Phil passed away from glioblastoma in 2021, facing his diagnosis with courage, grace and an unwavering love for his family. His strength, optimism and kindness continue to inspire everyone who knew him.
In honour of Phil’s legacy, family, friends and supporters have raised $37,530 to date through multiple fundraising efforts, supporting Dr Olivia Moris Hanon’s brain tumour research in South Australia. These efforts are helping to improve treatments, bring hope to families and move us closer to a future free from this devastating disease.
Phil was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2019. Kellie shares their story of love, loss and carrying hope forward.
When Phil first experienced some facial numbness, no one could have imagined the road ahead. Fit, healthy and planning an overseas family trip, he was shocked when doctors suspected a small stroke. Initially misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a precautionary CT scan revealed something no one anticipated: a brain tumour.
At first, doctors thought it might be a benign meningioma. They told Phil to go ahead with the family trip and schedule surgery on return. But further tests brought devastating news that Phil had a glioblastoma, an aggressive and malignant brain tumour requiring urgent treatment.
From that moment, life changed dramatically. Phil underwent brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. When a post-surgery infection caused severe swelling, surgeons had to remove a hand-sized portion of his skull to relieve pressure.
Through it all, Phil remained “strong, steadfast and hopeful.” He continued to exercise, stayed connected to his community and found joy in simple moments with his family. Even during chemotherapy, he and Kellie celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a “second honeymoon” in Darwin, a testament to their enduring love and determination to make memories together.
Kellie recalls the emotional toll of living with such uncertainty:
“It’s a really awful thing to go through. Until you experience it, you can't understand it. Brain tumours are very fearful, very uncertain. You’re constantly waiting for the next piece of bad news.”
As Phil’s condition progressed, he faced growing fatigue, mobility issues and eventually needed round-the-clock care. “Phil was sick for 26 months, but for the last six months, he had life-changing disabilities,” Kellie said. “We didn’t have any support and didn’t know where to turn. We had no NDIS funding until the day he died.”
Despite the challenges, Phil’s optimism never wavered. Faith, family and friendship became their foundation, especially when Kellie met Kerry Turner, whose husband Dusty was also battling a brain tumour. The two women formed a deep bond and joined the Adelaide Brain Tumour Support Group, finding strength in community and purpose in advocacy.
Together, Kellie and Kerry have transformed their grief into action, fundraising in memory of Phil and Dusty to support vital brain tumour research. In 2024, they walked the Amalfi Coast, fulfilling the trip Kellie and Phil had always dreamed of but never got the chance to take.
Phil’s story is one of strength, courage and enduring love. It is also a story that continues to make a difference.
Through community walks, team fundraisers and ongoing donations, supporters are carrying forward Phil’s legacy and giving hope to others facing similar battles. Each event is a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with compassion and purpose.
Every donation, big or small, helps fund vital research, improve treatment options and provide better support for families living with brain cancer.
Let’s continue to honour Phil’s life with hope, love and action.
For more information contact Ginta on mobile 0419844511 or email ginta.orchard@nrf.com.au
