Urgent Update:The Otten Family Needs Our Help More Than Ever

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Kind Souls,

When we first launched this GoFundMe, it was with the hope of giving the Otten family some room to breathe after over 13 years of relentless medical battles and financial strain. For years, they’ve faced one challenge after another, fighting to stay afloat. They’ve worked tirelessly to eliminate debt, sold their family car back to the dealership to cut monthly expenses last year, and done everything they can to make sure their children’s medical needs are met before their own. Through all of this, they’ve remained hopeful, believing 2025 might offer them a chance to catch their breath and start fresh.

But once again, tragedy has struck, and they are facing a situation that could push them over the edge. They need our help more than ever.

Emergency Help Needed: The Otten family's only reliable family vehicle—stolen.

Earlier this week, the Otten family’s 2005 Chevy truck, generously gifted by Khari's parents recently, was stolen from a store parking lot. This truck was essential for their daily life, allowing them to transport medical supplies, business equipment, and everything their family needed. It was also the only vehicle large enough to meet their needs. Inside the truck were invaluable medical supplies, business equipment, sentimental items, Ellie’s ice-skating gear, and Dan’s hockey skates—all stolen along with their sense of security. Unfortunately, insurance will not cover the items inside the truck, meaning replacing everything will come out of pocket for the family. If the truck isn’t recovered soon, the family is left without an essential means of transportation, amplifying their financial burden and emotional strain.

A Lifeline at Risk: The motorhome—their only way to get necessary medical care—needs urgent repairs.

The Otten family’s motorhome is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity due to their compromised immune systems. With conditions that prevent them from safely traveling by air or staying in places that might expose them to additional medical risks, the motorhome is the only way they can travel for medical procedures or doctor appointments while staying in a safe, controlled environment. It serves as their mobile hospital, a place where they can manage their health outside of the risks posed by public spaces.

They will be traveling back east for medical care several times this year, and Khari’s port surgery in Colorado is fast approaching. But the motorhome needs a new roof. Thanks to your generous donations already, they were able to have it temporarily patched up, but it won't hold indefinitely, and its ongoing maintenance is an immense financial strain that they simply can’t afford. Without it, these trips will be nearly impossible, and their ability to access the critical medical care they need will be jeopardized. Every day without this motorhome puts them one step closer to not being able to afford the care they desperately need.

The weight of medical bills and insurance battles continues.

On top of everything, their family is still facing relentless medical challenges. Khari’s infusions are causing painful side effects, Henry is struggling with glucose and metabolic issues, and they’re in the middle of ongoing insurance fights—battling to keep access to necessary medications and dealing with billing issues from their home health company. Every time they make progress, another crisis sets them back. The ongoing battle to manage insurance and medical bills is overwhelming, and they continue to fight for their family's health.

Khari’s ongoing treatments are physically draining, and the constant struggle with her health takes a heavy toll on her daily life. In addition to these treatments, Henry’s condition adds even more layers of complication to their already complex health situation. Together, these challenges make every day a struggle to keep moving forward.

A Long Journey with No End in Sight

For years, the Ottens have fought to eliminate debt and maintain stability, but new challenges keep coming. They are still deep in medical debt and continue to struggle with the unrelenting financial strain. Despite their hard work and sacrifices, they’ve been unable to get ahead. Their resilience is incredible, but without external help, they cannot shoulder this burden alone.

Khari’s dog business has helped bring in some income, but the physical toll it takes on her health is immense. Dan works tirelessly, but the mounting medical costs and constant emergencies make it nearly impossible to stay afloat. Their biggest fear is having to incur more debt to get through these tough times. This is where we, their community, can make a real difference.

How You Can Help

If you’ve already donated—thank you. Your kindness has carried them this far, and they are endlessly grateful. Your continued support, whether through a second donation or simply sharing this campaign, could make all the difference in helping them through the next phase of their journey.

