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Michigan Team IMPACT alum Larry Prout Jr. gives back via nonprofit

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome06/23/25anthonytbroome
Michigan Wolverines football fans unfurl a 'The Team, The Team, The Team' banner.
Michigan Wolverines football fans unfurl a 'The Team, The Team, The Team' banner.

Larry “The Bear” Prout Jr. was once matched with the Michigan Wolverines football program as part of the Team IMPACT initiative, which matches kids with serious illnesses with NCAA programs to create life-changing experiences as honorary team members.

Now, the Prouts are paying it forward after their experience with the Michigan football program from 2016-18.

The family created The Larry Prout Jr. (The Bear) Courage Fund to help aid the families of Mott Hospital patients who have current and chronic health issues and need financial support for emergency needs, whether it be gas, hotel stays, car and home repairs, or anything that can become a financial hardship when a family member is sick or in the hospital.

Prout, born in 2001 at CS Mott Children’s Hospital, has endured 114 surgeries since birth and has spina bifida and other illnesses. With support from family, friends and the community at large, he has been able to live productively and now has used his platform to give back. He is involved in several non-profit organizations and has worked as a volunteer in his community since he was a teenager.

“Larry Jr. has been through so much with 114 surgeries,” his mother, Kathryn Prout, told TheWolverine.com. “Continuous, chronic, complex, life-threatening health issues. He has pain every day, but continues to smile and help others as much as he can. We started this non-profit in honor of Larry Jr. and to help others like we have been helped over the years.

“Our grants help families with gas, hotel, car repairs, home repairs, DTE, anything that becomes a financial hardship when you have a loved one who is very sick or hurt in the hospital.”

Prout is on the board of directors for The ARC Livingston, which supports people and families with developmental disabilities. He also serves as part of the Office of Patient Experience Committee and the Patient and Family Centered Care Committee at Mott, and does multiple speaking engagements every year at the hospital.

The group will host its third annual 5K and 1-mile all-inclusive race to raise money for Mott Hospital families this Saturday, June 28, in Pinckney, Michigan. The “Run With The Bear” race is an anchor event for the Prout organization, which has raised over $200,000 over the last four years, helping 196 families. They are closing in on $60,000 for this year’s race, and all money raised goes directly to the families in need. Over 200 runners are signed up for this year’s race.

The run will take place at 2150 M-36 in Pinckney at 10 a.m. The cost is $35 for the 5K and $30 for the 1-mile until race day, when the price for each raises $5. Virtual runners can also join in for $30.

For more information on The Larry Prout Jr. (The Bear) Courage Fund, head to their official website.

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