The Quinnell’s have been my “other” family since ‘91 and I proudly call Larry “Dad” and Debbie my “Other Mom”! Larry and Debbie have always welcomed me as “one of their girls” since the beginning. When I heard the news that Larry had a massive stroke compounded by a secondary stroke just 2 days before they were supposed to make their trip back home to MN, it rocked me to my core. I felt helpless. I’ve been getting updates, and hearing the kids talk about flights back and forth to Tucson, AZ. They need to be by Larry’s side and Debbie’s too.
For those who know and love Larry, you know he is a fighter. What he has been through these past two weeks has been a battle, to say the least. Debbie, their kids and even C.J. his favorite poodle, have continually been at his side at every given chance at a hospital in Tucson, AZ.
Due to Larry’s current condition the only safe way to transport him home is by ambulance or by medical flight. This is going to be extremely costly and insurance will not cover it. We need Larry home in Minnesota where his family lives. He is receiving the care he needs in AZ but would be better supported by family in MN. There he will have his loved ones close by to visit and care for not only Larry, but his number one gal, Debbie. She is doing a phenomenal job in AZ, but could really use the continued support and assistance of all their kids and grandkids. Larry and Debbie’s children all have jobs and families in Minnesota. To travel to and from Arizona during Larry’s recovery is difficult for them and will become quite costly. This is quickly taking a toll on their lives as well. Larry keeps saying how much he loves his kids, and by getting him home, he can continue to hear their voices, hug them, see them and improve so much quicker. With a little support from each of you, we can get him back home to Minnesota.
Please continue to keep Larry, his family, and the medical staff in your prayers, and consider making a donation to this fund. 100% of the proceeds will be applied directly to the transportation. Thank you and God bless! - Melanie Sparby
UPDATES
Update #9 June 17, 2022
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength! They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” -Isaiah 40:29-31
It is with a heavy heart that I write this message today. On Wednesday evening, Larry lost his battle here on earth and won God’s gift of eternal glory. Larry entered the gates of Heaven surrounded by his family, in his home where he wanted to be.
Larry was inspiring all his life. As I look at Debbie, even through her pain, I see how proud she is of him and I can see how deep her love is. His children and grandchildren with tears in their eyes, still look up to Heaven, trust in the Lord and find peace knowing their Dad is finally home. He did a great job raising his children and making sure they knew their Father in Heaven, for He is the one they now need to look to for strength.
Memories are what will keep the Quinnell family strong. Old memories as well as the new. I also have many wonderful memories of this Larry. Because of him, I met my best friend when the Quinnell family moved to Jordan. A few years later, he was prepared to walk me down the aisle in case my Grandfather would not be able to. After that, throughout the years, I was blessed to receive encouragement in both word and text messages from him.
My life is better because of him and the difference he made. I know that I am one of many, many more. So today through my grief, I still find a way to thank the Lord for the gift he gave us all. We were not ready to say goodbye, so instead we say “See you later Larry”. Thank you for your love and support, and for getting Larry home where he needed to be. Please continue to keep the Quinnell family in your prayers. A Celebration of Life date is TBD. - Melanie Sparby
Sunday, June 5th June 5, 2022
“ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:8-9
I’m honestly not sure how to start this or what to say exactly. I do not know the Lord’s plans for Larry, and that is what makes it hard. Larry continues to battle through, no matter what is thrown at him. The rollercoaster of emotions for the Quinnell family is wearing on them, but their faith is strong and I know they trust in the Lord no matter how difficult it can be. It is with Larry’s wishes, that he now enjoys his time surrounded by family in the peace and quiet of hospice care. He is surrounded by love, laughter, prayer and all of his favorite things.
Like I mentioned, I do not know the Lord’s plans, but I will continue to update you as the Lord permits. I ask that you keep the Quinnell family in your prayers and respect their wishes for privacy in this difficult time.
