Spotlight on
Donna M. Phillip
Certified Compression Garment & Mastectomy Fitter
21-Year Breast Cancer Survivor
Motivator, Speaker & More
Ms. Donna M. Phillip has been employed for the past fifteen years with the Schneider Regional Medical Center in the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute (CKCI) as Manager of the Lynne Cohen Positive Appearance Boutique and the Gift Shop at Schneider Regional Medical Center. Ms. Phillip is a Juzo certified compression garment fitter and the first board certified Mastectomy Fitter in the Eastern Caribbean. She earned her board certification from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc., which is the highest credentialing standard in her profession.
“It is with skill, compassion, and empathy that Ms. Phillip becomes a catalyst to restore a positive body image and to renew confidence and self-esteem in her patients, locally and who come from throughout the Caribbean to be fitted.”
She is a twenty-one year breast cancer survivor, who was challenged with (stage 3b) metastasized breast cancer that spread to the lymph nodes. She takes pride in serving the patients who are experiencing life changing challenges from the effects of cancer. It is with skill, compassion, and empathy that Ms. Phillip becomes a catalyst to restore a positive body image and to renew confidence and self-esteem in her patients, locally and who come from throughout the Caribbean to be fitted. Ms. Phillip takes pride in providing excellent service. She has traveled the Caribbean speaking on survivorship, and empowering other women who have experienced the effects of breast cancer.
In addition to meeting the needs of cancer patients, Ms. Phillip also fits physician referred patients, who are diagnosed with Lymphedema, Burns, Edema, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), or other types of circulatory diseases, with compression garments.
Ms. Phillip’s advice to individuals undergoing cancer —
Care should be your first priority, you must acknowledge that you have a disease that requires immediate attention. Denial kills.
After that, seek all the support you can to get you through the difficult times. It makes it easier to go through it with people who can encourage and care for you.
Do whatever it takes to manage your stress levels and stay positive in spite of your circumstances. Have faith and maintain hope.
Community Involvement & Awards
Ms. Phillip also serves in numerous community organizations, and has received several community service awards, and still devotes a large part of her time to volunteerism. As a result, she has been the recipient of awards for outstanding community service. Ms.Phillip is a 2015 Paul Harris recipient, which was sponsored by Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie. She received recognition as the Fit Specialist of the month in April of 2009 by the Amoena (A-mo-na) Corporation the leading manufacturer in breast forms and bras in the United States. She also received the 2007-2008 “Vocational Excellence Award” for outstanding and dedicated service in her vocation from the Rotary Club of St. Thomas East. Ms. Phillip is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).
Ms. Phillip has been an active member of the St. Thomas/St. John American Cancer Society for the past eighteen years. During her tenure she has been Vice Chair of the St.Thomas/St. John Board of Directors. She also chaired several committees: 2008 to 2009 Luminary Committee, 2010 to 2016 Relay for Life Survivor Committee.
Family & Fun Facts
Ms. Phillip has six siblings, is the proud parent of three children, and eleven beautiful grandchildren! Ms. Phillip’s favorite color is yellow. It is bright, and characterized by a lively energy and excitement, everything about it speaks life! In her spare time she loves traveling, cooking and baking.