This is topic A Story To Inspire You To Overcome in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
Folks,

Its been a long time coming.....lost of tears...lots of anger...lots of prayer...lots of DRUGS....lots of different treatments also!

I said I'd be back with good news and let you know when something HAPPENED...well we ARE still fighting...but:

A Champion Overcomes-Attitude is EVERYTHING

Year 1) I woke up paralyzed 7 years ago this Sept. Was then diagnosed with end of Life (suspected MS/ALS) Stage of unknown etiology.

Year 2) Given a death sentence the MD's told my wife to move back home for familial support the following September we did.

Year 3) On our 15th Anniversary (9/9/1988) we found a lump that turned out to be 3rd stage breast cancer. Two months later we found out our children had the same infection of the brain that I had. A small car given to us by a Business partner exposes us to Carbon Monoxide thru a broken manifold and rusted out floor boards.

Year 4) We find out that the house we bought for me to die in was loaded with mold. A car our friend gave us title to exposes us to Noxious Carbon-Monoxide and burning transmission fluid caused by a leaky exhaust pipe and leaking transmission. Kris completes her Allopathic Cancer regimen and starts a Natural path to permanent healing.

Year 5) We file bankruptcy and leave all of our worldly goods behind us as we give the mold infested house and furniture over to the bank. The car we purchased (with a loan from my Father fills with mold from a leak in the front windshield/dash area)

Year 6) Due to a Mishap caused by the exiting Occupants we have to cancel a lease and are left homeless for 2 months (I pawn my wife's wedding ring to pay the deposit on a Duplex)
Two months later a friend offers a business Opportunity to me....I pawn MY wedding ring...this time to pay a $175 licensing fee. 9 weeks later I get my first paycheck ...on the same day that we filed Bankruptcy 2 years beforehand.

Year 7) Three years after bankruptcy, 18 months after being homeless and 12 months after earning my first paycheck with this company...I earn $22,600 in one month.

Earlier in the year, despite tremendous physical discomfort from the infection that has ravaged his body for over 30 years...Kent fulfills a promise he made to others that suffered from the same affliction over 6 years before...that he would return to the world of sports once again and compete at the National level. In April he starts a regimen to help him regain his strength by July to compete again. At the regional Track and Field Event despite suffering from cramps, diarrhea and heat exhaustion in the 105 Degree Heat Index he qualifies to compete at the National Level in Long Jump and the 4 x100 meter Relay. Injured he withdraws from the National Games held in Colorado Springs, CO.

Kent is flown throughout the U.S. as a Featured Speaker at several Business Seminars.....

Year 8) Coming this October My Family and I will be featured on a book titled, "You Will Overcome" 52 Inspirational Stories of People Overcoming Great Challenges. Our Chapter is Entitled,"With This, I Can NOT Fail!" www.IcanNotFail.org

[ 08-28-2009, 09:20 PM: Message edited by: troutscout ]
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
hi kent; welcome back!

is this the book you were writing?

my friend, would you kindly go back up and edit your post and DOUBLE SPACE EACH PARAGRAPH for us severely neuro lyme folks so we can comprehend and read your long post?

i just got my pc back tonight; been down OFF and on 4-6 weeks; it won't open up the forms...

would you post here the cost of the book?

did you add other stories to the book you wrote or is this just your story added to someone else's book?

thanks; glad you were able to accomplish this major task and overcome the above situations !@!

never say die .... looking forward to reading this all my iowa friend...

did you ever get UOS scheduled for iowa city area?
 
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
 
Grrrrr, Trout, your story has always been an inspiration. I suppose that what has carried you is your belief that you would overcome.

Having been an athlete myself, this is what I miss the most, although I wouldn't mind bringing in 22, 000 in one month!

Bless you and your family! Continued success and health to all of you.

Feelfit
 
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
 
Makes me feel like a wimp when I see all the things your family has had to face. Except that mine is not a success story and still being alive is an accomplishment hard fought.

