My name is Ashley, and I am Otto’s aunt.

What started as a normal winter illness has turned into something none of us could have imagined for Otto bear.

Otto got sick at the beginning of his family’s yearly trip to Carpinteria, California. After about a week, it finally looked like things were improving. Then pressure started building behind his eyes and one eye began to swell shut. After multiple urgent care visits, his pain became unbearable and his fever spiked. He was taken to the emergency room in Santa Barbara.

A CT scan showed orbital cellulitis and things got scary very fast. Otto was transferred by ambulance to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. We were hopeful IV antibiotics would take care of the infection, but instead an abscess formed and began pressing against his brain.

Otto is now waiting on neurosurgery to relieve the pressure. This is going to be a long road. While the surgery itself is considered an emergency, much of his aftercare, follow-up treatment, and imaging will not be. Because they are out of network in California, their out-of-pocket maximum is $106,000.

On top of everything, they are thousands of miles from home and now making Los Angeles their temporary home while Otto fights to heal.

We are asking first and foremost for prayers. Prayers for Otto’s body to heal, for wisdom and steady hands for his medical team, and for peace and strength for his parents. We are also asking for help easing the financial burden so they can focus on what matters most right now.

Every donation will go toward medical expenses, aftercare that is not considered emergency treatment, and food and lodging for his parents during this extended stay.

Holly, Otto’s mom, is the kind of person who is always showing up for others. She is truly the salt of the earth. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of support, and my biggest hope is that she does not have to carry the weight of financial stress on top of everything else. I just want her to be able to focus on helping Otto get better.

Thank you for praying for Otto and for supporting his mom and dad as they stay by his side and walk through this with him.

With love,

Ashley