Philip is a carefree, determined, and genuine kid who always has a smile on his face. His friends would describe him as a comedian, even though he is not trying to be. He loves spending time with his Granny, along with playing baseball, traveling, and learning about military history. He is an active member of Boy Scouts of America. Philip approaches participating in events with determination to complete the task.

 

Born at just 3.5 pounds, Phil came out of the womb a fighter. He survived open heart surgery at two months old, with five additional surgeries to follow. Damage to his vagus nerve during surgery caused him to have difficulty eating and drinking. Already experiencing heart and GI concerns, severe food allergies caused malnourishment and failure to thrive. His health became critical, and he was placed on total parenteral nutrition feeding which was delivered through a broviac line in his neck. His primary source of nutrition for over five years included this and other types of supplements. Over the years, Philip’s journey has taken him through experiences that many adults could have never imagined.