Nice to hear from you and best wishes with your business ventures and to your family.
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
No wimps on this website!

You all are THE TOUGHEST and most compassionate people I know.

I have experienced everything that people talk about on here.

The hopelessness. The misery. The lost Family. The lost Friends.

Heck, when we were homeless...my wife's Mother actually tried to break up our Family...despite how close we were....said the whole thing was TOO traumatic for my kids.
 
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
 
Kent,

Wow. I recall you posting about these things as they came along...but seeing it all laid out like you just did is indescribable.

What is it that you are doing now that lead you to speak across the US.

Going back to check out the web site you posted.

Whewph...your story is an inspiration and one to keep in our hearts as we climb the Lyme Hill.
 
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
 
Kent...went to the website...

wondered if it would be a good idea to post all that you just posted above so when I post the web site on FB non lyme people will have a clue what it is about.
 
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
 
oh man, i think i would have just given up.

i admire your courage and fortitude in hanging in there.

a wonderful story.
 
Posted by liesandmorelies (Member # 15323) on :
 
Wow!

What a great story. Thank you for posting this. =)
 
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
 
Kent,
Who is the publisher of the book? It costs $20.00 and seems to be ordered by sending money to you. What part of that is donated for research for Lyme disease and Cancer?

Are you the Kent Larsen from United First Financal? http://icannotfail.net/teamiowa/
[from website]

Kent Larsen
RVP/Senior Branch Manager (Feb/Nov 2008)
Over 7 years of Licensed Financial Services, 3 years Banking Transfers, 2 Years Cashflow Experience

United First Financial is an innovative company that helps homeowners reach their financial goals. Our interest reduction solution puts the deed of your home in your hands in a fraction of the regular time by utilizing banking strategies which have been around for decades. Qualified homeowners using the Money Merge Account system can now potentially pay off their mortgage in as little as 1/3 to 1/2 the regular time - with little to no change to their day-to-day spending habits and without increasing their minimum required monthly mortgage payments.
 
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
 
Much continued love to you and the family. M
 
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
 
Loved the post!

Hey, can someone in the insurance field come on board in your line of work?

I hold several licenses in my field in the state of Alabama.

Haven't worked since 2000 and could desperately use a source of income.

Inquiring minds would like to know. If you don't want to post you can p.m. me.
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
kent, thx for breaking up your story so i could read it all!

WOW!! i knew alot of that since we lymenetters went thru it with you, but boy, what a burdened road you all have gone thru!! uffda big time.


ann, thx for posting info from the site/forms that i could not open with my pc still needing more repairs! [Smile]
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
We are giving 10% of net to Breast Cancer Research and Lyme Support. (5% each) (from books purchased thru the website shown)

The book will be sold nationwide. (Wherever the Publisher decides that he wants it, however he is not making charitable contributions thru THOSE sales)

However, in order for us to channel funds thru the charities of our choice (because we are considered co-authors, which gives us the ability to actually DO this)if we receive orders and then ship from here...we help contribute to whatever funds we choose.

We have local churches and smaller charities thinking of selling them to raise money also.
(We have put together some fund raising Packages for them individually)

By no means are we wealthy....overwhelming expenses from Lyme each month still exist...we live in the duplex I speak of in the book to this day.

We just look at this as a way to give back....from our family...to yours.

If we raise enough money....and as sales climb...our printing costs drop...we will then form a Charity that pays the Household Operating Expenses of families with young children with Lyme the month they can show proof of visiting an LLMD. (At least...that's ultimate vision..)

I had contacted a few of you to be Board members of this potential Charity last Christmas...but, I relapsed and my bone marrow shut down.

And yes Ann....that's an Old Training website that is in the process of being moved to a different location...however, my web guy is currently moving back to the US from India.

He threw up the two page landing site temporarily before he took off as we were under a Printing deadline and HAD to get a website up.

Also...since we set this up so we could eventually give to charity from the sales...we are literally LOSING money in the first fifty sold.

