About The Book
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.
In my story I found beauty, especially in what people did for me. Shortly after I was diagnosed, a group of people put a care package together for me. This act of kindness caused me to breakdown and cry. The care package, full of items I needed and enjoyed, symbolized that I wasn’t going to fight through this journey alone. Even more so, that small expression of care was also the starting point for me to realize how important it would be for me to accept the help of others.
An excerpt from "Seeing The Good In It"
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