ARVADA, Colo. (KDVR) — At just three years old, little Otto is on the move — curious, adventurous and ready to explore the world, starting in his own backyard.
“He loves to be outside. He wants to explore,” said Otto’s mother, Sarah Bahlenhorst. “He started walking a few months ago, and we needed to provide a safe environment for him to do so.”
A safe play area is important for any child. But for Otto, it is necessary, which is why Sarah becomes more and more concerned about the deterioration of the family’s back situation.
Otto was born with a rare genetic condition called STXBP1. At three years old, he cannot speak, suffers from epileptic seizures, and faces mobility challenges. But that did not slow his determination to learn and explore.
“He moves around a lot, and doesn’t really understand boundaries and safety,” Sarah explained.
The family’s back deck – old and unsafe – had become a serious danger. For Otto, whose mobility and balance require extra care, it was a daily concern.
That’s when Rob Schmidt, owner of The Deck, received a phone call.
“Megan, the homeowner, called and said, ‘Can you come look at our deck?’” Schmidt said. “When I saw her, I said, ‘You’re going to need a whole new set.’ She was honest and said, ‘We can’t afford that.’ Then she told me about her son.
Moved by Otto’s story, Schmidt decided to step in to help. He reached out to nearly a dozen local businesses — and together they donated about $30,000 worth of materials to build a brand-new, safe deck for Otto and his family.
“This deck will be brand new — pressure-treated lumber, joist bar, updated hardware — everything,” Schmidt said. “We will do whatever we have to do to make sure Otto has a safe and fun surface to ride his go-kart on, and that the family can enjoy it for many years to come.”
For Sarah and her family, the gift changed their lives.
“From the bottom of my heart, this is the most grateful thing anyone has ever done for us,” she said. “Just letting him roam the deck safely is a huge reward for our family — and for him especially.”
As construction crews worked outside his Arvada home, Otto watched excitedly — a little boy eager to take his next big steps in the world.
“If he could tell everyone himself, he would say, ‘I’m so excited!'” Sarah said with a smile.