Dr. Philip Carlson was both a medical doctor and pastor. When Katie Quintas first considered the idea of a nonprofit to help families in medical crisis who do not qualify for government assistance, she shared her idea with her husband Silvio and with Phil, her pastor. Both were absolutely convicted that Here to Serve should come into existence.
Phil, as both a pastor and a medical doctor, felt so strongly about Here to Serve that he offered to be Here to Serve’s first board member to encourage Katie and Sil to move forward with their vision. This was quite a commitment from a man who was pastoring a church, launching a newly formed medical practice, and raising a family with four children, including a special-needs daughter.
Phil served faithfully as our founding board member until he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the end of 2014. He went to be with the Lord in December 2015 after the cancer metastasized and could no longer be controlled or stopped.
Both of these incredible men—Phil and Sil—were Here to Serve’s and Katie Quintas’ biggest cheerleaders, and their loss is devastating on so many levels. There is not a single day that goes by that the huge hole in our organization, and in my heart, is not felt.
Phil officiated Sil’s memorial service, only to join Sil in heaven less than two years later. Hearts are shattered, but not our resolve to continue the legacy these two noble men helped start. I can almost hear them both urging us not to give up, give in, or turn away from the vision they believed in so deeply.
Both committed their lives to the highest good we can achieve on earth—serving others. Rest in peace, my sweet love Sil and my dear friend Phil. Heaven is a richer, more magnificent place with both Phil and Sil there.