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Honoring an Unstoppable Volunteer
Carol Bowling was determined to make the best of her life after she was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at age 50 and stage four lymphoma 10 months later. “Throughout her life, Carol faced many obstacles with fierce determination and the grace to accept what she could not change,” Cathy Abela, Carol’s sister, says.
After Carol was diagnosed with PAH, she was determined to learn more about her illness. Her doctor gave her information about the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), and Carol became involved in the local PHA support group.
“PHA gave Carol the feeling of empowerment and control through the knowledge and contacts she made,” her husband Michael Bowling says. “Carol was not going to let the disease control her and through PHA she became an active and powerful voice in the PH community. Through her mentorship and example, Carol showed it is possible to live a full, meaningful, fun life with PH and not just exist.”
Carol attended many PHA conferences and became a volunteer. She was known for her Minnie Mouse headband and positive attitude. She was a co-leader of the PHA Sacramento Support Group and supported others living with PH.
“We watched in amazement as Carol was able to balance her cancer and PH treatments while reaching out to others … and teaching many people how to live with their diseases,” Cathy recalls. “She touched the hearts of all who met her and changed their lives forever.”
When Carol passed away in March 2019, her family carried on her commitment to PHA by leading a fundraising team. Their “Team Carol Bowling” in the 2019 Northern California O2breathe Walk raised money for PHA in Carol’s memory. “Carol was unstoppable,” Cathy says. “We wanted to honor Carol by getting as many people as possible to support this cause.”
Cathy led the team with their mother, Pat, and Michael. The team, which raised more than $5,000, was the top fundraising team at the 2019 Northern California O2breathe Walk. “[We knew] the donations would be used wisely to support children, teenagers and adults with PH and their caregivers,” Michael says.
