Since early 2017, Greg and Dorothy Neighbor have set aside every Thursday morning to serve at Phil’s Friends in Addison, IL. What started from a simple invitation grew into a dedicated duo serving side by side impacting those affected by cancer.
“We believe Christ created us for good works,” said Greg. “I feel privileged to be able to serve others with cancer. As a cancer survivor, I definitely understand what people are experiencing.
In October 2016, then 55-year-old Greg began experiencing difficulties with motor skills on the left side of his body. An MRI revealed a brain tumor in his right parietal lobe. It was devastating, to say the least.
“When the ER doctor informed me that I had a tumor, I remember thinking that this is where the rubber meets the road,” Greg recalled thinking to himself. “You are a confessed Christian, so are you going to be faithful to that testimony? Others are watching!”
Greg underwent six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, followed by 12 monthly cycles of an oral chemo medication. Greg expected to be cured. But he was told his Glioblastoma (GBM) was incurable and that the survival rate was 15 months.
“My life changed overnight. I had to deal with the possibility that I might not make it to 56. It definitely drove me closer to God”
Greg claimed 2 Corinthian 12:9 at that point, leaning on the reminder that God’s grace is sufficient in any circumstance.
“I decided early on that asking the ‘why’ question would not be constructive. Besides, then you have to ask, ‘Why not.’ Over a period of months, I learn to live one day at a time?” Greg said. “This is a very hard principle to follow but necessary. It’s something that I need to be reminded of.”
Greg defied the odds, thanks to that grace he trusts in every day. “I didn’t care for the term cancer survivor at first. How can I reconcile the term with terminal cancer,” he confessed. “Someone joked at being a ‘cancer Twinkie,’ because you haven’t reached your expiration date. I liked that label better.”
Greg admits he did start counting the months, which was why he made the decision to retire early to make the most of his time left, thinking it would be 15 months.
He and his wife Dorothy also began attending a cancer support group at Willow Creek Church in Barrington, IL.
They were then invited to a breakfast hosted by Phil’s Friends, where they met Kathy, a Group Leader at the Addison Hope Center.
It didn’t take much convincing for Greg, who started volunteering in February 2017. He saw this as his opportunity to use his time wisely, to offer hope and comfort to those who were in similar situation. Dorothy joined Greg in May.
“When I started volunteering with Greg and saw the results of the Hope Care packages being given to cancer patients, I knew that what we were doing was the right thing to do,” Dorothy said.
Both worked on stenciling Care Package boxes and coloring Cards of Hope. Dorothy then moved into inventory and in-kind donations processing, where she still serves today. Greg continues to lend his artistic abilities to Care Packages and Cards of Hope.
The couple also enjoys the comradery they experience with staff and other volunteers. “They are very friendly and encouraging,” Greg said. “We have met many wonderful volunteers and have created lasting friendships.”
Adds Dorothy, “Our work with Phil’s Friends continues the support for others, like Phil received during his cancer journey. This allows others to experience God’s love.”
Still Greg was counting the months. He passed the 15-month mark, and God’s grace was still sustaining his life longer than he could ever imagine.
It’s been 109 months now—nine years!
“As the months and then years ticked by, I felt more convinced that trying to help and encourage others was part of God’s plan for me,” Greg said. “Other brain tumor patients are encouraged by my longevity. But this is a two-edged sword, in my mind, and since others don’t experience the same success, it sometimes produces a bit of survivor guilt.”
But Greg does not dwell on that too long. God has work for him to do, which he does gladly and faithfully, with his sweet wife by his side.
Together, the Neighbors bring joy, encouragement, and hope to countless patients—proving that when two hearts serve with one purpose, the impact multiplies.
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