Mary openly shares her personal journey with cancer as well as the diagnosis of her sister-in-law’s breast cancer. She was looking for resources that could be of any support to her sister-in-law, and it was then when she came across Phil’s Friends…
“First of all, I want to say my most sincere thank you! I am a “survivor” with a very rare form of cancer. It is (in layman’s terms)cancer of the appendix. Most people ask “Well, can’t they just remove the appendix?” This cancer is “weird” as it is not just a “tumor,” but this jelly like substance called “mucin.” My appendix ruptured during the surgery, and the mucin went all over my entire abdominal area, making it Stage 4, metastasis immediately. It was a scary time. I had chemo, several surgeries, then the “BIG SURGERY” where I had a radical hysterectomy, and tumors removed elsewhere, followed by a procedure called “H.I.P.E.C.,” which is essential heated chemo (102 degrees F) that was pumped in my body for 90 minutes with hopes it would kill microscopic cancer cells.
OK, so now to Phil’s friends. I was a little anxious lately, worried about recurrence (high-rate). Meanwhile, my sister-in-law got diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. I wanted to help her too! While looking for resources, I came across your website, and decided to order a Care Package for myself, and see what it was like, before ordering her one. I can’t say how LOVELY this Care Package was…it put a HUGE SMILE on my face, my heart melted with the kids drawings, the box, and most importantly Phil- your story of hope. It gave me more courage, to see that IF it recurs, I can get through it too like you Phil. It reminded me I am NOT alone. It reminded me of all the good in the world, and how much perfect strangers care. It reminded me that the power of prayer helps me heal everyday. It touched me by seeing how many volunteers are doing great work. It touched me to know you guys deliver these packages to hospitals close to where you live, but the outreach work and opportunities to receive a package is throughout the United States! I was so impressed, and truly felt people cared. It made me burst with gratitude, and renew my OWN desire to help others with cancer. I am a counselor, and have many plans to help others with some free counseling. I am getting my dog trained to be a Pet Therapy Dog and bring joy to others. It just warmed my heart, and I thanks ALL of you from the bottom of my heart.”
-Mary Moonen
We thank Mary for sharing her inspiring story of courage and choosing to dedicate her time to helping other cancer patients!
Without your support, we would not have been able to reach cancer patients like Mary, and so we thank you for all you do to keep Phil’s Friends growing.
Interested in sharing how Phil’s Friends impacted a friend, family member or yourself? Share your own Story of Hope here.
