's farm and through the halls of medical centers, Phil has faced every challenge with the unwavering strength of his family and the support of his community.
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