Donor Spotlight: Phil Heesen – Championing the Whole Family Through Better2gether

“What Better2gether provides is not just important—it’s vital. And no one else is doing it quite like they are.”

In the summer of 2019, while managing Northbank Partners in Carytown, Phil met Stephanie Becker and heard the story that would stick with him ever since. She spoke about two mothers—herself and a close friend—each raising a child with a chronic illness. But the difference between their journeys was eye-opening: while Stephanie’s son had a condition that impacted thousands, her friend’s child lived with a rare, medically complex illness. That distinction made all the difference in the kind of support they each received.

Together, they realized that families like her friend’s were largely invisible—off the radar of traditional nonprofit systems. So, they decided to change that. Better2gether was born, a lifeline for families raising children with complex medical needs in the Richmond area.

After selling his business, Phil established a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond in 2021. “This connection opened my eyes to the nonprofit landscape—and to just how rare and essential Better2gether’s work truly is.” shared Phil, “While many organizations offer services that are valuable, few offer support that is both unique and vital. Better2gether does both.”

“Stephanie is a true advocate. In a crowded nonprofit landscape where many organizations compete for attention, Better2gether stands out with a clear and powerful mission: to support the entire family—not just the diagnosis. They consistently show up and make a difference.” said Phil.

Phil often thinks about the siblings of children with complex medical needs. They’re the ones who pack a sleeping bag for a sleepover, only to have plans abruptly canceled when their brother or sister has another emergency. Their lives are constantly interrupted. Their needs often put second. That’s why Better2gether’s new Sibling Program will be impactful. These kids get the chance to just be themselves. Not “the sibling of someone sick,” but simply a child who deserves joy, attention, and belonging.

Phil is proud that Northbank Partners, now under the leadership of his successor Bob Wheatley, continues to support Better2gether. Bob’s key sponsorship of the annual Better2gether Golf Classic has helped make the event a fun, successful, and meaningful fundraiser. In addition, Northbank generously provides office space for Better2gether’s board meetings, further demonstrating its commitment to the cause.

Phil said, “What I admire most is that Better2gether sees the whole picture. Most nonprofits focus solely on the sick, the underserved, the struggling. But Better2gether looks at the whole family. If they weren’t here, these families would have nowhere to turn. Their impact is clean, clear, and deeply needed. They get the job done—and they do it with heart.”