Larson’s Story:
Hello, and thank you for being here. My name is Chantell, and I’m fundraising on behalf of my husband, Larson, who recently survived his second sudden cardiac arrest — only to be placed on 6 months of unpaid leave by his employer, despite being medically cleared to return to work.
On the morning of June 6, 2025, Larson collapsed suddenly due to cardiac arrest while getting ready for work. Paramedics rushed him to the emergency room in Des Moines, where — thankfully — he stabilized and survived. But this wasn’t the first time our world turned upside down.
In November 2021, at the age of 28, Larson suffered his first cardiac arrest, which resulted in a 10-day hospital stay, a 3-day coma, and a diagnosis of a rare heart condition called Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). He had a defibrillator (AICD) implanted to prevent future cardiac episodes, and ever since, we’ve been fighting for stability.
That first health crisis forced us to uproot our lives, relocate to a new state, and live with family for a period of time to make ends meet. Just this past April, Larson was hospitalized again for heart palpitations. And now, with this second cardiac arrest, we are trying to recover — but facing new, unexpected obstacles.
Although doctors cleared him to return to work on June 9, state law prevents him from driving for 6 months following a cardiac arrest. His job as a telecommunications service provider is still physically possible — he just needs a ride, or the option to work from home temporarily. But instead of collaborating or offering accommodations, his employer responded with only one option: 6 months of unpaid leave.
That decision has placed a devastating financial strain on us.
Why We Need Help:
We are now down to one income (mine), and I work full-time as an administrative assistant. It’s simply not enough to cover all of our basic living expenses, let alone medical needs. We’re humbly asking for help to cover:
- Rent and utilities
- Medical bills and prescriptions
- Food and everyday living expenses
- Transportation and fuel
- Follow-up cardiac care and doctor visits
We are also exploring legal avenues to ensure Larson’s rights are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But that takes time — and in the meantime, the bills are coming fast.
❤️How You Can Help❤️
If you’re able to donate, every single contribution makes a difference. And if you’re not in a position to give, simply sharing this campaign helps more than you know.
We know how hard life can be, and asking for help is one of the hardest things we’ve had to do. But we’re doing it — not because we’re giving up — but because we’re determined to keep fighting.
Thank you for reading our story, for sharing in our journey, and for offering kindness and hope in one of the most difficult moments of our lives.
With love and gratitude,
Chantell & Larson
