Lowell's Life Flight toPrimary Children's Hospital

Today I reach out to you with a heavy heart, asking for your help during an unimaginably difficult time for a family very near and dear to me. My nephew, Lowell Ward, a vibrant and compassionate young 13 year old with dreams as wide as the ocean, met with a tragic auto/cycling accident. Lowell was enjoying the warm spring evening on a bike ride near his rural home. A car came around a corner, blinded by the sun, and suddenly struck Lowell, throwing him into the windshield. Lowell was rushed to their local hospital via ambulance.

Lowell has sustained severe injuries. Preliminary evaluations quickly found internal damage. The quick decision was made to life flight Lowell to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Upon further evaluation at Primary Children's it was found that Lowell has a fractured skull, grade 5 fracture of his right kidney and compression fractures in his T6-T8 vertebrae.

As of right now the Dr's are trying to save his kidney and allow it to heal independently. He has regular blood draws and scans monitoring this in hopes of avoiding surgery. The Dr's are also focusing their concerns to neurology and his head injury.

Lowell has been in an incredible amount of pain. They have him on a strong pain management regiment to try to stay on top of his pain cycles. He is sleeping a lot and only allowed minimal movement. He has been allowed a clear liquid diet but has now been able to keep down grapes.

Lowell will finish out the school year homebound. No running, biking, skiing, swimming or exertion of any kind for the next 6 -12 months, depending on how well he heals. Lowell has a long recovery ahead of him.

The suddenness of this catastrophe has left Lowell's family, and all of us who love him, grappling with the profound sense of helplessness. Being miles away has only intensified our anxiety and desire to do something-anything-to aid in his recovery. Lowell's parents, Phil and Katherine Ward have dropped everything to be by his side, their lives turned upside down as they navigate this nightmare.

The costs associated with Lowell’s medical care, including the necessary life flight to Primary Children’s Hospital, are staggering. In this hour of dire need, we turn to you, our community, friends and kind-hearted strangers, to help alleviate the financial burden on Lowell's family. By contributing to this fund, you are offering more than financial support. You are giving hope, love and the invaluable peace of mind that comes from knowing we are not alone in our fight to bring Lowell home safely.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. It means one less worry for a family consumed by their son's fight for life. It means the focus can remain where it needs to be - on Lowell's recovery and the long journey ahead. If you feel inclined, you may also donate to the Ward’s directly through Venmo at https://venmo.com/u/Katherine-Ward-84 The QR code can be found in the updates.

Please join us in supporting Lowell and his family during this critical time. Share this campaign with your networks and keep Lowell in your thoughts and prayers. Together, we can help bring this beautiful soul back home, where he belongs, surrounded by those who love him most.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity and support. Let's bring Lowell home.