2026 has been a year that changed our family’s lives in ways we never could have imagined.

It began in February when my dad, David Bowman, went to the hospital with what everyone believed was a severe case of triple pneumonia. He was treated with antibiotics and sent home, and we hoped a few days of rest would have him back on his feet.

Instead, just days later, my mom, Kim, had to call 911 when Dad’s oxygen levels dropped into the 40s. Watching the ambulance pull away from our home was the beginning of a journey none of us could have imagined.

At the hospital, doctors worked tirelessly to find the cause of his rapidly declining condition. Despite every effort, his lungs continued to fail. What was expected to be a planned intubation quickly became an emergency. Dad suffered a Code Blue and spent the next ten days in a medically induced coma.

When he finally woke up, he couldn’t speak because of the breathing tube. Instead, he looked at us and signed in American Sign Language:

“I’m strong. I’m going to make it. It’s going to be okay.”

Even in one of the hardest moments of his life, his first instinct was to comfort us.

After much testing, doctors finally had an answer. Dad had developed pulmonary fibrosis, a disease that causes irreversible scarring of the lungs. They believe the damage may have been triggered by severe inflammation due to an at-home essential oil diffuser.

The diagnosis came as a complete shock. My dad doesn’t smoke or drink and has always taken pride in living a healthy lifestyle. None of us imagined we would be facing something like this.

Eventually, he was transferred to Utah for rehabilitation. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy became part of his daily routine as he fought to regain his strength.

Nearly three months after first being admitted to the hospital, Dad was finally able to come home.

It was a blessing, but life looked very different. Oxygen tubing stretched through the house, medical equipment beeped at all hours, and even simple errands required careful planning. Still, we were grateful to have him with us.

Recently, we received another devastating update. Dad’s pulmonologist told us that the best thing to do for his life is a double lung transplant.

While a transplant brings hope, it also comes with overwhelming financial challenges. After surgery, Dad will need to remain within 30 minutes of the University of Utah for two to three months while he recovers. During that time, my parents will be away from home. David will be unable to work as he normally would while facing the costs of temporary housing, travel expenses and transportation, meals, medications, and ongoing medical care.

Donations will help ease the financial burden of this life-saving process and allow Dad to focus on healing and getting the chance to continue making memories with the people he loves.

If you know my dad, you know asking for help is the last thing he would ever do. He’s the kind of person who quietly shows up when someone needs him, never expecting anything in return. He’s a devoted husband, an incredible father, and a grandpa whose favorite place in the world is surrounded by little Peter, Henry, Willow, and JoJo.

Any donation would be greatly appreciated. If you’re unable to give, then sharing his story and keeping our family in your prayers means just as much.

Throughout this journey, our family has held tightly to our faith and to the promise found in 2 Kings 20:5:

“I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee.”

Thank you for taking the time to read Dad’s story and for standing with our family during this difficult season.

With love and gratitude,

The Bowman Family