UPDATE: Little Philz loses battle to cancer; family releases statement

Philz was originally diagnosed with a brain tumor
Philz was originally diagnosed with a brain tumor

After bravely battling cancer for the past six months, Philz Viville has passed away.

A relative told DNO that he passed at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

He was six years old.

He passed away the same day he celebrated his birthday.

Philz, from the Kalinago Territory, was originally diagnosed with an enlarged and growing brain tumor.

The tumor was then diagnosed as cancerous.

Surgery was done in France to remove the tumor and he was reportedly doing fine.

However, it appeared that the cancer had spread.

Below is a statement released by his family..

Six months ago ‘Our Champion Boy’ Philz Viville was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor which took him on a tremendous journey of strength, courage, perseverance and determination. It also took him on a road trip on January 14th 2015 to Martinique then on to France and months after back to Martinique then home to Dominica on July the 10thwhen medically much could no longer be done. On this life journey many relationships were fostered, strengthen, and healed.

Philz battle with cancer was short but incredible, after undergoing surgery after surgery, seven in total, and his spirit was never dampened.

He showed courage and maintained a close relationship with God. There was never a dull moment in his presence and an infectious smile which touched at the heart.

It is with great loss that his family wishes to make known to the Dominica public the death of their beloved son, on Sunday the 19th of July at about 2pm, after having reached the milestone of six wonderful years, as family and friends gather to celebrate his achievement

His parents Philmon and Maureen Viville wishes to thank all who helped in one way or another to make Philz journey what it was. He was thankful for the wonderful support that he received and showed it in his fight for life.

The Government and people of Dominica, the nurses and doctors of the Princess Margaret Hospital Children’s ward, Doctor Ronda MacIntre and the Children Heart Foundation, the nurses and doctors in Martinique and France. The Salybia Primary School and the Castle Bruce secondary school. The Seventh day Adventist churches both here and the French Isles. The National Youth Council and the many other youth groups, the go- fund me-hope for philz by Gillen William, and to all the persons who wishes to remain anonymous.

Be it cash, a prayer, a visit, a call or just a thought we are so grateful and appreciative. Philz did fight a good fight and has gone to rest, let us not mourn like those with no hope but let’s continue to love and support each other.

AGAIN ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY HEARTFUL THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS US AS A NATION AND INDIVIDUALLY.

According to Philz ‘be strong be brave’.

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44 Comments

  1. A mother
    July 23, 2015

    RIP little man. Your parents now have their own angel in heaven to watch over them. They may have preferred to take care of you and make it to a day where you can burry them but God had his own plan: He allowed him to see his birthday because he really needed a six year old angel. Take courage in the Lord. He will see you through this.

  2. Dominica I love
    July 21, 2015

    This is sad indeed, This little fellow seems to have gotten so much love while he fought this battle. His smile is beautiful and he is now a new angle in heaven. To his parents and other family members, I say I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Seek comfort in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

  3. July 21, 2015

    Lord we ask that you console the families and friends and the Dominican community with his passing , it’s much more difficult to accept when children so young gone to their rest so early but God is in control so seek your strength thru him.. R.I.P my child.

  4. July 21, 2015

    I too would like to join in with the one voice of the many,to express my sadness at little Philz passing.And whilst I feel sad about it,I’m comforted knowing that JEHOVAH (GOD) does all things well.HE knew little Philz would have had six years on the world stage and then exit.
    My condolences I send out to his family and friends.I pray that GOD wraps HIS loving arms around each and everyone of you,for there you will find solace.
    Don’t worry about little Philz. Little Philz is in a better place. To live is Christ,to die is gain.
    R.I.P little angel…

  5. anyone
    July 20, 2015

    rip philz :( condolences to the family and frenzzz keep strong

  6. July 20, 2015

    It was just about a few days before Sunday, that I was thinking about him–I wondered how did the surgery in France go for him. Then on Monday I read about his passing from a friend named Gillian, on Face book–the news was so sad.

    These are the times we ask, why do they have to get sick and to leave so soon–but then again God knows what He is doing. One thing I am sure of is that his soul will “rest in peace”–he is not a lost one, for his Spirit has gone to our Lord, God.

    And so we will meet on that beautiful shore, where Jesus will call us to enter the Gates of Life with Him–the Home is Paradise. Parents, brothers/sisters, other close relatives and friends take comfort that all is perfectly well with the soul of our cute little boy.–named Philz

  7. Leftist Kalinago
    July 20, 2015

    Be strong Phili and Mauren. May his soul RIP.

  8. Jo
    July 20, 2015

    This touches my heart. May he rest peacefully.

  9. Think About It
    July 20, 2015

    May little Philz Rest in Eternal Peace. May his family and friends find comfort knowing that he is now free from pain and suffering. Let him memories see you all through, remember his smile or little words spoken by him that would make you all smile. Little man once again RIP.

    • Think About It
      July 21, 2015

      him*

  10. Delia
    July 20, 2015

    Philz is at peace but we should let his short life have meaning. What have e learnt from his being here, the way he endured and his quite wisdom older than his years? “Be brave, be strong”. The little angel knew his task was over and he tried to prepare those he loved and those who loved him. Philz was here for a brief moment but his life impact is massive. he will live on in our memories. Rest in eternal peace little angel.

  11. Blessed
    July 20, 2015

    Maureen, your strength is unbelievable! Going through this twice is something we all can’t understand but ask why you? God knows! Continue to be strong my friend and let us all apply the principles learnt from Philz’s short life to ours in order to meet him in glory one day!
    RIP Philz! We will always love you. Thanks Jesus for sharing Philz with us.

