Simon’s Story

Site created on November 26, 2022

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Vanessa Phillips

Hi Friends,

First of all, a huge thank you from us for your generous contributions to our GoFundMe. It has relieved so much stress by allowing us to find a wonderful caregiver to help us a few days a week, and supporting us with treatment costs. Please donate as you can, and send it to anyone else you think would like to help.

It has been a few weeks since our last update, and we have a news share -- good news!

First, Simon had an MRI last week (we get them every 6 weeks), and it showed that everything is stable since the last one. It confirmed that the radiation he had in February has been able to keep things at bay. Woohoo!! Simon also continues to feel more energy and clarity as time passes since the radiation. More and more, we're able to get out and about again because he feels steadier on his legs, and can be up longer without getting exhausted.

Another exciting update is that we found a caregiver that we absolutely adore. He passed Simon's litmus test day one by showing up in a Fijian Rugby shirt. KayBe is kind, caring,  strong, and extremely helpful around the house. Simon enjoys his company, and most importantly, feels safe with him. He comes three days a week and stays with Simon for the day -- driving him to appointments and helping him do the things he loves, like cooking, doing his PT exercises, and meeting friends in town.

Finally, on the hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) front, we have finally secured the medical notes we need from our doctor to submit it to insurance. There is a possibility that they will cover the majority of the cost, which would be amazing. The protocol would be 40 days of treatment - 90 minutes per session - in a row. Once the insurance confirmation comes through, we will be organizing transportation for Simon everyday -- a big commitment but hopefully worth it. We imagine we will also use the caregiver for this, so the funds you've helped with are playing a big part in making this possible. Simon is very excited --  the more he learns about HBOT, the more clear he is that it's the right thing for him.  HBOT is used to help heal necrosis from radiation, build new neurons in the brain, and increase energy. There are also studies that suggest it can help shrink tumors. 

Some other highlights from the last month include a joyful visit from one of Simon's oldest childhood friends, Ashley, and his family. They've known each other since elementary school, rebuilt and shared Land Rovers, worked building stonewalls in Derbyshire, been in each others weddings, and seen each other through many life events.  It was special to see them laughing together.  

Also, friends in Muir Beach organized an afternoon at their house for friends from the community to spend time with Simon. It was a lovely afternoon, and meant a lot to Simon.

More updates to come in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, thank you again for all your love and support.

With gratitude,

Vanessa and Simon

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Simon Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Simon's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top