Rachael’s Story

Site created on September 19, 2023

Rachael Otto, is a New Rockford High School (ND) and a North Dakota State University Bison Women’s basketball player. She played from 1993 to 1998 and was part of two National Championships. She was an athletic guard, a selfless teammate, and a gritty player. Rachael is a model of what an NDSU WBB should be. On Sept. 17th, she was at her lake cabin and suffered a blood clot. This has become a life-changing medical emergency that has altered Rachael and Susan’s life.  After multiple surgeries and  medical procedures, she has been diagnosed with Locked in Syndrome (LIS).  This is a daunting diagnosis. The doctors have shared with Rachael and her family that her recovery and care will be a marathon effort. Rachael is young, a competitor, and an athlete – she will undoubtedly battle every day to reach her best possible outcome. 

Patients with LIS require specialized care and rehabilitation, with round-the clock professional caregivers for the remainder of their lives.  Many of these expenses fall outside of healthcare coverage.  This extensive long-term healthcare support, along with the loss of the patient’s income puts a tremendous financial burden on the families of those with LIS.

Give Today ~ All gifts will go directly to support Rachael’s medical and care-giving expenses. 

Donation Link (https://lendahandup.org/give/rachael724/)

For those that may want to donate via a check:

Rachael Otto Benefit Fund

Gate City Bank

P.O. Box 2847

Fargo, ND 58108


With grateful hearts ~

Newest Update

Journal entry by Susan Faus

There is a new date circled on the calendar ~ February 7th. Rachael heads back home!  This will be a medical flight home, and there are still many details to figure out to get to this discharge date, but there is a definite countdown!! 

The care team at Craig extended her stay to maximize every opportunity to teach Susan and family all the things they need to know to provide care for Rachael. Terry and Mary are with Rachael now, and the therapists are using every minute to prepare Rachael for her transition back home. Her days are so full but her improvements and gains just keep coming.  She is developing more sounds in Speech, greater familiarity with the assistive technology, and Rachael's own voice is becoming more distinctively hers again. She is also gaining more confidence with her wheelchair and maneuvering it with ease, and too much speed sometimes. 😊

Rachael had some visitors over the weekend that provided some needed laughs and TLC. 

The countdown is on . . . and she is so ready to be home. 

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