2026 ALS Featured Marathoner - Phillip Loomer

On any given afternoon, you might find Phil on the sidelines of a volleyball court or in the stands of a gym. His older daughter is on the volleyball team, and his younger one is a gymnast. No matter the venue, Phil is there. He doesn’t miss a game or a meet. Being their dad is the role he holds closest.

Phil grew up in Huntington Beach, California, attending Marina High School. In school, he gravitated toward wood shop and metal shop. At Marina, Phil learned he loved the precision and creativity of working with his hands. Over the years, he worked in construction and a body shop, specializing in car restoration. He is especially proud of his 1972 Gran Torino, which he restored himself; a testament to his patience and craftsmanship. He later became a union carpenter, contributing to various commercial projects, including buildings, malls, and casinos in Las Vegas.

In April 2020, Phil was officially diagnosed with ALS. “It sucks,” he says plainly, his humor dry and honest. He doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of living with a progressive disease. But he also doesn’t let it define the entirety of his life.

By: Cecilia Motherway