Help Lars Battle Brain Cancer

Dear family and friends,

As most of you know, Lars has been battling stage IV cancer for the last year, and we recently found out it has metastasized in his brain. He has successfully fought off a cancer recurrence for the past 13 years, but now he's up against his biggest battle yet. Many people have contacted us asking how they can help. 

We (his children and older brothers) are reaching out to friends and family to ask for their support, whether it be a donation, prayer, letter or well wishes. We know Lars and Annie would decline any offers of financial assistance, but we feel it would be invaluable in lightening the load of extensive medical costs and limitations of self employment. This has been a difficult and debilitating journey for him. He struggles daily to put on a happy face and tell everyone that he is fine, but unfortunately that's not the current reality.

It's not easy to ask for help, but Lars is fighting for his life and we will do anything for him. 

We firmly believe in miracles, and we all feel confident that if anyone can beat this beast, he can. In the coming months, we would love for them to have the time and space to focus 100% of their energy on healing. 


A little background:

Thirteen years ago, at age 42, Lars was diagnosed with bladder cancer. After a hard-earned recovery, he shifted his career focus completely and began working with a nonprofit foundation, raising awareness for a rare childhood disease.

Over the years, he has dealt with many infections related to his first cancer surgery, but last summer our worst fears were realized. He once again faced a cancer diagnosis, this time stage IV. After a harrowing round of chemo and surgery to remove masses in his abdomen and lymph nodes, he was miraculously given a clean bill of health. He immediately began exercising and working hard to rebuild his strength.   

Two weeks after we celebrated his "all clear," he started to experience severe headaches, nausea and dizziness, and an MRI revealed two tumors on his cerebellum. Just before going in for gamma knife radiation treatment, they discovered two more confirmed tumors - one on the thalamus and one on the brain stem, which effects his mobility.

Post procedure, he was sent home hopeful but still processing the news of two additional tumors. That night, he joined the 1% of patients who experience extreme swelling after gamma knife surgery. He was rushed by ambulance to the Santa Barbara ER,  then transported back to USC Keck Hospital in LA. Doctors immediately drilled into his brain to insert a shunt to drain the excess fluid. They monitored him for 5 days in the Neurology ICU. Annie never left his bedside, as usual.  After a recent follow-up scan, he received the incredible news that he's responding well to the treatment! We grasp on to every sign of hope, but we know there is a long road ahead of him.

He's still experiencing debilitating symptoms and intense effects of high doses of steroids to stop brain swelling, but thankfully he's now home. He's fought and beaten cancer twice before, and we have real hope that he will do it again. He's in the best possible hands with the incredible doctors at USC.
If you feel inclined to donate, we greatly appreciate your generosity! If you're not able to contribute financially, we understand - and we truly feel all of your love and healing thoughts and prayers!

Thank you for all of your love and support!