Anthony Klotter

Anthony’s Story (Click down arrow):

Anthony, 45, was recently in Florida working for a friend’s company. In November, 2024, while Anthony was waiting to begin his job assignment, he tragically became the victim of a shooting. Anthony sustained life threatening injuries. He was admitted to the trauma ICU where several interventions were taken to save his life including removing his spleen, placing him on a ventilator, chemically paralyzing him, placing him on an ECHMO machine (life support), a tracheostomy, feeding tube and other life saving measures. The most significant injury he sustained was a T-12 complete spinal cord injury. Anthony has no feeling from his belly button and below. 

After 50 days in the trauma ICU, Anthony was strong enough to be transferred to an acute inpatient rehabilitation center in Minnesota. On 12/23/24 he flew with a medical transport company to Courage Kenny. The transfer has allowed him to be closer to home and family. We are beyond grateful that he was able to be transferred to such an outstanding facility and that we can be with him as much as possible. Anthony has a positive attitude and spirit. He is working hard every day to push himself to become emotionally & physically stronger. His determination is inspirational. His recovery, however, will be a long difficult journey with numerous out-of-pocket costs.

About Anthony:

Anthony has a passion for adventure & travel, basketball, watching the Vikings, playing games, hanging out with family and friends and meeting new people. He loves to strike up a conversation with anyone he meets. He enjoys learning about others and listening to their stories. Anyone who knows Anthony, knows he is obsessed with tennis shoes and their backstory/learning the history on how and why they were made.

He spent time in South America where he proudly learned to speak Spanish. He embraced the culture there and the friendly, accepting people. Anthony loved the simpleness of life and the music of Colombia. He especially loved the Latin and Caribbean music such as salsa and reggaeton and attended many concerts while he was there. Anthony has made life more fun for everyone around him since he was young. He has a big heart, a great sense of humor and advocates for those who are less fortunate. Anthony is a favorite uncle of many nieces and nephews and loves his family fiercely.

Why we are fundraising for Anthony:

We are fundraising for Anthony so he can continue to utilize rehabilitation, even if insurance will no longer cover this. Donations will be used for home modifications, adaptive equipment, an adaptive vehicle with hand controls, caregiver wages and Anthony’s dream of a service dog. We are hopeful that Anthony will be able to live independently one day but until then he will need in-home support from a medically trained caregiver. 

Anthony’s hope of making a difference:

SCI’s are much more pervasive and debilitating than most people can imagine. SCI’s result in extensive financial challenges for individuals and their families. The costs associated with a SCI represents a significant burden, and many lives are radically altered in ways that families aren’t even aware of yet. Standard insurance, even excellent insurance, doesn’t cover rehab the way individuals suffering from SCI need it. Our efforts are not only to provide financial and emotional support for Anthony but raise awareness and inspire hope within the community and beyond. There is life beyond trauma.

Anthony has expressed his deep desire to find his purpose through this journey. One of the first things he said after he was able to speak again was, “I will continue to fight. God kept me here for a reason and now I have to find out what that reason is.” Another blessing that has come from such a tragedy is the wonderful SCI support community. We have met extraordinary people and worked alongside outstanding foundations such as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, New Perspective Foundation, and of course Help, Hope, Live. The Reeve Foundation matched Anthony with a peer support specialist who has already made a profound impact on Anthony’s mental and emotional well-being. We have no doubt that Anthony will find his purpose and give back in a way all his own.

Due to the severity of Anthony’s injury and the interventions needed to save his life; he was unable to speak for one month while in the trauma ICU. He had no voice. He was alone, isolated, afraid and unable to communicate. One of the first things Anthony made very clear is, “No one will ever take my voice away again.” Please Help us support Anthony by raising money in his honor which will allow him to share his voice and make an impact on other newly injured spinal cord patients and their families. We are truly amazed by Anthony’s strength and his deep gratitude through this process. Thank you for your prayers and support.

How you can help:

Family and friends of Anthony Klotter are raising money through the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Injury. Anthony has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover Anthony’s medical and related expenses.

Please donate through Help Hope Live in Anthony’s Honor today. Ask your friends and family to give too! Everyone with a spinal cord injury deserves equal access to life-altering medical care without having to financially struggle during such an already challenging time. With your support, that will be possible!