Our daughter Zia is just three months old, and our family is walking through a season we never imagined.
On January 21, 2026, Zia underwent surgery for hydrocephalus, a condition that caused dangerous fluid buildup in her brain. By God’s grace, the surgery was successful, and we are thankful for her progress in recovery.
During that recovery, however, doctors discovered a serious intestinal blockage. This blockage prevents waste from passing and must be cleared for Zia to live. Time is critical.
We were originally quoted $8,000 for her surgery and hospital stay. We worked, sold what we could, and saved $10,000 to make sure she received care. Complications followed, and Zia spent a full week in the ICU, which caused the hospital bill to rise to $18,000.
We have exhausted our savings and done everything within our power, but we are $6,000 short.
Here is the difficult reality we face in the Philippines:
Zia cannot be discharged from the private hospital—and her medical records cannot be released—until the remaining balance is paid in full. Without discharge and records, she cannot be transferred.
Once transferred to a public hospital, Zia will qualify for government medical assistance, allowing doctors to perform the procedure to remove the blockage and continue her care.
This $6,000 is the bridge between where we are now and the treatment that can save our daughter’s life.
As parents, asking for help is humbling. We trust God, and we also believe He often works through His people. If you feel led to give, your support will go directly toward settling the hospital balance so Zia can be transferred and treated.
If you’re unable to donate, we would deeply appreciate your prayers and sharing this page.
Thank you for standing with our family in this moment. We are holding onto faith, hope, and gratitude.
With sincere thanks,
Timothy & Lorine Phillips
Dear friends,
With a full and grateful heart, I want to share that the fundraiser is officially over. Lorine and I are overwhelmed—in the best possible way—by the love, generosity, prayers, and encouragement you have shown our family.
For years, I’ve had a quiet dream of seeing friends from different seasons of my life come together—school days, past careers, present work, and future paths. Somehow, in the middle of this storm, that dream became real. People I hadn’t spoken to in 30 years, along with people I’ve never even met in person, joined together to help our little family. That alone has changed me.
You can’t really pay someone back with the same emotional intention they gave you—but I can promise this: I have, and will continue to, serve my fellow man the way Jesus so beautifully taught. Sometimes with a hug, sometimes with an ear, sometimes with food, sometimes with money, sometimes with a gentle kick in the pants—but always with love.
Here’s where things stand with Baby Zia:
About half of the medical bills are now paid, and I am actively negotiating time and terms on the remaining balance.
Zia herself was… really not doing well. She went ten days without a bowel movement, which is incredibly difficult for anyone—especially a baby—to survive.
On the tenth day, the obstruction miraculously moved on. Tears of helplessness and frustration were replaced with tears of joy. I slept for a full day.
Three days later, our daughter is out of the woods.
The hydrocephalus shunt is working beautifully, draining almost all the excess fluid from her head.
Now the only one with a big head in the family is me.
Three days after that bowel movement, the swelling is almost gone. Her color has nearly fully returned.
If I could show you a before-and-after picture, I would—but I hesitated to share the “before.” She truly did not look like she was going to make it.
We are now out of the most serious danger. I still need to finish paying off this chapter and eventually save for a future spinal operation. I will cross those stones as they come.
For now, please know this: your kindness saved more than money—it restored hope. You reminded us that we are not alone, and that love shows up when it’s needed most.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us.
With gratitude and love,
Timothy & Lorine Phillips
Thank you. You guys are awesome. I can't believe we are over 20 percent there. We told Zia she has many new uncles and aunties out there. Once, again, you guys rock!