May 20, 2022 May 21, 2022
Wow! What a difference it can make on a man’s heart and healing when he is home surrounded by his friends and family! Larry has been very busy with his PT this week - even insisting on doing more. He has been improving so much this past week that he has even gotten to enjoy some ice cream, wheelchair adventures and even spent some time outdoors enjoying our beautiful weather! Thank you for your continued support and prayers of healing! We are really excited about tomorrow’s bike run and I plan on updating you all with some photos afterward!
All praise and glory to God! - Melanie Sparby
May 11th 2022 May 12, 2022
God is Great! Guess who's back home in Minnesota?!!! We are over the top ecstatic that both Larry and Debbie are home safe and sound! He is in good hands and we are so happy they landed before all the storms rolled in. Thank you for your continued prayers. He has a long way to go and his battle is not yet over, but now more of his family will be near and can take care of him and Debbie. We will continue to update you as he begins his journey here in MN. The Quinnell family is beyond grateful and overwhelmed with all you have done. You made this trip home possible. THANK YOU!!! God Bless!!! Melanie Sparby
May 4th, 2022 May 5, 2022
Proverbs 3:5… That’s the verse I keep reminding myself of this week. I wonder what lesson the Lord is teaching us. I know the saying “Man plans, God laughs”, but somehow I don’t understand it in this instance. Everything was set in place. We were ready to bring Larry home. He was ready to come home. Then, the setback. Early Sunday morning it was discovered that Larry’s PEG tube became disconnected earlier in the week before. This created a domino effect of trouble. He is stable and off of the ventilator, but he is not out of the woods yet. His family is by his side supporting, encouraging and waiting. He now has another very large battle to overcome and Larry, his family and medical team need your prayers. I will update you as soon as possible and trust in the Lord as he knows his plans for his children.. - Melanie Sparby
April 28, 2022 April 29, 2022
Larry has been busy this week with receiving his long awaited PEG tube on Monday, overcoming a blood infection and now currently fighting off an infection in his heart. His family has been busy searching, finding and interviewing suitable places for an upcoming transfer. Everyone is hopeful it will be within the next week or so!
Your continued prayers and support are still needed to keep him on the path of healing, hope and safe transport. We also ask that in your prayers, you remember the medical and transfer teams, as well as the perfect care facility for this next chapter. God willing, we will have Larry and Debbie back here in Minnesota very soon! God’s grace and blessings upon you and your loved ones!
- Melanie Sparby
The Pickled Pig Bike Run for Larry "Q" Quinnell April 23, 2022
Saturday, April 23rd April 23, 2022
A quick update for all of Larry’s biggest fans. This week has presented itself with a setback or two, but Larry is still up for the challenge. He continues to keep his humor even through each battle. He is excited to hear about a bike run benefit that has been put together for May 21st. I will be sure to attach a flier here on this website with all of the information! Keep the prayers and support coming! It’s uplifting for Debbie and the kids and lifts their spirits to know what a fan club Larry has. The Quinnell’s focus is still on getting him healthy enough to get back home as soon as possible. Thank you again for all of your continued donations, love, prayers and words of encouragement!
With love - Melanie Sparby
Update: Monday April 18th, 2022 April 19, 2022
To all of Larry’s supporters and those who love him. The Quinnell family is overwhelmed with the outpour of love, prayers and donations you have so graciously given and continue to give. It is incredible to see the kindness that people have in their hearts and an undeniable faith in our Father above.
I have had the opportunity to receive updates on how things are going in AZ, and Debbie is so incredibly grateful for all you have done to help in this scary time of need. We know God is hearing each and every prayer sent up, and we ask for your continued prayers and support. Larry is still fighting for his life. He continues to remind Debbie and the kids just how much he plans to continue to fight. Each day presents a new challenge, but he continues to prove his determination. He has a long way to go before we are able to get him safely transferred back to MN. Please lift Larry and the medical staff up in prayer Tuesday, April 19th, as more tests and procedures are completed. This will be a challenge for everyone, but is necessary and a key piece in Larry’s road to recovery.
This won’t be an easy battle for Larry, Debbie or the kids, but your continued love and support will continue to uplift their hearts in a powerful way. I will continue to post updates both on social media and the donation platform. Please reach out to me with any questions you may have.
May God bless each and every one of you. - Melanie Sparby
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