Once we break 200.....we will then have a good margin to work from and can then market it more and give more because the net would be better.

Word of mouth is what we are relying to get us to the point that we can help others more.

I have put an email in to Lou B. to get his thoughts on whether or not I can post this on here, I don't want to break any rules....he's gone until next week though.

Ann-Oh,

I'm not here to advertise my way of making a living...that's not the focus on this post.

Please remove that Personal stuff...I don't mention that company or anything in my Post nor in my Section of the Book. (and I did NOT use that address you show.)

This is a different path...

the web address I am using is www.IcanNotFail.org

This is about Personal Courage, Family Struggle, the Power of Faith and the Path of one family with Lyme.

Thanks,

;-)

Kent

[ 08-28-2009, 09:06 PM: Message edited by: troutscout ]
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
posted November 25, 2008 12:02 AM

Let's see.....$13,500 in bills last month alone.

Yep...that about sums it all up.

trout [Wink]


Fighting back...one spirochete at a time.

--------------------
 
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
 
Sweet! Nice to see you Trout! Congratulations on everything! I like the name of that!!! [Smile]
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
hi kent [Smile]

thanks for your explanation more about the book, your involvement in it, and the funding, etc.


folks, i know kent personally; met him once in my city at a large lyme support meeting, and have corresponded with him for 5 years since joining lymenet.


when i herxed terribly on here, HE was the one to call my city's police, and had them do a physical check on me!!! you folks were so concerned since this happened to me online.

he went the EXTRA MILE to check on my health or if an ambulance, etc. was needed...


kent, what size book is this? is TIMES NEW ROMAN PRINT USED? that is very difficult for me to read.

i'll order a book; i just want to know more; if i can't read it; i'll add it to our LOCAL PUBLIC LIBRARY SO OTHERS CAN LEARN !! [Smile]

going to watch teddy kennedy at white house; family greeting his staff/congress folks he worked with [Smile]

kent is on the up and up folks! lou b, moderator, has gotten to know kent well over the years and has VALUED HIS KNOWLEDGE and concern for members sake. [Smile] hugs/kisses ... later.

the kennedy's are calling me; another one fighting for HEALTH CONCERNS has fallen...

REST IN PEACE TEDDY KENNEDY WITH ALL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS THERE TO GREET YOU ....
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
Thanks for the Kudo's everybody.

We are trying to set up this fund ASAP...and on a shoe-string budget its tough.

Eventually we'll want to give based on the gross retail price as we can show a persistent and profitable model. (If it can't sustain itself because we give too much up front and don't allow for marketing...then the whole idea falls apart and we CAN'T give at ALL.)

The nice thing is...production cost are based on the initial order put to press...therefore we have to sell "Reserve Pre-Print" copies so the production costs drop.

When that happens and we can sustain that price we would like to eventually give 15 to 25% of the Retail Price or of Gross Profit.

We're just lucky we were asked to be a part of this book in the first place.

Its as if God knew we were looking for something....and then BINGO, someone that heard me tell my Story when speaking in Washington DC asked the Publisher to call me.

So...here we are....doing what we feel is best.

Trying to set up a fund to help the families that were like ours. we relied on Church and Charity for Christmas for years....we received donations from people on Lymenet one summer...over $2000 cash was mailed to us by Lymenetters so we could afford clothes and food. (Both of our families were rejecting the severity of the situation and weren't really helping-eventually my family 'got-it')

Each time we went on that long drive to see Dr C...we were broke before we left the house....but God would always provide...several prayers were answered.

So...here we are...trying to make a positive impact..."turn-the-table" as they say.

If there are any of you would like to inquire to help be on the Board of our yet to be named Foundation....please PM me and.....we'll talk.