  12. May his soul Rest In Perfect Peace
    July 20, 2015

    Awwww was hoping that he made it. He was sure a smart and brave little boy. May God give his family the strength that they need at this time. May the soul of this little angel rest in perfect peace. One thing we know for sure its that he fought the big fight and he’s no longer in pain anymore.

  13. Blessed
    July 20, 2015

    Rest in Peace Philz. To the family and friends continue to be strong.

  14. JC
    July 20, 2015

    RIP little angel. You did touch the hearts of many

  15. July 20, 2015

    May his soul rest in peace. Heaven needed a small angel. My sympathy to his family and freinds. Amen

  16. forreal
    July 20, 2015

    this child just came to bring about a message of unity,that is all I can see,because he came on his birthday,he left on his birthday,he sure will rest in heavenly peace,his work is over,let god be praised,halleluyah

  17. Rasta
    July 20, 2015

    RIP

  18. be strong be brave
    July 20, 2015

    Condolences to prince philz family,friends and well wishers. prince philz is in a better place and God knows best.. he was called home to his maker and he would not want anyone to cry, but to be happy and carry a smile. be strong for him knowing he is looking down on us all…. sweet dreams sweetheart.

  19. gangsta is purple.
    July 20, 2015

    R.I.p. god knows best. To the family hold strong in this trying time. Death is never easy to deal wit.

  20. July 20, 2015

    RIP Little Philz Viville, you were a brave child. Your parents and family have an Angel in Heaven and I am sure they are happy for the years you were here on earth with them and you will forever be in their hearts.

    My Sympathy to Little Philz’s family and friends. May you find comfort in knowing his suffering is over. He is in the arms of God now. He died on his birthday. Even that is amazing. Rest now little Angel.

  21. A mother
    July 20, 2015

    So sorry to have read this. God has better plans for him this world was definitely not his home, to his parents and other relatives do mourn his passing but also celebrate his life remember and cherish all your joyful moments together while he was with you. May you find comfort only in God. R. I, P LITTLE ONE

  22. Dylan & Bertha
    July 20, 2015

    That’s our little hero right there..You fought a brave fight.
    You brought strength to people you didn’t even know…..
    R.I.P my hero we will continue your fight to eradicate this disease.

  23. mama j
    July 20, 2015

    rip in peace hun this is so sad my condolences to his family just so very sad but god knows best

  24. stand for yourself
    July 20, 2015

    may he RIP bless the family

  25. MAN KIND
    July 20, 2015

    R.I.P SON . GOD PROBABLY HAS OTHER PLANS FOR YOU .
    OUR CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND WELL WISHERS .
    KINDLY DO MOURN HIS PASSING BUT CELEBRATE WITH THE MIND THAT HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE THAN ALL OF US .

  26. Fummy
    July 20, 2015

    so sorry to hear the lost of your child, I do not know what i would do if one of my children would leave me, May God give the parents comfort and in their time of grief and strength to go through it. May his precious soul RIP..

  27. July 20, 2015

    Rest in peace little one your pain and sufferings are gone.

  28. bumble bee
    July 20, 2015

    Gone too soon rest little angel, heaven could’nt wait for you.!!
    Praying for comfort for the family.

  29. too late
    July 20, 2015

    This is so sad and i am just here wondering whether there is a reason why a young handsome child would have such an illness. I mean is part of God’s plan?

    • July 20, 2015

      So sorry to hear of the loss of this precious little boy. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

      I have no answer as to why. But the words of an old song come to me:

      “We’ll understand it better bye and bye.”

      Personally, I believe this is true. I hope you will take comfort from this.

      May God be with each one of you.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

      • too late
        July 20, 2015

        Reverend Hopefully the family and friends keep the faith as for me I keep looking a this picture and keep asking my self questions.I mean how does a mother and father cope with losing such a precious child. Reverend I will assume that you and others who have deep faith and stronger than I am say a prayer for them.

      • July 22, 2015

        @too late July 20, 2015

        Keep in mind that God is a God of Love full of mercy and compassion. As He does His work in and through people, He blesses us with His energy of Joy and Peace–that we might go through the difficult tasks, which stays with us until we have the victory that is for our blessings and His glory in Love.

  30. Ma Moses
    July 20, 2015

    So, so sorry to hear that. We are so busy with ourselves sometimes we are blind to other people’s sorrows. My heart hurts for his family and all who loved him, particularily his parents.

  31. Ms. B
    July 20, 2015

    RIP lil one. Condolences to the family

  32. Peter Potter
    July 20, 2015

    So sorry to hear that!

  33. TRUTH
    July 20, 2015

    I pray that little Phil family find comfort in knowing that little Phil is in a better place with not more pain. May God strengthen them in this time.

    R.I.P. my son you were really loved. Blessings from the most and only true God.

  34. Dagem
    July 20, 2015

    My condolences to the family and friends of little Philz pray that they will find comfort in Jesus at this time

    • Bethanan adventist church Guadeloupe
      July 20, 2015

      Our condolences to the family of little Philz, we did not know you yet your name and condition was known to us and we were concerned about you just like u were our own,
      we’re sorry to have lost you but God knows why.To the family we say be of good courage and trust in the Lord

  35. Shernel B
    July 20, 2015

    RIP Philz :cry: only God knows best. You are not hurting anymore…..really wish you survived this. :cry:

  36. amindom
    July 20, 2015

    R.I.P. sweet little man. Such a brave boy.

  37. Dominic
    July 20, 2015

    rest in peace philz

  38. Nalda
    July 20, 2015

    My sympathies go out to the family, teachers and classmates of lil Phil as well as his friends.
    There is hope beyond the grave.
    May you all find comfort and rest in the almighty.

    • Time alone
      July 20, 2015

      Rest in perfect peace little angel.

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