Seven years ago Philly’s Pizza opened its doors on Depot Street in Marthasville. To the delight of the Marthasville community, not only could you get pizza without traveling outside the community, it was now possible to get a pizza delivered.Denis Phillips, his wife Sara, and their six children, became fast friends with the Marthasville community. His generosity for contributing to community needs was well known by his customers.Phillips recently was on the receiving end of the kindness of his customers, family and friends when they gathered to raise money to support him after a car accident.On April 25, 2017, Phillips picked up three of his children from school. What started out as a normal drive through Washington became a nightmare for the family.As Phillips’ van traveled eastbound on Third Street, the vehicle was struck as it drove through the Highway 47 intersection. The impact turned it on its side, then the vehicle spun 180 degrees on the pavement.“I was watching my hand dragging like a rag doll,” said Phillips. “I grabbed my arm and pulled it in.”EMS personnel who happened to be standing outside the hospital rushed to the scene first. Jack, 5, and Ben, 4, were removed from the vehicle, but Cici, 8, and Phillips took the brunt of the accident.Jack and Ben, suffering cuts and bruises, were hospitalized, but were released later that night. Cici was transported to Cardinal Glennon where she spent three days being treated for a serious laceration to her foot.“As a father, you are a protector,” said Phillips. “I couldn’t help my children get out. The EMS people are so skilled and trained. They got my kids out. I’ve never been on this end of things. I’ve never been this vulnerable.”Phillips wasn’t as lucky as his children. His artery was severed on his left hand and he suffered a “degloving” injury. He was airlifted to Mercy Hospital St. Louis where he spent the first week in the intensive care unit. He endured several surgeries to try to save his injured left hand.After recovering from the surgeries and intensive physical therapy, doctors determined they have successfully saved Phillips’ hand from amputation. His last surgery was just a few weeks ago.“For two months I didn’t know if I would keep my hand,” said Phillips. “At first I couldn’t even lift up a plastic Easter egg.”The evening after the accident employees at Phillips’ restaurant immediately went into action, led by manager Michelle Wilken.“My heart dropped when I heard about the wreck,” said Wilken. “In my mind this was his family’s income and I wanted to make sure it flowed smoothly. I wanted to pay him back for all the times he was there for me.”Wilken and seven other team members happily took over the operation of Philly’s.“She came to the hospital to let me know she had it covered,” said Phillips. “She worked more than 70 hours for three weeks in a row. She just did it. I didn’t worry.”Phillips said his older daughters, Sophie, 17, and Zoe, 19, also chipped in to cover things at the restaurant and at home, while trying to finish high school and concentrate on college. Little Denny, a toddler, was in daycare at the time of the accident.“I don’t know how my wife, Sara, did it,” said Phillips. “I don’t know how she was able to hold it together.”Saturday, July 15, a 5K run/walk was held to support the Phillips family with any outstanding needs due to the accident. More than 200 people showed up to run or walk with the Phillips family on the Katy Trail in Marthasville. The event was sponsored by Dobsch Chiropractic and Family Wellness.Afterward Phillips provided pizza and drinks for the participants. He was overwhelmed by the community support he received. More than $4,500 was raised during the event.The entire Phillips family was present to thank the public for their prayers and support. Phillips said in a Facebook video message that the three hours of the fundraising event was the first time he didn’t think about his injury.“I have been given the gift of time,” he said. “I’m going to learn how to best spend it. My faith is strong. I feel like our Lord was overwhelmed with prayers for me.”

More than 200 people signed up for a 5K run/walk Saturday, July 15, to support Denis Phillips, the owner of Philly's Pizza in Marthasville. Runners, walkers, kids in strollers and dogs joined in the family-oriented benefit on the Katy Trail and raised $4,500 to support the family. Phillips was injured in an auto accident April 25 in Washington. Phillips and family are pictured center. Record photo/ Cindy Gladden.