Run With The Bear

10/01/2026

I see you, Bear.

Still in the tiny ER. GI just came in and did a consult, and Infectious Disease has also been in. We’re going to ask for his surgeon to come up and evaluate him as well. CT was done. The usual labs. NPO. Pain management. Bowel obstruction or ileus.

They want to do a scope to see why stool that did come out was pure black. (Now...nothing)

Larry is officially admitted, but they just don’t have a bed available yet, so we’re still waiting in the ER.

Please keep Bear in your prayers, that a bed opens up soon, that his doctors can figure out what is going on, that they can get his pain under control, and that we finally get some answers.

Thank you so much for continuing to pray for him.

09/30/2026

Midnight trip to the hospital.

Larry Jr.’s gut pain has become so severe that we headed in and he has been admitted. His goal was to stay out of the hospital and make it to Mike’s wedding and our mighty Bear did it. He made it through the wedding and held on for three more days.

Please say some extra prayers tonight for Larry Prout Jr.

Please pray that the doctors can quickly figure out what is causing this pain, that they can give him relief, and that we can get him back home soon.

His next three goals are the Katseye Concert and the Arc Fashion Show and a Michigan Football Game.

Larry fights so much. Every day of his life. Through pain and fatigue and yet he always smiles. Please, God, wrap him in Your arms and give him strength, comfort, healing, and peace.

09/07/2026

Last month, Elise, John, and Steph dropped off snacks and supplies purchased with funds raised at Elise’s birthday celebration and the 4th Annual Larry Prout Jr. Courage Fund RUN WITH THE BEAR race, for the Mott Hospital Brandon NICU Tea Cart. 💙

The Tea Cart provides drinks and snacks for both families and staff in the NICU. It’s a small but meaningful way to give back to the incredible staff who helped save John and Steph's baby, and so many others, while also bringing a little comfort to families during some of their hardest days.

And at the heart of all of this is our sweet Elise. Born 4 months early, she spent seven long months in the Mott NICU, where she received extraordinary care from people who became such an important part of her story. We watched this tiny little girl fight harder than anyone should ever have to fight, and today we are so incredibly grateful to have her home, growing, smiling, and reminding us every day just how strong she is, and grateful for the care she received. 💜

Thanks to your generosity, Elise and her mommy and daddy through Elise's NICU Fund were able to donate $125, along with bone broth packets, mini chocolate bars, beef sticks, fig bars, yogurt fruit snacks, stir sticks, electrolyte packets, hot cocoa, granola bars, and packs of cheddar crackers.

In honor of Elise and NICU Awareness Month, thank you to everyone who supported this special project. Your kindness allows us to give back to a place and the people who mean so much to our family. 💛

09/03/2026

This is my kid. He is perfection. I love him more than my own heartbeat. He is good, kind, compassionate, funny, real and giving. He's been through more than anyone I know. Pain, suffering, and that is part of his his life. Forever. He never complains. He never quits. And he's got very fine hair.

08/22/2026

Check out the photos here for Larry's July 25th, 2026, 4 th annual RUN WITH THE BEAR. Ellie Ul did an absolutely wonderful job photographing the event and we are so grateful. Thank you for your beautiful photos Ellie, you are an artist!!!!!

Photo collection by Ellie Cate Photography

08/04/2026

Here are a few photos from the water station at our 4th Annual Run With the Bear!

During the first and second years of our event, Am, whose daughter, Alex, is one of Larry Jr.'s very good friends, faithfully ran our water station. Last year, when Amy was unavailable, the Ulman family stepped in and did a fantastic job.

This year, Amy returned, and with the help of Emma, they once again kept our runners, walkers, and rollers hydrated with smiles and encouragement.

Thank you, Amy and Emma, for giving your time and energy to help make our event such a success. We are so grateful for your support! 💙🐻

08/04/2026

I love this! Thank you, Blasty! You are one of Larry's original Dudes, going all the way back to 2016! A true friend! Thank you for all you do for Larry and so many others! You have a huge and generous heart!!!

Larry Prout Jr., a.k.a. "Bear," started off the 5K by running a lap on his own. As of two weeks ago, he had never walked more than 50 yards according to his mom. He did a lap in the week leading up to his 5K, and then again on race day!

The race was going to start right before he finished his lap, so the participants were all lined to read to run. As I was there to cheer them on, I hurried across the infield to encourage Bear on the back stretch. Look closely and you'll see me. 🕵️‍♀️

Bear's determination, positivity, and generosity, are something we can all strive to emulate. 🫶

2026 Run For The Bear! charity walk/run & roll 🐻

The Larry Prout Jr Courage fund helps families with kids at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital 💛💙 This years event raised close to $80,000!!

08/02/2026

Go Bear Go!!!

08/02/2026

Go Bear Go!!!!

08/02/2026

Everything is unpacked, and we've had a chance to catch our breath, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude.

Last weekend's RUN WITH THE BEAR 5K & 1-Mile All-Inclusive Run/Walk/Roll was so much more than an event. It was a community coming together to help children and families at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

To everyone who participated in the 5K or the 1-Mile All-Inclusive Run/Walk/Roll—thank you for showing up and believing in our mission.

To our sponsors and donors—thank you for making it possible for the Larry Prout Courage Fund and the Elise Prout NICU Fund to continue helping families during some of the hardest times of their lives.

To our amazing volunteers—you are the heart of this event. We couldn't do this without you.

To the businesses that donated products, services, and support—thank you for your incredible generosity.

To the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, Livingston County EMS, Putnam Township Fire Department, and the Village of Pinckney Police Department—thank you for keeping everyone safe throughout the day.

And to Pinckney Community Schools and Pinckney Athletics—thank you for believing in our mission and giving us a place to call home. Without your partnership, there simply would not be a RUN WITH THE BEAR.

It truly takes a village, and today that village showed up in the most incredible way.

Larry had a couple visits to UofM this past week. He fought through race day bravely with a smile, but ended up being tested for many infections Monday and Tuesday and they believe his SIBO is back. SIBO pain is excruciating. They started him on Rifaximum at the end of the week so hopefully we will see improvements.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us bring hope, comfort, and support to children and families at Mott. We are beyond grateful. ❤️🐻

PHOTOS COMING SOON!!!!