Father of Eight Needs Hope and Mobility After Life-Changing Accident

Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator

Release: Immediate

FATHER OF EIGHT NEEDS HOPE AND MOBILITY AFTER LIFE-CHANGING ACCIDENT

Tenino Community Is Rallying to Help This Loving Dad and Community Volunteer

TENINO, Wa.—Father of eight Marvin Bruce Phillips experienced a life-changing trucking accident in 2015 that resulted in a right leg amputation above the knee. Today, Marvin’s loving community is fueling his journey of hope through a new fundraising campaign with the national nonprofit Help Hope Live with a simple goal: helping Marvin to return to being the devoted father and community volunteer that he wants to be with an accessible vehicle.

On July 1, 2015, Marvin experienced a trucking accident that would forever change his life. A tractor trailer rollover in the Tacoma, Washington shipyards left him with significant physical injuries. Following multiple surgeries, doctors were forced to amputate his right leg above the knee. Marvin has experienced thirteen surgeries in all since the accident.

Marvin is a loving husband and father of six sons and two daughters ranging in age from six to 40. Before his trucking accident, he was a dedicated youth mentor, baseball coach, and volunteer who assisted the homeless population and senior citizens in Tenino at every opportunity. He served as a youth pastor with Portland Rescue Mission and worked with the Nelson Foundation. He’s been living in Tenino for more than seven years.

Marvin’s accident put a hold on many aspects of his life, including volunteering and engaging fully with his community and his kids. Lack of accessible transportation and challenges finding a consistent caregiver have left him unable to be the father and community member that he wants to be. “I have had a very hard time getting to appointments and commitments,” explained Marvin. “I want to be able to get back into the community.”

But that could change soon thanks to the love and support of his Tenino community.

Friends and neighbors can now contribute to an online fundraising campaign managed by the national nonprofit Help Hope Live: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/20518/

These funds will play a critical role in Marvin’s life, bringing a reliable accessible vehicle within reach that Marvin can access with his wheelchair. Because his family is working with Help Hope Live instead of GoFundMe, donations are tax deductible, his medical need is verified, and all funds raised will be responsibly managed by the nonprofit. Funds raised can only cover verified medical and related costs.

Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $165 million to pay patient expenses. ###

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Written by Emily Progin