Paula Satkamp: A Chance Encounter Leads to a Heart for Serving at Phil’s Friends

For many Phil’s Friends volunteers, their connection began with a simple invitation. For Paula, it began at a Farmer’s Market in downtown Kankakee, IL in 2025.

“I was sitting at the table of the Merchant Street Art Gallery of Autistic Artists with Charlene Philips, who directs the gallery and networks with community groups and individuals,” Paula recalled.

At one point, Paula took a break to stroll the market and visit other vendors. She happened upon a Phil’s Friends table and struck up a conversation with the two young women there. One of them was Natalie Cherry, the daughter of the Kankakee Hope Center Coordinator, Sarah Cherry.

While Phil’s Friends was new to Paula, she was well-acquainted with Sarah and her extended family. “I work with her brother, Aric, who volunteers and is an artist at the Merchant Street Gallery,” Paula said.

That connection piqued Paula’s interest to learn more about Phil’s Friends. She was also inspired to find out more since she was a survivor of cancer herself. In late December 2023, Paula had been diagnosed with early stage Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM), which presented on the sole of her foot. She underwent two surgeries where artificial skin was grafted onto her foot to encourage the regrowth of new skin over her entire heel. Ten months of recuperation and rehabilitation followed.

From that chance meeting, Paula began volunteering at the Kankakee Hope Center. She brought along her husband and together they pitched in on Saturdays organizing the janitor’s closet and getting the newly renovated space at 240 S. Dearborn Avenue ready for its Grand Opening in September 2025.

Since then, Paula continues to volunteer regularly and has also joined the Prayer Team. “My prayer life has always been a part of who I am,” she said. “I feel I am in the right place for me in serving and fellowship.”

Paula, 71, is also a proud ambassador for Phil’s Friends, sharing about the ministry with others, even at the same Farmer’s Market where she discovered the ministry, and inviting them to get involved. “I love to see community collaborations in outreach ministries,” she said.

“It is clear to me that God brought all of this together for His glory and to bless us,” she said. “I am enjoying the fellowship and opportunities of being a part of this group. I thank god for blessing all who are participating and receiving the boxes, the prayers, and the Word of God.”

She concludes, “I am thankful for this time to reflect on how God has used cancer to bring out the best, leading to the best parts of who He created me to be. I enjoy the workdays, and fellowship with others, as well as anticipated sharing with the ones who may come for prayer and support at the Kankakee Center.”