Written by Peter McGough
20 March 2013

HEATH OF THE MOMENT

Life changes for Phil & Jen Heath

By Peter McGough

 

Phil and Jen HeathMarch 16, 2013 represented a landmark in the bodybuilding career of two-time Mr. O Phil Heath, by virtue of the staging of the first annual Phil Heath Classic in Houston, Texas. This was the Denver resident’s baptism into contest promotion with partner Lee Thompson, chairman of the NPC Texas and IFBB judge.

 

The weekend was a resounding success with over 370 competitors flocking to take part in the various divisions. Through it all Phil was a ubiquitous presence, giving backstage pep talks to competitors, glad-handing fans, holding a seminar, making a guest posing appearance and overall being a perfect smiling host to one and all. Accompanying him was his wife Jen. They gave the impression they didn’t have a care in the world. Of course we all knew different.

 

Flashback to March 1st, and Columbus, Ohio on the morning of the Arnold Classic. I was taking part in a video promo in a special studio near the Convention Center and as I arrived I saw Phil Heath among the 20 people assembled. He shouted out, “Hey! Dad’s here.”

 

I replied, “Yeah, it’s time for kindergarten, junior,” as we played out customary greetings. Then Phil’s smile changed to a serious frown and he said, “I need to tell you something,” as he ushered me to a private area adjoining the studio. Here he told me his wife Jen had in the past few days became pretty certain she had breast cancer and that she was awaiting tests – due in 48 hours -- to confirm if that was so. He had a steely determination in his voice as he whispered, “You think life and winning two Mr. Olympia titles is terrific and then fate intervenes and shows you what is really important. Even though this has only just happened I know it’s changed me.” He informed me that he would go public once the tests results were in, and that he saw him and Jen as being lifelong crusaders in the battle against breast cancer.

 

A CALL TO ACTION

Fshawn-lee-philive days later on March 6, he posted the following on his Facebook page.

 

“After last week I'd like to make a big suggestion to all women young and older to remember to get your yearly mammograms. Breast cancer is an extremely deadly cancer that is taking many of our young and older women each year. Getting frequent checkups along with checking yourselves is important, as early detection is key. Someone may ask, ‘Why do you care Phil? You're a man and not a woman?’

 

“Well, I am posting this as my own wife was hit with breast cancer this past week and it has been a crazy week as its been filled with tears and tons of questions. Jennie has stage 1 breast cancer and by the grace of God, she was able to get this taken care of quickly due to her own assertiveness. The crazy part is her own doctor suggested it was nothing and to wait three more months. Well thank God she didn't [wait] as we found this small lump to be cancerous. Jennie is now awaiting more tests and will have surgery very soon to perform a lumpectomy and later double mastectomy, which will sideline her from work and some other physical activities for about 4-6 weeks.

 

“She's [Jennie] such an awesome person, as she was hit with something so huge, yet still was able to be vulnerable and allow me and other family and friends to surround her with love, prayers and positivity. I am certain that this will make our family stronger and she will be even more driven than ever.

 

“I want every woman to get checked and every spouse -- that means us men -- to be strong for our women, as we haven't a clue the terror, pain, fear and frustration our women go through. I will hopefully become some type of male rep for women with breast cancer, as their spouses need to understand how to cope with such news. I'm not a professional in this area, but I do know that with my role as Mr. Olympia that I have a voice and will be brothers with all men whose women/spouses go through this experience.

 

phil-lee-ray-winner“Oh, before I go, I want to thank my wife Jennie for allowing me to cry and to go through this walk with her. I promise to be strong for you when called upon and weak and sensitive when needed. You go girl. I'm so proud of you that I dedicate this show [2013 Mr. Olympia] to you and you alone because your strength will in fact be mine! I am so lucky to have you in my life and hope and pray we can fight through life's battles and yet LIVE LIFE TOGETHER HAPPILY!”

 

It’s not only the two Sandows on the mantle that makes Jen and Phil Heath a champion couple. Rest assured Mrs. And Mr. Heath, the whole bodybuilding community is pulling for you and sending good wishes.

 

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