ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Phil Schuyler, who was struck by lightning in July while at St. Augustine Beach pier with his wife and daughter, is now out of the hospital and in good spirits.
He met with News4JAX at Mojos Tacos, one of his favorite places.
“This is where I was when it happened, July 12,” Phil said.
He doesn’t remember much, but pictures show the condition he was in.
“My nose is still broken. I have to wait another three weeks to see if it’ll heal on its own. The biggest hit was to my heart and nerve damage in my shoulders. It all bounces back after a traumatic event,” he said.
The lightning strike was caught on a hotel camera, showing the exact moment it hit the pier. Phil shared how he feels now.
“More fatigued, just fatigue, but every day has been better. I’ve been absorbing energy and feeling better. I am so grateful and so humble. The amount of people that have been out to us, it’s just been amazing. People I don’t even know,” he said.
Despite his recovery progress, the family is worried about costs.
They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the medical costs they expect to be expensive. Specifically, they say they are concerned with the potential cost of the two helicopter flights.
“When I asked, most likely it would not be covered is what they said,” Phil said.
The family says they have not received any bills yet, but all funds raised in the GoFundMe will go towards medical bills.
“We are now facing a staggering out-of-pocket medical transport bill that could reach tens of thousands of dollars, on top of his continuing medical needs and recovery costs,” the fundraiser says.
The family is setting a goal of $250,000 to help cover:
• Emergency ICU, burn unit, and cardiac care
• Multiple medical transports by helicopter
• Facial, neurological, and heart trauma recovery
• In-home support for Diana with dementia
• Temporary housing and long-term rehabilitation
• Travel and family care coordination
So far, they have raised over $10,500.
Phil is a Vietnam veteran and has been the full-time caregiver for his wife of more than 50 years.
Phil reflected on his survival through multiple health battles.
“I’m a very lucky person. I had prostate cancer and survived. I had a melanoma that was very deep on my leg, and they got it. Then this happened. I wake up, and I’m still here,” he said.
The family is thankful for the first responders who saved Phil’s life and the support they have received so far. They continue to take each good day as it comes and practice gratitude.
