I’m participating in this event in memory of my husband, Ryan Larsen, who we lost on May 13th of this year. Ryan suffered a stroke on Memorial Day of 2024, and after that his brain was altered in such a way that he struggled deeply with invasive thoughts, anxiety, and darkness. It was a horrible situation, and we watched his mental health deteriorate before our eyes. Ultimately, those invasive thoughts became too overwhelming, and he took his own life.

 

As heartbroken as we are, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace, and we miss him every single day. I’m grateful for this organization and the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one under similar circumstances. Having these kinds of resources and a supportive community is so important, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.