You may recognize this month’s Resident Feature family from the annual Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade. Phoenix McFetridge is a two-time winner of the bike brigade, and behind her, every step of the way in the parade and every day is her loving dad, John. We’re honored to share their story that will inspire readers to keep pushing ahead no matter what obstacle.
John McFetridge grew up in Broomall with his parents, his sister Debbie and his brother Eric. John was born in southwest Philadelphia, but after a few years, his parents wanted to move out of the city and settled in Harleysville, PA. “Being from the city, my mom found Harleysville to be a bit too rural,” John explained. “They ultimately found Broomall to be a better fit.” After moving here in 1966, they never left and John enjoyed the area so much that he bought his own home here in 1991, just down the road from his parents.
John went to Russell Elementary, Paxon Hollow Middle School and eventually Marple Newtown High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team. When he first graduated high school, John went to work for his dad, who had his own manufacturing business. When John wasn’t working, he loved being active, working out, and being outdoors. He even became certified in scuba diving. An avid motorcyclist, John could also be found fixing up and riding his Harley Davidson. And for many years, he coached the Marple Newtown Junior tigers in wrestling.
In 1985, John’s dad decided to close his business, leading John to look for his next career move. “I decided the post office would be a good fit, so I took the US Postal exams for several nearby towns, including Broomall,” he explained. Bryn Mawr was the first to offer him the job, and he spent 34 years with the Bryn Mawr Post Office. Many of his customers became lifelong friends. “The most rewarding part of the job was definitely the relationships I formed with both my coworkers and the residents,” recalled John. “They became like family to me.”
John’s own family includes his two children, 24-year-old Phoenix and 23-year-old Beau, who both graduated from Marple Newtown High School. When Beau was young, he was a gymnastics state champion from KMC Gym in Kennett Square and he wrestled for Paxon Hollow Middle School and the Marple township league. His gymnastics skills eventually led him to dive for the Rose Tree Woods diving team, where he qualified for the elite diving champions tournament. After he graduated from MNHS Beau moved to Media and now works at the Church of Good Samaritan in Paoli as part of their maintenance team.
Phoenix is a 2016 graduate of MNHS, where she played field hockey and lacrosse, served as secretary of her class and was in the choir and drama club. After high school, Phoenix went on to the University of Delaware to study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and Agriculture and Natural Resources. She was an active member of the university’s Outing Club, the choir and a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority. She was also a DJ at the University’s radio station WVUD.
Phoenix and her family’s life was forever changed in February 2019 when she suffered significant complications from the flu. Because of the virus, she developed fluid around her heart and battled heart complications. When the doctors were draining the fluid from her heart, her heart stopped and they had to perform CPR for 45 minutes. The lack of oxygen led to an anoxic brain injury and she lost her ability to speak. Phoenix also underwent numerous medical procedures, including a fasciotomy of her legs and dialysis for her failing kidneys. Because she was on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a life-saving but risky procedure, there was poor blood flow to her legs, which caused her to lose her right leg.
Although Phoenix’s condition began to improve, she spent months in the hospital, followed by a long stay in Bryn Mawr Rehab. During Phoenix’s illness, John received a tremendous amount of support from family, friends, former customers and the Broomall community. “From visiting Phoenix in the hospital to supporting us with meals and even organizing a Beef and Beer fundraiser called Phoenix Strong, our friends and family went above and beyond,” he said. Even strangers who heard Phoenix’s story would often come up to him in town to offer their prayers. “We were lucky to have the community rally around us.”
Phoenix was finally able to come back to her home in Broomall in the summer of 2019. Friends once again stepped into action to help Phoenix to adjust to life back at home. “I’ve been blessed with friends who came in to help get the house ready to be wheelchair accessible, and another friend helped me get a van that makes it easier to transport Phoenix to appointments and bring her out in the community,” John recalled. Phoenix’s cousin Robyn also lovingly cares for Phoenix once a week so John can run errands and so Phoenix can spend time with Robyn’s young daughters. “I’d be lost without Robyn,” he added. “She’s a huge help to us!”
Shortly after Phoenix’s illness, John retired from the post office to care for Phoenix, and for the past four years, he’s been her biggest champion and faithful companion. The two of them keep a busy schedule that includes several therapies and getting out in the community as much as possible. Phoenix receives occupational, speech and physical therapy twice a week at Bryn Mawr rehab, where her therapists and care team are more like family. Recently Phoenix was awarded a scholarship from Fighting Back, an organization in Malvern whose mission is to recognize and provide scholarships for individuals fighting back from a life-changing injury or illness. “Phoenix is a fighter and she continues to grow stronger,” said John.
Despite a busy therapy schedule, John and Phoenix make time to get out and enjoy life. Tuesdays and Fridays, they can be found at Bingo night at McSorley’s in Havertown, where Phoenix has made many new friends. Phoenix’s weekly routine also includes a trip to Pink Nails for a manicure, where her favorite part is the neck massage at the end. This winter, they tried something new and went ice skating at Flight On Ice in Edgmont. “The staff there couldn’t have been nicer, helping Phoenix get out on the ice,” John said. “We ended up going back a few times because Phoenix enjoyed it so much!”
On Sundays Phoenix and John attend church at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Broomall, where John has been a longtime member. “It’s a very special place because Beau and Phoenix were both baptized there,” said John. “And when Phoenix was sick, Pastor Ken frequently visited her in the hospital.”
Although Phoenix’s life was forever changed, anyone who interacts with her is always rewarded with a radiant smile and laugh that lifts the spirits of everyone around her. “Phoenix has a great sense of humor,” said John. “She loves comedy shows, stand-up comedians and even my jokes. Anyone who has the pleasure of being around her knows her humor and laugh will brighten up their day!” John said fondly.
Thank you, John and Phoenix, for sharing your story of courage and perseverance and showing your Marple Friends & Neighbors what it means to be Phoenix Strong!
Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.