Chris Capper, a 33-year-old Australian man, found his life dramatically altered after making a simple mistake at a friend’s house—drinking unfiltered natural spring water. What seemed like a harmless act has led to a life-threatening condition that has left him battling a severe lung disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). His story highlights the risks of untreated water sources and the devastating consequences that can arise from an encounter with bacteria most people have never even heard of.

The Fateful Mistake That Changed Everything

Chris Capper, originally from Home Hill, a small rural town in northern Queensland, Australia, had moved back home to care for his ill father. In July 2021, while visiting friends in nearby Mount Elliot, Capper drank natural spring water from their property. He had no reason to believe that this innocent action would spiral into a nightmare, yet his health began to decline rapidly soon after.

The Silent Enemy: Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)

After numerous trips to the doctor, it took over a year for Capper to receive a diagnosis: a severe lung disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). NTM is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil, water, and dust. Although most people come into contact with NTM daily, it typically doesn’t cause illness in healthy individuals. However, those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions, like Capper, can be severely affected.

According to the American Lung Association, the severity of NTM infections varies based on factors such as the virulence of the bacteria, the extent of exposure, and the patient’s overall health. In Capper’s case, his pre-existing conditions, including type 1 diabetes and cystic fibrosis, may have worsened his ability to fight off the infection.

The Battle for Survival: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Capper’s struggle is far from ordinary. His symptoms are intense and debilitating. After drinking the unfiltered water, he began to experience extreme fatigue, vomiting blood, bleeding during bowel movements, and seizures in his legs. His vision deteriorated, and he had difficulty using his hands. As his condition worsened, an X-ray revealed a terrifying discovery—a hole in his lungs. In just six weeks, a third of his lung tissue was consumed by the infection.

The bacteria didn’t stop at his lungs. It spread throughout his body, affecting his left hip, lumbar spine, and causing septic arthritis in his elbows. Capper was put on an aggressive treatment plan, taking 16 tablets a day, including four different antibiotics, but even this regimen hasn’t provided much relief.

The Toll of the Disease: Daily Struggles and Limitations

For Capper, life has become a constant battle. His energy is drained from fighting the illness, and the side effects of the medication are brutal. The infection has left him reliant on his family for basic care, while his condition continues to worsen. In his own words, Capper describes his situation as “slowly dying,” and it’s clear that even the doctors are uncertain about the next steps.

At one point, his kidney function dropped to just 6%, pushing him to the brink of organ failure. The combination of severe infections, cystic fibrosis, and type 1 diabetes has left his body in a fragile state. Capper has become reliant on long-distance drives—up to 14 hours—to receive treatment at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, which offers him the specialized care his condition demands.

Living with an ‘Incurable’ Infection

A recent report from one of Capper’s doctors painted a grim picture of his future. The physician expressed concern that Capper is “slowly dying” from an infection that is “likely incurable.” The aim of treatment is no longer to cure, but to buy him more time by suppressing the infection. Despite his efforts, Capper’s health continues to deteriorate, and the outlook remains bleak.

He now requires treatment closer to home to manage the growing strain on his health and daily life. In the meantime, Capper’s quality of life is drastically reduced. He spends his days battling fatigue, coping with his limited mobility, and managing the psychological toll of his illness.

A Plea for Help: GoFundMe and Medical Expenses

The cost of ongoing treatment has become another burden for Capper and his family. In a bid to manage his diabetes and cover other medical expenses, Capper launched a GoFundMe campaign. One of his primary goals is to raise $4,500 for an insulin pump, which would help stabilize his diabetes as he continues to fight the infection ravaging his body.

The campaign also aims to alleviate some of the financial strain caused by travel, hospital visits, and medication. His story has garnered attention from the public, but the path to recovery remains long and uncertain.

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Safe Water and Health Precautions

Chris Capper’s harrowing experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of consuming untreated or unfiltered water. While it may seem harmless, water from natural sources can harbor bacteria like NTM that pose serious health risks—especially to those with compromised immune systems. Capper’s life was forever changed by this one mistake, and his story underscores the importance of taking precautions with food and water safety.

For those living in rural areas or consuming water from private sources, it’s crucial to ensure that the water is properly treated and filtered to prevent infections like the one that has devastated Capper’s life.

Conclusion: A Struggle for Survival

Chris Capper’s fight against NTM lung disease is a testament to human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Though his condition may be incurable, Capper continues to seek treatment and fight for more time. His story is not just one of personal struggle, but also a reminder of the unexpected dangers we may encounter in everyday life. As he battles his illness, Capper hopes to raise awareness of NTM infections and the importance of safe water practices.