Enrique Gonzalez, a 56-year-old stone worker from California's San Fernando Valley, is recovering after receiving a double lung transplant to treat silicosis, an incurable lung disease linked to engineered quartz countertops. The transplant, which took place this summer, has put him on a path to recovery after years of struggling with the potentially fatal illness.

Gonzalez, who worked in granite and stone manufacturing for years, developed silicosis, a condition that scars the lungs and severely impairs breathing. The disease has seen a significant surge in California, with cases jumping from 31 in 2019 to 631 as of this week, according to a recent study. Thirty-one people have died from the illness in the past eight years, while 65 have required lung transplants, the study found.

"He has recovered really well from the lung transplant. His body took it really well. He is showing signs of improvement, like right away," said Edith Gonzalez, Enrique's daughter. "Before he got his lung transplant, he got really, really bad. Like his condition was very bad, where he got intubated because he couldn’t breathe, even just a little bit."

Before the transplant, even short walks were difficult for Gonzalez, who relied on a cane and often a wheelchair. He frequently experienced shortness of breath even with supplemental oxygen. Now, he is able to walk independently and is showing marked improvement.

"Right after he got his lung transplant, obviously yes he had some help with walking and support, but now he doesn’t need a cane. He doesn’t need a wheelchair," Edith Gonzalez said. "He’s able to do his morning and evening walks. He’s like a new person."

Despite his improved health, Gonzalez remains under significant restrictions as he focuses on recovery, attending medical appointments and physical therapy at home. The family recently shared an update on GoFundMe, noting that Gonzalez is expected to give a deposition next month as part of a lawsuit against companies they allege are responsible for his illness.

California's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has attributed the health crisis to the rising demand for engineered stone, which contains significantly higher levels of silica than natural materials like granite or marble. Workers can inhale dangerous levels of crystalline silica while cutting, grinding, and polishing these materials.

Gonzalez had previously considered legal action but was too ill to participate fully. His improved health now allows him to engage in longer conversations, making the deposition possible. His daughter expressed the family's desire for accountability, stating, "If they’re making this type of material that’s so dangerous for people to inhale, I feel like there should be more research done before they bring out a product that can be so life-threatening."

Gonzalez's illness has also taken a financial toll. As the primary breadwinner, his inability to work for the past two years has led the family to rely on donations to cover expenses. "It has helped a lot because obviously he was not able to work and it did take a toll on us because he has always been the family provider," Edith Gonzalez said. "I feel very grateful that he had a second chance at life."