Our local newspaper did a nice story on Phil, so I'll just insert some snippets from that:
Earlier this month, Volker completed 909 laps on the trail, effectively walking the distance of El Camino de Santiago, a famous Christian pilgrimage in Spain. If his doctors give the final approval, this summer Volker will go from backyard pilgrim to actual pilgrim when he flies to Spain to set off on the popular trek. "I wanted to experience it … but if I don’t get to go, I’m going to be happy with what I got here,” Volker said. “It’s more than I thought I could do." Volker’s journey began three years ago when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, something he now calls the first “C” in his life. The diagnosis led him to the second “C,” the Catholic church, or more specifically the St. John Vianney church. At the local parish, Volker, a longtime islander who owns a construction company and is a veteran involved with the American Legion, says he’s found meaning, support and friendship as he battles cancer. “Having a life-threatening obstacle, it straightens your priorities out,” he said. ... Commonly called el Camino, the ancient path across northern Spain became Volker’s third “C.” Translated as the Way of St. James, the 500-mile trek ends at what is believed to be the burial site of the apostle James and has been a popular Christian pilgrimage for over 1,000 years. ... Kelly Burke plans to finish the length of the route, but Volker, who doesn’t have as much time to spend in Spain, will skip some legs in order to see the entire trail. “God willing and doctor willing,” Volker said, he will walk the final 100 kilometers to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a stretch required to receive a certificate of completion. “I think it’s going to be a wonderful time to reflect on life,” Burke said, “thinking about our busy life here and what’s really important in living. I think I’m going to be changed when I come back, and I think Phil will, too.” Volker is looking forward to what the Camino will hold, but at the same time says he’s already been changed on his own backyard journey.
Earlier this month, Volker completed 909 laps on the trail, effectively walking the distance of El Camino de Santiago, a famous Christian pilgrimage in Spain. If his doctors give the final approval, this summer Volker will go from backyard pilgrim to actual pilgrim when he flies to Spain to set off on the popular trek. "I wanted to experience it … but if I don’t get to go, I’m going to be happy with what I got here,” Volker said. “It’s more than I thought I could do." Volker’s journey began three years ago when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, something he now calls the first “C” in his life. The diagnosis led him to the second “C,” the Catholic church, or more specifically the St. John Vianney church. At the local parish, Volker, a longtime islander who owns a construction company and is a veteran involved with the American Legion, says he’s found meaning, support and friendship as he battles cancer. “Having a life-threatening obstacle, it straightens your priorities out,” he said. ... Commonly called el Camino, the ancient path across northern Spain became Volker’s third “C.” Translated as the Way of St. James, the 500-mile trek ends at what is believed to be the burial site of the apostle James and has been a popular Christian pilgrimage for over 1,000 years. ... Kelly Burke plans to finish the length of the route, but Volker, who doesn’t have as much time to spend in Spain, will skip some legs in order to see the entire trail. “God willing and doctor willing,” Volker said, he will walk the final 100 kilometers to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a stretch required to receive a certificate of completion. “I think it’s going to be a wonderful time to reflect on life,” Burke said, “thinking about our busy life here and what’s really important in living. I think I’m going to be changed when I come back, and I think Phil will, too.” Volker is looking forward to what the Camino will hold, but at the same time says he’s already been changed on his own backyard journey.
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