Bring Hope to the Otten Family's Healing

Thirteen years. For thirteen years, the Otten family has endured a journey no family should have to face. Their story is one of resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to keep moving forward despite the overwhelming challenges. But now, they need our help.

Their journey began when their son Henry, now a teenager, started experiencing severe medical complications at just two months old. 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 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 are not optional; they are life-saving.

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. While there is hope for improvement, her health challenges have created another layer of strain on the family, both emotionally and financially.

Through it all, Daniel, Khari’s husband, works tirelessly to support his family. Khari, determined to contribute, started a dog-boarding and training business out of their home. While it brings the family joy and some additional income, it cannot begin to offset the staggering medical expenses accumulated over 13 relentless years.

The financial toll is devastating. Here’s what the Ottens are up against:

Medical Trips: The family’s quarterly motorhome trips to Denver and Chicago average $8-$10,000 cost 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.

The Ottens have done everything possible to stay afloat. They’ve juggled finances, worked tirelessly, and sacrificed endlessly to provide for their children and themselves. Yet the financial burden has become insurmountable.

Despite these hardships, the Ottens remain hopeful. Their dedication to their family and the progress they’ve made with medical care are inspiring. With our help, they can maintain stability and continue their fight for health and healing.

Here’s how we can support the Otten family:

Contribute to their medical fund. Every dollar helps cover medical trips, appointments, treatments, and necessary supplies.

Share their story. Spreading the word amplifies their reach and connects them to others who may be able to help.

For the Ottens, the fight is far from over. There is no end in sight to the ongoing medical expenses, but with support, the family could experience some much-needed relief. Helping them would not only ease their financial burden but also provide the emotional and physical space they need to focus on healing and stability. This holiday season, let’s come together to bring the Ottens hope and relief. Your generosity can make a profound difference in their lives, giving them the chance to breathe a little easier and enjoy the simple joys of family life once again.