Stretch Pass Advising

Dear Mott Social Workers, Mott families and friends, It is with very heavy hearts that we share our decision to close the Larry Prout Jr. Courage Fund, effective immediately. For the past five years, our family has poured our hearts into this organization. What began as a way to honor Larry Jr.'s incredible courage and strength grew into something more meaningful than we ever could have imagined. Together, we have raised over well over $300,000 and helped more than 300 families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Unfortunately, our own family's journey has become increasingly difficult. As many of you know, Larry Jr. has faced extraordinary medical challenges throughout his 25 years of life. With 120 surgeries, countless hospitalizations, serious infections, and ongoing complications, his medical journey has never been easy. This past year has been especially challenging, and his health continues to require an enormous amount of attention, care, and advocacy. His most recent hospitalization was particularly difficult, and we continue to face uncertainty surrounding his health and what lies ahead. In addition, my husband's health and the emotional and physical toll of everything our family has been through have brought us to a point where we simply cannot continue. For years, we have tried to balance caring for Larry Jr., managing our own family's challenges, and helping other families through the Courage Fund. We have done so with tremendous love and dedication, but the reality is that we are exhausted. As much as our hearts want to continue, we simply don't have anything left to give right now. Our family needs us, and we need to focus on our own health and well-being. Please know that this decision has not come easily. Every application, every family, every story, and every opportunity to help has meant so much to us. We have cried with families, celebrated with them, prayed for them, and carried their stories in our hearts. We are especially grateful to the social workers and Child Life teams who have worked alongside us over these five years. Your compassion and dedication to these families have been extraordinary, and it has been an honor to work with you. As we begin the process of formally dissolving the nonprofit, we intend to distribute the remaining funds equally between Child Life on 12 East and the NICU at Mott Children's Hospital, allowing Larry Jr.'s and his niece baby Elise's legacy of helping others to continue in a different way. Effective immediately, we will no longer be accepting new applications for financial assistance. Above all, I want everyone to know how incredibly proud we are of Larry Jr. This organization exists because of him. Despite everything he has endured, his life has touched hundreds of other families in ways he may never fully understand. Five years. More than 300 families helped. Over $300,000 raised. And countless memories and friendships that will stay with us forever. To the social workers, Child Life teams, donors, volunteers, and families who have supported us — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We may be closing the Courage Fund, but the love behind it will never go away. Thank you for believing in our mission, trusting us with your families, and helping us make a difference. With heartfelt gratitude and love, Kathryn and Larry Prout and Larry Jr Larry Prout Jr. Courage Fund