Supporting Colton Bitter on His AVM Recovery Journey

On April 27, 2025, our family’s lives changed when Colton suffered his second AVM stroke. He was flown by Flight for Life to ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah, where doctors performed life-saving brain surgery. Colton spent 10 days in the ICU, followed by another 12 days on the Neurology medical floor, and then 30 days in Inpatient Rehabilitation working through intense therapies so he could regain enough strength and function to return home to be cared for by his family while he continued to recover.

Throughout the summer, Colton and his family made multiple trips every week to Neenah and Oshkosh for ongoing outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapies. He also traveled to Cedarburg for vision therapy due to persistent double vision. Through hard work and determination, Colton was making encouraging physical and mental progress and was beginning to look forward to the possibility of returning to a more “normal” life.

Around Thanksgiving, however, Colton began feeling ill every other day, preventing him from attending his therapies. After several doctor visits and no improvement, it was determined that his brain was no longer managing his central nervous system (CNS) fluids effectively. On December 18, Colton underwent surgery to have a shunt placed in his brain. Just two days later, he was rushed back to the hospital by ambulance when it became clear the shunt was not functioning properly.

Colton’s condition declined rapidly over the following week, and he was transferred by ambulance to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, where neurological teams have more experience with complex and rare brain conditions. Upon arrival to the Froedtert Neuroscience ICU, Colton was in a life-threatening state and required a ventilator and heavy sedation to allow his brain to rest. He has since been taken off the ventilator but remains in the NICU as doctors continue to closely study how his brain manages CNS fluid.

Once the neuro team gathers enough information, they will develop a long-term plan to manage Colton’s brain fluid needs. He will also need time to regain strength before any potential future surgery. We are told this could be a long and unpredictable process, with no clear timeline. When his condition stabilizes, Colton will likely need another extended stay in Inpatient Rehabilitation, followed by additional outpatient therapies, to once again work toward returning home.

Colton is only 26 years old and is a second-year middle school social studies teacher. He has not been able to work since his stroke and is currently on a leave of absence, hoping to return as soon as he is medically able. He is the youngest child of Scott and Ann, a loving son, a cherished brother to Robyn, and a beloved brother-in-law to Aaron. He also has a close circle of friends who mean the world to him.

Anyone who knows Colton knows he is kind, polite, quiet, and mild-mannered—someone who would do anything to help others. Right now, Colton and his family could use your help. The past nine months have been incredibly difficult, marked by extended hospital stays, months of hotel expenses, constant travel, and the financial strain of Colton’s inability to work.

Colton is no stranger to this journey. He suffered his first AVM stroke in 2009 and fought his way back once before. He knows how hard this road is—but he also knows that with determination, hard work, and support, he can do it again.

Colton and his family are deeply grateful for the prayers, love, and encouragement they have already received. Any donation, prayer, or share helps lighten the burden as they continue navigating the many unknown hills and valleys ahead. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with Colton during this journey.