Chris Sauser Medical Emergency and Long-Term Care

Bill and Christine “Chris” Sauser are the essence of our generous Mammoth Lakes community, and always willing to help anyone without recognition or fanfare. Their friends have started a fundraising campaign to provide financial support for Chris’s recent tragic medical event that has impacted their lives forever and is causing incalculable financial strain both immediately and for the long term.

On January 29th, 2024, Chris was not feeling well and went to the hospital in Mammoth Lakes. Upon further diagnosis it was determined that she had two significant medical conditions occurring simultaneously. Chris was suffering from Diverticulitis, an intestinal infection causing bulging and potential leakage in the intestinal walls. The attack also exacerbated her pulmonary hypertension, which can also be a life-threatening condition. Chris exhibited signs of a stroke and the decision was made to send her to Reno via air ambulance for higher-level medical care. It was determined in Reno that the stroke symptoms were a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), further complicating her medical issues. Medical staff at Renown continued to evaluate her condition and address the separate issues, however, the intestinal infection ultimately led to a full blockage of her intestines and a rupture requiring emergency surgery. During that surgery or shortly thereafter, Chris suffered a major stroke.

Chris remains in the care of Renown Medical Center as she continues to fight for survival and recovery. The prognosis for a full recovery is bleak, as preliminary analysis has indicated she will be unable to breathe without machine assistance. Her ability to feed herself or walk on her own is unknown and may be unlikely. Chris has a long road to recovery and may never be able to return home to Mammoth Lakes. While not yet out of the woods, she will transition out of the ICU at Renown to a long-term, advanced care facility to continue her fight. As you can imagine, medical bills and other expenses related to her care and the family’s presence by her side in Reno grow exponentially with each passing day. Bill and Chris are both retired, aside from Bill’s elected office on Town Council, so they have very little income or savings to draw upon. Close friends have been doing all they can to provide support, but a larger community effort is necessary because of the severity of the situation. Please consider a donation to help a family that has spent decades serving our community.

Thank you.