Day 8

Dear Carolyn,
When I get asked how you were able to make such a great impact on others I never hesistate to tell them why. Simply put-you saw where God was at work and got involved with Him. Thank you for following your calling to visit patients on the same floor you received treatment for Leukemia. Each patient you visited was encouraged. You knew how to light up a room and often times you didn’t need words because you understood there was so much power in your presence.
If you were here today you would be so proud of your family and friends. They are carrying out the mission that was so important to you. Carolyn, thank you for launching the Hope to Hospitals program and for your vision to bring a Hope Center to Indiana. Thousands of people with cancer have received encouragment and many more will in the future.
We miss you!

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:36

Day 6

Dear Lannie,

Thank you for organizing and dropping off a care package for me shortly after my diagnosis. When I saw all the names of those who put the care package together I was immediately moved to tears. I couldn’t believe that so many people, many of whom I didn’t even know, took time out of their busy schedules to send it to me. That simple act of kindness was a sign from God to let me know I wasn’t alone and there are so many people praying for me. There is so much power in being loved, especially from those you don’t know. How amazing to think that one care package you sent in 2004 was the spark for thousands more to recieve hope on the journey.
Thanking God that love wins!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Day 5

Dad,

It seems like yesterday when you sat on the side of my bed and told me I have cancer. I often wondered what that must of been like for you. No parent should ever have to deliver that news to their child. Now with boys of my own I have a better idea of how difficult that must have been. Thank you for praying with me after you delivered that devestating news, the prayer you offered to God on my behalf set the stage for me to focus on God and not on my circumstances.
Thank you for all the nights you spent on the couch in my hospital room. I know neither of us slept much. You took care of my physical needs and always looked out for my spiritual needs. You may not utter the words, “I love you” often but one thing I’ll never have to question is your love for me.

I love you dad.

1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love.

Day 4

Jenna,
It seems like yesterday when we were sitting next to each other getting treatment. I doubt you remember since you were only four, but its something I’ll never forget. After the nurse hooked me up she turned to you and said, “Look Jenna, Phil can do it!” Next your life size doll got her needle and the nurse again turned to you and said, “Look Jenna, Mandy can do it!” By this time you had the courage to get your chemo started.
Jenna, so much of your childhood was taken away from you but one thing that will never be taken away is your childlike faith. When you were fourteen I recall you sitting in my office with your mom explaining to me why you wanted to work at Phil’s Friends for your first job. When I asked why you responded, “I’m the first care package recipient ever in the history of Phil’s Friends, I want to help people and I too have a story to tell.” Jenna, we are so glad you are a survivor! Its hard to believe you are nineteen already and we could not be more thrilled that you are now ready to work your first job at Phil’s Friends!

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Day 3

Dear Judy,

When we opened our first office in the community I asked God to send more volunteers to help. When you showed up as a new volunteer I was excited, but when you told me your name tears immediately filled my eyes. Once I got over the shock of meeting you in person I explained that the reason we send cards of Hope at Phil’s Friends is because of you. You sent cards to me every week for two years while I battled cancer. These cards were a lifeline to me. Each card included a Bible verse and exactly the message I needed, right when I needed it. It was as if God himself had personally delivered each letter.
Judy, because of your faithfulness to me, thousands of cancer survivors now trek to their mailbox across the country and receive hope as well. I know when we met you never thought you would have cancer, but now that you do we are honored to encourage and pray for you.
From one survivor to another. Thank you.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Day 2

Dear Gloria,
Carrie and I thought we came to your house to visit with you but as we walked into your home and saw a house full of women smiling back at us it was clear you had another idea altogether. As we sat on your couch and listened to each woman tell their cancer story it was difficult to hear how much pain they had to endure. It brought tears of joy to our eyes, however, to hear each woman tell us what God had done in their life through this ministry. It is stories like these that keep us in awe and active in the work God has called us to do. With each story we hear it is clear we play a small part and he orchestrates the rest. Gloria, after surviving breast cancer yourself and experiencing God’s power we are grateful you have made it your life’s work to support hundreds of women in your backyard on a similar journey.

Keep up the great work in Louisiana Gloria!

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:4

Day 1

Dear Grandpa,

I remember waking up as I laid in my hospital bed and to my surprise seeing you sitting quietly in the corner of my room. You had your head down in the book you were reading and were busy highlighting. When you finished you let me know that on your 300 mile journey to the hospital you took a detour to my house and picked up my Bible. I was encouraged as you read aloud every verse you highlighted with hope, strength and peace. I’ll never forget what you said next after you placed the Bible on my nightstand and looked into my eyes. “Phil, your grandma and I love you but most importantly your Heavenly Father loves you.” I committed those verses to memory and when I was too sick to open my eyes those verses went on an on in my head and my heart. Little did I know at the time how much God’s word would change my life and that I’d have the opportunity to see God change so many more lives in the very same way. Grandpa, Thank you for meeting me where I was in a time of great need and reminding me that God’s love has no distance.
“Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” James 4:8

I love you grandpa.