Former Bison basketball star Rachael Otto takes steps to surprise medical staff during her recovery from stroke – InForum

FARGO — It’s been a little more than a year since former Bison women’s basketball star Rachael Otto suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome. Today, his progress in recovery astounds medical staff and inspires everyone around him.

Otto’s physical therapist wasn’t sure what kind of progress they could make when they started working together earlier this year. A year ago

Rachael suffered a stroke that left her unable to move.

“It exceeded all my expectations,” said Brienne Stairs, a physical therapist at Sanford. “That’s what I told him. I said, ‘I don’t really know what to expect and what we’re going to get.’ So it’s going to be a bit of a learning journey for both of us, and unfortunately it’s going to be a very, very patient journey.'”

But watching her physical therapy appointments now is incredible. Otto walks down the hall with a walker in hand and minimal support from a team of physical therapists.

The only pauses are occasional breaks for laughter.

“He’s a very positive person and always cracking jokes on all of us. “We give each other a hard time on different issues,” Stairs explained. “He is one of the most positive patients I have ever had.”

The muscles we take for granted every day (muscles when Otto was a champion basketball player) now subject him to rigorous training just to be able to perform simple tasks.

Otto uses his eyes to control a computer program in his wheelchair that reads his answers through a speaker. He used technology to explain how proud he was of his progress.

“I guess I am, but you always hope it’s faster,” Otto explained. “The team here really pushes me to my limits.”

Sanford staff say it was difficult to convince him to take a break, but he wanted to get stronger step by step and inspired others along the way.

“Keep your head up and never give up, because even if you shouldn’t do some things, you can and should prove them wrong,” Otto said.

Originally from New Rockford, ND, Otto had a stellar career in NDSU women’s basketball in the 1990s. As a player, he won two Division II national championships with the Bison. Otto said the support of his family, friends and former teammates kept him going.

Cullen Holt serves as a sports anchor and reporter for WDAY News and also handles play-by-play duties for high school and select college sports.