David “Dave” Koontz is my beloved older brother. We grew up side by side—he’s always been my protector, my friend, my confidant, and the person I could lean on through every stage of life. Dave is a real cowboy, and his strength and resilience have always inspired me and everyone who knows him.

For several years, Dave has been fighting colorectal cancer. He’s endured surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but the battle hasn’t ended there. He’s faced ongoing infections, the daily challenges of living with a colostomy bag, and countless doctor and emergency room visits. At one point, a medical emergency even led to cardiac arrest. Through it all, Dave has shown incredible courage, even as the pain and stress have taken a toll on his body and spirit. We lost our mother last year, and the weight of so many losses has only added to the emotional and physical strain.

Living in a rural area means every medical appointment is a two-hour drive each way. Recently, Dave suffered a punctured colon during a procedure and had to be flown by “Flight for Life” to the nearest hospital equipped to help him. His sons, Jacob and Robert, have been rotating care for their dad, driving long distances and trying to keep up with work and bills. With rising gas prices, ongoing medical expenses, and the need for daily essentials, the financial burden is overwhelming. Dave needs time and peace of mind to heal, but the constant stress makes that so much harder.

We’re asking for your help to cover medical bills, travel expenses for his sons and caregivers, monthly utilities, food, and any medical supplies Dave may need. If there are any leftover funds, we’ll donate them to our local “Flight for Life” program to help other rural families in crisis. Your support—no matter the amount—will make a real difference for Dave and our family. Thank you for standing with us in this fight.