Chicago Bears and Phil’s Friends bring holiday joy to patients
ROSELLE, Ill. December 23, 2010—Several members of the 2010 NFC North Champion Chicago Bears and local cancer support organization Phil’s Friends delivered more than 100 care packages to patients and their families at The University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, and Pediatric and Adult Oncology Clinics on Tuesday, December 21.
“The look on the children’s faces when they receive a Phil’s Friends care package puts everything in perspective, including the game of football,” said Bears defensive lineman Tommie Harris.
Harris was joined by fellow teammates Matt Forte, Nick Roach, Anthony Adams, Matt Toeaina, Rod Wilson and Edwin Williams, as well as team Chaplain Ray McElroy. The team spent more than two hours meeting with children and their families and posing for photos that brought smiles and created joyful memories.
“A few hours later, my patients still had tears in their eyes because they were so grateful that someone came and visited them,” said Marjorie Darson, an oncology staff member for the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Phil’s Friends Executive Director Phil Zielke understands the struggles these patients and families are going through. Zielke was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2004 and began aggressive chemotherapy at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Five months later, tests showed no signs of cancer and he began his first year of teaching fourth grade a month later. Zielke relapsed six months later and faced even harsher treatment, including a stem cell transplant. In November 2005, he was cancer-free and resumed his passion for teaching while launching a new one, Phil’s Friends.
“I felt a variety of emotions after visiting the floor I was treated on,” said Zielke. “To give back and see all the smiling faces made the experience worthwhile."
Chicago Bears players and University of Chicago Medical Center staffers understand and appreciate what Zielke and his organization does for cancer patients.
“Phil knows what it’s like to be a patient,” said Bears running back Matt Forte. “He has a great organization that provides hope to cancer patients in need and that’s why we’re supporting him today.”
University of Chicago oncology staffer Kelly Kramer agrees. “Phil was a young adult when he was treated at the hospital. His organization is great because it reaches out and brings hope to people of all ages."
Phil's Friends and The Chicago Bears Team up to reach out