THE
LARRY PROUT JR. (THE BEAR)
COURAGE FUND
Larry Prout Jr.'s (the Bear's) Story
Larry Prout Jr. was born on June 11, 2001 at the University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital. He has endured over 100 surgeries due to spina bifida, cloacal extropy, and a massive omphalocele, as well as many other complex medical diagnosis. With support from his family, friends and community, Larry has been able to live a productive and fulfilling life. Larry is involved with several non-profits by fundraising, public speaking, volunteering and as a board member. Larry has been a community volunteer working hard for many of our local nonprofits raising virtually thousands of dollars since he was 14.
Larry has received the Arc Livingston Arc Angel Award, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Pete Schmidt Courage Award, the State of Michigan Livingston County United Way Young Person of Distinction Award, and the United States House of Representatives Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition-- "in recognition of outstanding an invaluable service to the community" award. He was also nominated for the C.S. Mott Children's and Von Voiglander Women's Hospital - Evan Newport Joy Award and the Mott-Von Voigtlander Hospital - Office of Patient Experience Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Award.
Larry fights hard to keep a positive attitude. He says the best way is to help others, and to remember that we are all better together, we must all never give up and never lose hope, and every day is a gift.
Larry and his family know the hardships of many hospital stays and recoveries at home, and the financial burden this can bring. Because of the help and support Larry and his family have received over the years, the Prout's wanted to give back by helping families with sick children and young adults. The Larry Prout Jr (The Bear) Courage Fund will help with gas, food, utilities, clothes and many other basic necessities, that become hardships when a family is facing the medical crisis of a loved one.