David Otteson Memorial Support due to Covid-19

Covid is ugly. Unpredictable. Unforgiving.

Instead of enjoying a family vacation to Yellowstone, Susan has found herself as a widowed mother of seven children, planning a funeral. This was entirely unexpected and came from out of nowhere. David had a servants heart always, he was the first to volunteer for any sort of service to others (helping a family move, raking leaves or mowing someone’s lawn, serving with the Scouts, driving elderly to/from church, he served in the church in almost every capacity). He was the primary provider for his family and leaves behind a legacy of love and service. Now is a great opportunity to return that service and love to his family, who find themselves unexpectedly in the position of needing additional support. If you have it within your heart, please share your generosity with this beautiful family who can genuinely use the help now. 

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July 9th - It is with a heavy heart that I give this final update. David passed away peacefully this morning. His family was able to say their final goodbyes. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, and mountain man rendezvouser to everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be greatly missed and we know that we will see his smiling face again.



Many of you have heard that David is in the ICU and intubated (meaning he has a tube and ventilator doing all breathing for him now) due to Covid. The team is doing a phenomenal job of caring for him with all of the best evidenced-based therapies for Covid having been delivered.

At this time, they are keeping him well sedated so his body can rest and try to heal. The plan of care for the next three days, is they will be placing him on his stomach (prone) for 16 hours/day, then 8 hours/day on his back. This position assists with placing pressure on his lungs to assist with maximum possible ventilation.

He has received antiviral medications, steroids, ongoing vitamin therapies, he has a central line in place to administer meds and gives the ability to draw blood without having to do additional needle sticks.

All of the best supportive care is being delivered by one of THE BEST critical care teams I know of. Your thoughts and prayers are most appreciated for sure.

Susan is still recovering and regaining her strength, and wants to relay her thanks for all those who have reached out to her. She is really tired and doesn’t quite have the energy to respond to everyone just now, but loves and appreciates you all.

* We do not know what strain/variant he has.

* No, he was not vaccinated (it is a personal decision for everyone).

June 15th - started experiencing symptoms (dry cough, fatigue)

June 17th - tested positive for Covid-19 at CVS pharmacy through rapid screen test.

June 22nd - Saw his PCP, started vitamin supplement regimen and antiviral medications.

June 25 - Presented to THR Fort Worth ER, and then admitted to the hospital in PCU unit (step-down from ICU).

June 27-July 4 - Supportive oxygen delivered by high-flow O2 through nasal cannula and non-rebreather.

July 5 - Intubated and upgraded to ICU.

July 8 - Despite the best care being delivered, his kidneys have shut down, his lungs are not responding to treatment, and his heart is wearing out.

The family is so grateful for all of the love and concern being shown to them as they deal with the realities of this virus.

Please consider showing your support to the family as they work to cover the cost of his care.