LWML Mite Challenge - May 2026
About This Mission Grant
The core of Phil’s Friends mission is based on Matthew 25:36, I was sick and you visited me. In the past 18 years, Phil’s Friends has sent nearly 60,000 care packages and more than one million Cards of Hope. This ministry supports anyone with cancer regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or income level.
It costs $100 for one year to support a cancer patient. This total includes the care package, 12 Cards of Hope, and postage. The care packages are hand-decorated, and the contents are customized according to the age and gender of the recipient. They are filled with simple, practical comfort items that cancer patients can use during their treatments. Phil’s Friends is 100% donor supported.
This grant will purchase supplies for care packages and Cards of Hope and will pay for shipping and postage to support 1,000 cancer patients for one year.
Facing Cancer Bravely & Beautifully
Linda St. Myers is a faithful supporter of Phil’s Friends. She was one of the first to volunteer at the Crown Point, IN Hope Center when it opened in 2017. Sadly, Linda, 66, is currently dealing with terminal brain cancer. She has a bright and beautiful spirit and loves volunteering when her health allows. “Volunteering at Phil’s Friends has become a passion of mine,” Linda said. “It’s just wonderful being here.” Here she is with Phil Zielke, founder of Phil’s Friends, standing before a wall of boxes she helped to decorate.
“Wall of Hope”
These are just a few of the 750 care packages that were decorated and packed at the church packing event in Illinois. The packages were sent all over the United States, including one to Hawaii. At this event, several church members even selected special items to go into a care package they would deliver personally.
“Love is Owl Around You.”
Even before a patient opens a box, they are encouraged! We’ve heard stories. There are some very clever and artistic people out there, and this is just one example of a how beautifully these boxes are decorated. This one will surely bring a smile to a cancer patient’s face.
“Box of Love and Compassion”
Each care package is filled with simple items that express love and compassion. We thought carefully about which items we would include each care package, ones that would meet practical needs and bring comfort on days when a patient is experiencing dark days.
“It’s a family affair.”
Phil and his two young sons, Graham and Hudson, speak at a recent church packing event in Illinois, where more than 550 church members packed 750 care packages over two days. Graham and Hudson share how the care packages, which are lovingly decorated with fun motifs, help to brighten a cancer patient’s day.
"Praying around the Wall of Hope"
After each off-site packing event, which often are at churches, volunteers gather around the "Wall of Hope" to pray over the boxes and for those who will receive them.
