My dad, Dallas, was recently exposed to a rare and dangerous bacteria called Legionella. We believe he contracted it while working to restore a home in Crystal River that had been flooded by last year’s hurricane. The infection caused Legionella pneumonia, which has wreaked havoc on his body and required life support.

We are remaining optimistic — and so are his doctors — that he will soon be able to come off the ventilator. The antibiotics are working hard to fight off this deadly bacteria, but he has a long road of recovery ahead. He had been sick for quite some time before anyone knew what was wrong, and during that time he lost much of his muscle mass. We don’t yet know the full extent of what recovery will look like, but we do know it will be extensive.

My dad is our rock. He’s 62 years old and has worked hard his entire life to provide for his family. He and his wife, Roberta (my stepmom), are raising their two grandchildren, ages 4 and 6, who live with them full-time. Roberta stays home to care for the children, and despite my dad’s incredible skill and talent — truly, he can do just about anything — he has never been paid what he’s worth.

Now, with him unable to work, they are struggling to make ends meet. I’m asking for help — help to keep their lights on, food on the table, and keep the car to get the kids to and from school. My dad has never asked anyone for anything, nor has he ever shared much about his finances. That’s just who he is — proud, humble, and always putting others first to make sure his family is fed and cared for.

Please, if you are able to help, know that when the day comes that he wakes up and learns of the kindness shown to his family, he will be truly grateful — as will I and the rest of our family. With all my heart, I promise that every dollar received will go exactly where it’s intended, and receipts can be shown to account for every expense.

My dad is an honest, hard-working Christian man. You won’t be forgotten for your compassion.

With gratitude,

Deborah Stephens