Phi-Long Phan

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My log hauler in memory of my son. When he was 2 and a half years old, he was in the hospital fighting leukemia. We would have Family Feud on in the background to pass the time. One day during the fast money round, the question was ‘name something that rhymes with dollar.’ My wife, mother-in law, and I yelled ‘holla!’. Then from the hospital bed, with eyes still closed, we heard ‘log hauler!’ from our son in bed. No idea that he could rhyme!

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

It would say that I am a dad who loves his son, and expressing himself through tattoos. I actually have a tattoo that is something my son said often- ‘whomp whomp.’ My son had great comedic timing and said it all the time! I love that it inspires questions and I get a chance to tell people about my son, and pediatric cancer research. For me it’s an opening into talking about something people wouldn’t bring up for fear of offending me, but I love talking about my son!

What would you do with the $25,000?

My wife and I support a pediatric cancer non-profit, so a portion of the money will go towards our BBQ fundraiser this year. We are also in the middle of IVF (which is quite pricey) and then of course some new ink!