If you can give again, even a small amount, it will make a world of difference. If you can’t donate right now, please share this campaign. Every share brings them closer to relief. Every share and word of encouragement is just as valuable as a donation. Your involvement can help amplify this campaign to those who can help.

This is our chance to show up for them when they need it most. Let’s come together to help this incredible family replace their stolen truck, keep their motorhome running, and get through these impossible challenges without being buried in more debt.

For those unaware of their situation, here are the details of what they’ve been up against for the last 13 years.

Their journey began when their son Henry, now a teenager, started experiencing severe medical complications at just two months old. From that point forward, the Otten family’s life became defined by their unwavering commitment to Henry's care and well-being. From that moment, the family’s life changed forever, revolving around hospital stays, countless procedures, surgeries, and endless appointments.

Henry’s early years were marked by a failure to thrive; he struggled to keep food down, leading to the placement of a G-tube and the need for PICC lines and ports. Despite their best efforts, local hospitals repeatedly turned the family away, citing the complexity of Henry’s condition. The Ottens refused to give up. They traveled the country, seeking hope and care at the best hospitals available. They sought answers and care at renowned institutions, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, and Chicago. These visits provided pieces of the puzzle, but a definitive diagnosis remains elusive. In 2018, Henry faced a life-threatening encephalitis episode, and the family was forced to seek care out of state as no hospital in Washington could take his case.

The family’s medical schedule is relentless. In 2019, they were making motorhome trips every 10 days for an entire year. Now, they travel to Denver and Chicago quarterly, though their goal is to reduce this to twice a year. Unfortunately, any fluctuations in health can force more frequent trips. These trips, crucial to Henry’s survival and quality of life, are constant reminders of the cost of keeping their family healthy.

Today, thanks to a dedicated medical team in Denver, Henry is in the most stable condition he has been in years. His care, however, requires a complex regimen of medications, nightly IV treatments, and regular infusions. Additional treatment at a neuro-ophthalmology clinic in Chicago is also critical to maintaining his health. Meanwhile, the Ottens’ daughter, Ellie, faces her own medical challenges and is also treated in Denver and Chicago.

Adding to the family’s struggles, Khari, the heart and soul of the household, has faced a significant health decline over the past five years. Three years ago, her condition became unmanageable, prompting her own medical journey. Recently, she received life-changing diagnoses that require intensive treatment, including medications and infusions. Khari’s strength and love for her family is immeasurable, but her health has made it increasingly difficult to shoulder all that is required.

Prior to the theft of their only vehicle suitable for all their needs and the urgent repairs required for their motorhome, the Otten family was already grappling with significant financial strain. The combination of mounting medical expenses and the ongoing maintenance costs for the motorhome—critical for their medical trips—has left them in a vulnerable position. Without immediate support, they risk deeper financial hardship, making it even more difficult to meet their essential needs and continue receiving the critical medical care they require.

Here’s what they were already up against:

Medical Trips: The family’s quarterly motorhome trips to Denver and Chicago average $8-$10,000, costing up to $20,000. These trips include gas, campgrounds, appointments, treatments, and other medical needs. With compromised immune systems, flying isn’t an option.

Medical Appointments: Most critical appointments are not covered by insurance, costing an average of $1,000 per visit per person.

Lab Tests and Evaluations: Many essential tests are not covered, costing $500 to $2,000 per person. Henry and Khari require multiple tests annually, and Ellie has several as well.

Medications, Infusions, and Supplies: Monthly bills for life-sustaining medications and supplies are in the thousands, with many treatments not covered by insurance.

Deductibles: A new deductible cycle looms, even as they struggle to pay off years of previous deductibles.

Motorhome Expenses: Their motorhome, essential for safe travel, requires regular maintenance and repairs costing several thousand dollars annually. They still owe $20,000 on it, with monthly payments of $250.

These are just a few of the challenges the Otten family is facing right now. Every moment counts, and together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives. By offering support now, we can help lift them out of this overwhelming situation and give them a fighting chance for a better 2025. Let’s stand by them in this critical time and show that we’re stronger together.