Phillip was Powerfully Positive in his approach to life and how he fought leukemia. He never asked, “Why me?” rather he asked, “Why not me?” At 28 he felt he had been afforded the time to make many magical memories and observe and experience the natural world around him. He recognized that some of the children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would never enjoy the feeling of navigating the roaring waters from a kayak, the warmth of a camp fires’ glow, nor the sounds of the songbirds along a beaten trail. He encouraged family and friends to redirect their positive energy towards supporting the children of St. Jude so that they would have the opportunity to create their own magical memories.
It is with this in mind that we ask you to join us as we follow Phillip’s Powerfully Positive leadership and share some “friendship medicine” with the children of St. Jude.
Our Story
Our story begins with a gesture of “friendship medicine” for our neighbor’s son, Phillip Ryan Robertson, who was undergoing treatment for leukemia. As an avid outdoorsman, whose passions included kayaking, hiking, and camping, the sterile confines and restrictions associated with the treatment for leukemia made pursuing these passions impossible. Despite not having a personal relationship with Phillip, we felt compelled to connect with him as he battled his disease. We struggled to come up with the appropriate gesture of compassion, but ultimately decided to create a blanket that encompassed some of his interests and hobbies. We learned through Phillip’s parents that the blanket provided him with warmth and comfort while connecting him with home. Furthermore, the blanket reminded him that he was a part of a larger family of friendship and support.
