Overview

WHERE IS HOPE FOUND IN TIMES OF DEEP SUFFERING? At the age of twenty-two, Phil Z was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Instead of starting his new career as a fourth-grade teacher and getting engaged to the love of his life, he experienced uncertainty and despair in the face of tests, surgeries, appointments, medications, and a myriad of devastating symptoms caused by both cancer and treatment. In your darkest times, who is there for you? What is your source of strength and peace? What promises can you cling to that actually bring hope? These are the questions Phil wrestled with as he learned that his determination and self-confidence were no longer enough. This wrestling led him to a greater intimacy with God and a desire to help others in similar situations. This is how Phil's Friends--a ministry that sends cards and care packages to those with cancer--was born. With reflection questions at the end of each chapter, Phil encourages readers to see God's hand in the story of their lives and discover the good in even life's most difficult circumstances.

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9781685924980

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"""I have been encouraged by Phil since the moment we met over a decade ago. Seeing his story become available to the masses is so powerful because it convincingly demonstrates that our hope is stronger than our painful circumstances. -- Nick Roach, 8-year NFL Veteran as Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, and Oakland Raiders -- ""Nick Roach, 8-year NFL Veteran as Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, and Oakland Raiders"" ""You have cancer.' Those three words change a person for life! Phil Zielke's story is one that anyone who faces a personal battle with cancer or is a loved one of someone diagnosed with cancer can relate to. When the difficult days and negative thoughts creep in, what do you do? Phil's ability to ask the Lord for help and listen to his answer reminds us that we are never alone! Phil's story is one of inspiration. He has taught me that our response to life-altering news can define us as a child of God. Thank you for your example!"" -- Kelly Kramer, APRN, MSN, CPNP-PC, CPON, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Manager of the Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago & Biological Sciences --Kelly Kramer"

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Phil Zielke was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2004. He had been in the most advanced stage of the disease for nearly nine months. Following his diagnosis, Phil endured aggressive chemotherapy treatments at the University of Chicago Hospital. When he showed no more signs of cancer, he went on to begin his first year as a fourth grade teacher in the fall. In April 2005, three months away from his wedding to fiancée Carrie, Phil received the news that his cancer was back. He not only had to postpone his wedding, but also step away from his teaching job to begin treatment once again. At the height of those treatments he underwent several days of lethal chemotherapy followed by a stem-cell transplant. Going through the disease two times, there were moments that were blanketed by feelings of hopelessness. But as challenging and dark as these trials were, something hopeful and positive was birthed. Using his illness and what he had learned through that journey, God equipped him to help others in similar situations. It was on Phil's hospital bed that the vision of Phil's Friends was born. Phil was inspired by the thoughtfulness and selfless love of others when he received a care package, encouraging cards and an outpouring of prayerful support throughout his journey. These were simple reminders that brought the hope he needed. In November 2005 Phil was cancer-free; he then resumed teaching, shortly thereafter married his love Carrie, and began living out the calling God had placed on his life.

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