19/03/2025
In a time when our world felt so divided and hopeless, Phila entered our lives and gave us all new perspective and light. ✨
In January, when Nico came home and said he was going to have a new student in his class who had suffered life-threatening burns and had been hospitalized for a number of years, we wondered how Nico would respond. We watched "Wonder" as a family and talked about how people’s exterior are far less important than what’s inside of them. What I soon found out was that Nico and his peers never needed a lesson in acceptance. They welcomed Phila into their class with open arms and without a second of hesitation.
We knew Phila would make an impact on Nico’s school career, but we were unaware what a profound impact he would make on our entire family. Phila has displayed resilience, kindness, and spirit as he entered the Charlestown community and was greeted with the warmest friendship from his classmates. They are bonded together in friendship, have taught me lessons about love, kindness, and restored my faith in the world in a few short months.
At the end June, Phila loses his housing through his medical visa as he seeks asylum in the States while continuing the excellent care he’s received at Shriner’s Hospital.
I believe, undoubtedly, that Phila was brought to Charlestown for a purpose and that this community not only has much to learn from him, but will wrap him and his Auntie up with love and support as they go through the rest of Phila’s treatments and the path to citizenship. If you are able, please consider a donation to Phila and Auntie’s Go-Fund-Me which will go towards his housing in Charlestown as they navigate this process and in the school where he is loved. Even the smallest amount will help help ensure that his path is filled with opportunities, encouragement, and hope.
If you feel compelled and inspired by Phila’s story, please share with your family and friends as social media is one of the most powerful ways to help reach as many caring people as possible. ✨
And most importantly, when you see Phila and his auntie around the neighborhood, say hello! I know you’ll love him as much as we do.
