Support Art Doten's Journey to Recovery

Help Support Art “Coach” Doten’s Recovery

Art Doten—life partner of 33 years, brother, Uncle Moose, stepdad, Papa Art, and as many know him, “Coach Art”—has been a self-employed landscaper in the Watsonville community for over 45 years. Having been a life-long citizen of Watsonville, Art has built a beautiful network of family and friends here.

You might know him as the guy at the gym helping someone push through an extra 50 pounds, or teaching how to bench press with finesse. Maybe you’ve seen him out on the softball field, mentoring a player to perfect her pitch or lay down a hidden bunt when the bases are loaded. Or maybe you’ve had one of those moments where Art shared a little life wisdom, offering honest advice without judgment, helping you think twice about the path you were about to take. That’s just who Art is—always there to encourage, guide, and uplift those around him.

Lately, many of you may have noticed that something seemed a little off with Art and he hasn’t been around town lately at the normal go to spots. This 'little something off' turned into the beginning of a serious medical journey.

On June 23, 2025, Art was admitted to Stanford Hospital with this mysterious illness. The first eight days were filled with every test imaginable: EEG, CT scans, X-rays, PET scan, MRI, EKG, ultrasounds, a spinal tap, and so much blood work. Every negative diagnosis was a blessing. We learned it wasn’t seizures, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or cancer, but the cause still remained unknown.

Then finally on Day 10, doctors found an abnormality in his brain called Venous Congestion. An angiogram confirmed the diagnosis: DAVF – Dural Arteriovenous Fistula, a rare and serious condition that required immediate brain surgery to relieve pressure and unblock blood flow in the Basal Ganglia area of his brain.

On July 2nd, Art underwent an incredibly high-risk, 14-hour brain surgery. His surgeon even had to go back in a second time after reviewing an updated angiogram that revealed more of the fistula. Miraculously, Art pulled through. We are forever grateful to Dr. Gary Steinberg, who acted so quickly, and to the compassionate team of nurses and specialists at Stanford who have cared for him around the clock.

Art is still in the hospital, making steady progress. Every day brings small glimpses of the 'Art' we all know and love. His care team is optimistic, but his recovery journey is just beginning.

With Art unable to work and so many unknowns ahead, we’re asking for your help to support him through this time. To make sure everything is taken care of and Art can focus on healing, we are asking for donations to go toward medical expenses, maintaining his home and business, and ensuring he has everything he needs as he heals. We don’t yet know what the full recovery will look like, but we believe in Art’s strength, the power of community and recognizing the mind is a powerful part of our bodies capable of miraculous things.

We’ll continue posting updates on Art’s recovery as we’re able. In the meantime, let’s keep showing up for the guy who’s shown up for so many of us. We want Art to know his community is rooting for him towards a full recovery.

Sometimes assistance from our community is needed to help through unprecedented times and any amount donated is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to donate at this time, we kindly ask that you continue to send prayers, kind thoughts, and positive energy, and share this campaign with friends, family, or anyone we may have missed. Whether through kind words, visits, or simply holding him in your thoughts—every bit of support matters.

Thank you for taking the time to read Art’s story and for your unconditional support. Be well, stay safe. Appreciate all that God has blessed us with. Hug your family, friends, and pets a little tighter, enjoy all the love and joy they bring into your life.