Coach Tim's Journey from Septic Shock to Healing

Hello, and thank you for being here. My name is Diane, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my close friend, Tim. Tim is not just a husband, father, and papa—he is the heart and soul of his family and loved coach of the Minnetonka High School Fencing team. He is the protector of his family, their rock, and their greatest source of strength, and inspiration to so many students. For over half of my life, I’ve had the privilege of calling Tim and his wife, Racquel, my best friends. They are two of the kindest, most generous people I know, and it’s impossible to capture in words just how much they mean to me and to everyone who knows them.

But what started as a typical virus in December has turned into a life-altering battle for Tim—a battle that none of us could have imagined.

On December 20, Tim was admitted to the ICU after what seemed like a simple illness. It started with a fever and aches, just like a cold or flu, but then everything changed. The pain became unbearable chest pain, and his breathing grew more difficult by the hour. When we took him to the emergency room, the doctors quickly realized how serious his condition had become and decided to immediately transfer him to a hospital that could provide the advanced care he needed.

Tim was life-flighted to Fairview Southdale, where doctors confirmed that he was suffering from septic shock with multi-system organ failure, caused by an unknown infection affecting his heart, kidneys, and intestines. His heart was weakening, his organs were shutting down, and he was in a fight for his life. They also diagnosed myocarditis and cardiogenic shock, which further complicated his already fragile condition.

What happened next was nothing short of terrifying. Tim’s condition deteriorated rapidly. His body was in a full-blown crisis, and his temperature skyrocketed. He spiked a fever that reached an unimaginable 105.6°F, and he went into respiratory failure. His body was wracked with painful rigors, and it took multiple medical professionals to keep him safe. The decision was made to sedate Tim, induce a coma with Propofol, and place him on a ventilator.

Tim spent 19 agonizing days in a medically induced coma, his life hanging in the balance. Doctors made several attempts to get him breathing on his own, but each time, his body was too weak. On January 7, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, Tim was finally able to breathe on his own again. It was a day of triumph, a day we never thought would come. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief, many tears fell, but we knew this was only the beginning.

Tim remained in considerable pain, and his awareness was limited, but his strength and determination began to shine through. After 21 days in ICU, the road ahead is still uncertain, and Tim’s recovery will take time. But there’s one thing we know for sure—Tim is a fighter. And with the support of his incredible family and friends, he will continue to push forward, one day at a time.

As I write this, Tim is on day 29 hospitalized. This journey has been incredibly taxing on Tim and his entire family, emotionally, physically, and financially. Throughout this entire ordeal, they’ve never once thought about the financial burden this would cause. Their focus has been entirely on Tim’s recovery—on each hour, each day, and the hope of bringing him back to his family. But as the medical bills start to pile up, they are facing a financial challenge that no one should have to bear alone. (Seeking pre-authorization for just one of his needed medications, his insurance returned information stating it will cost $547.00 out of pocket...this is heartbreaking)

That’s where we come in.

This GoFundMe page has been created to support the O'Brien family during this difficult time. The funds raised will help cover Tim’s mounting medical expenses, including life-flight transportation, ICU care, ventilator support, and the ongoing therapy treatments - Occupational and Physical, along with medications he will need as he continues his recovery. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference.

Tim and Racquel have been there for so many of us through the years. They have always opened their hearts to those in need, offering love, laughter, and support whenever it was asked of them. Now, it’s our turn to be there for them.

Please consider donating, sharing this page, or simply keeping Tim in your thoughts and prayers as he continues his recovery. Your love and support mean the world to the O'Brien family, and it’s making all the difference during this incredibly challenging time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of the O'Brien family, for being a part of this journey. Together, we can help Tim find his way back to the life he loves.

With love, gratitude, and hope,

Diane