Otto Prohaska, a Rotarian for more than 35 years and President-elect of our Sturbridge Club, was gravely injured in an accident on Monday, August 26 while volunteering at the Club’s annual golf tournament. He succumbed to his injuries overnight on August 30, leaving behind his wife Julie and son Adrian. His family needs our help, and we’ve created a donation page through our District Charity Fund. Please click here to donate.Everyone was enjoying the tournament when a thunderstorm approached, and the course needed to be cleared. Otto climbed aboard the back of a golf cart, from which he fell and struck his head on the pavement, resulting in multiple skull fractures and severe bleeding. He was transported to UMass Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. Despite heroic efforts, doctors were unable to save his life.
Otto had dedicated his life to service, both as a Rotarian and throughout his career. He joined Rotary in 1988 and was named Rotarian of the year by the Sturbridge Club for the 2022-2023 Rotary year, where he was known for both his kindness and intelligence. Professionally, he led a medical startup focused on novel cell and gene-based therapies designed to cure cancer, autoimmune, infectious, and rare diseases. His company, TransCytos, discovered a way to deliver these treatments at low cost and sought to make them available to patients and hospitals worldwide. Otto and his family committed all their resources to this effort, which leaves Julie and Adrian in a precarious position due to this tragedy.
District Governor Joyce adds “Our hearts go out to Otto's wife Julie and their son Adrian, on the loss of their husband and father. We ask that you consider a donation to support them with the unforeseen expenses imposed by this terrible accident. As Rotarians, we want to warmly embrace these members of our Rotary family in their time of need. Thank you so much.”
District 7910 has already sent a significant donation to the Prohaska family, and we ask that you consider helping to the extent that you can. Here again is the link to contribute through our District Charity Fund. Please also consider sharing this request for help on your social media. Finally, please keep Otto, Julie and Adrian in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your support.
Otto had dedicated his life to service, both as a Rotarian and throughout his career. He joined Rotary in 1988 and was named Rotarian of the year by the Sturbridge Club for the 2022-2023 Rotary year, where he was known for both his kindness and intelligence. Professionally, he led a medical startup focused on novel cell and gene-based therapies designed to cure cancer, autoimmune, infectious, and rare diseases. His company, TransCytos, discovered a way to deliver these treatments at low cost and sought to make them available to patients and hospitals worldwide. Otto and his family committed all their resources to this effort, which leaves Julie and Adrian in a precarious position due to this tragedy.
District Governor Joyce adds “Our hearts go out to Otto's wife Julie and their son Adrian, on the loss of their husband and father. We ask that you consider a donation to support them with the unforeseen expenses imposed by this terrible accident. As Rotarians, we want to warmly embrace these members of our Rotary family in their time of need. Thank you so much.”
District 7910 has already sent a significant donation to the Prohaska family, and we ask that you consider helping to the extent that you can. Here again is the link to contribute through our District Charity Fund. Please also consider sharing this request for help on your social media. Finally, please keep Otto, Julie and Adrian in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your support.