Aid Rick's Road to Recovery

Story

Anyone who knows my dad, Rick Bowen, knows he is the last person on Earth that would ever ask for help. He is, however, one of the first to offer help to anyone in need. I'm not sure he would approve of me doing this (if I'm being honest, he would hate this), but right now and in the next several months, my dad and my family really could use all the help we can get. My dad was in a very bad car accident last week and is currently in the ICU at DHMC. My dad's injuries are severe and he will require several months of in-patient treatment and spinal cord rehabilitation. Thankfully, he is now breathing without a ventilator, but he is suffering from a severe spinal cord injury, multiple brain bleeds, a severed vertebral artery, and he has had 2 strokes since the accident. He has cuts, bruises, and swelling from head to toe. He has had to have 1 vertebra removed and C1-C6 fused to stabilize his fractures. He currently cannot eat or drink without a tube, and he has minimal to no movement on most of his left side. The trauma team told us we won't know the extent of his permanent injuries for up to a year, but my dad will require around-the-clock care for quite a while. We are going to need help with medical and nursing expenses and likely, further down the road, equipment and supplies. I'm extremely grateful that my dad made it out of this accident alive and that my children still have their Grampa. We are dedicated to doing everything we can to help him in his recovery. Every dollar helps right now, and anything anyone can spare to help us cover his medical and recovery care expenses will be greatly appreciated. Cherish your loved ones and tell them you love them often. Life can change in a moment's time. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please share even if you are unable to donate right now. Love to all, Melissa, Sean, Gabby, Quinn, and Kellin