Thanks,

Kent [Wink]
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
kent, i tried answering your pm; YOUR BOX IS FULL; time to clean house; but i agree fully. [Smile]
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
looks like i was reading and posting same time as you; so i did not see your last detailed post about the charity, etc.

up we go for others for who didn't see your last 2 posts of explanations. [Smile]
 
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
 
Trout,
I asked this earlier:
"Who is the publisher of the book? It costs $20.00 and seems to be ordered by sending money to you."

I haven't quite seen the reply to either of those matters yet.

How did you collect the other stories that will be in the book?

I remember contacting you to ask if you knew how to get in touch with Betty years ago. You were so kind to carry through with all that.

Your family picture is very nice.

Ann - OH
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
Ann-Oh,

The only question that wasn't answered was who was the Publisher...Minesh Baxi

He gathered the Stories- as I explained in detail when I said that my family was ASKED to be in the book by reference through a Mutual Aquaintence.

Re-read my Post above.
Here is a quote:

"The book will be sold nationwide. (Wherever the Publisher decides that he wants it, however he is not making charitable contributions thru THOSE sales)

However, in order for us to channel funds thru the charities of our choice (because we are considered co-authors, which gives us the ability to actually DO this)if we receive orders and then ship from here...we help contribute to whatever funds we choose.

We have local churches and smaller charities thinking of selling them to raise money also.
(We have put together some fund raising Packages for them individually)"

I don't remember you contacting me about BettyG.
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
Remember folks....

It takes Passion. Belief. Knowledge. Activity Caused By Knowledge. Comraderie.

These are the LONG-Term ingredients to YOU overcoming your Greatest Challenges.

trout ;-)
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
hi kent,

you overlooked answering my question about the book;

what size is it and is it in the SMALL TIMESNEWROMAN font that runs wordstogetherlike thisforme?

thx my iowa lifesaver! [Smile] hugs
 
Posted by mv (Member # 21888) on :
 
Troutscout, I think your idea of helping families with young children of Lyme is an amazing one. After 3 years of testing my son was finally diagnosed at age 3 years 8 mos. Because of his young age finding a doctor was almost impossible. We wound up traveling out of state and living there for 11 weeks to begin his treatment. We were told by a doctor just a few months before his dx that he was afraid we were going to lose him if we didn't figure something out fast. At that point we didn't care what the cost was we were going to find a way. We were financially sound with no debt before our little was born. We have since foreclosed on our home, declared bankruptcy, and are thousands of dollars in debt. Our little is doing much better though at the present time, and we rejoice that as much as may have been lost, we still have each other. We are slowly trying to become financially stable again and also look forward to a day when we can reach out and help others! It thrills my heart to know there is someone else out there trying to make sure every lyme child gets the help they need.
 
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
Hi Kent!! I was out of state when you posted this the first time.

Tell Abby I enjoy hearing from her from time to time!!! [Wink] [Big Grin] She apologizes for accidentally calling me and I tell her "Heck, at least I get to talk to you then!!" [Smile]
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
Tutu.......hey girl...she always likes the calls too!!!!

MV...God Bless YOU and Your Family....persistence is the key.

One day our dream will come true in helping families...this book is a start.

I must say...we haven't received one order yet from anyone on Lymenet....what a shame.

I came here 6 years ago....and am just trying to give back.

I'm sure no one remembers me....that's OK...I am the Opening Speaker at the National Convention of my Company next Friday in Orlando.

I will use this stage in front of THOUSANDS to spread the word on Lyme.

It is my DUTY to help others.

Thanks for all of the emails, etc.

God Bless,

Trout [Wink]
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
hi kent,

it's been super crazy for me ... last 2 months my pc was down 4 out of 6 WEEKS; with me going to library for 1-2 hrs. max a day at the most.

my pc still isn't fixed and working correctly.

we've been planning a remodeling our existing small, cracker-box bathroom this entire time and working with 2 contractors to see whose bid we'd take, etc.

finally narrowed down to 1; been waiting for him to call us to make last arrangements before they were to start this week.

everythign i planned fell thru; NOT enough room in there so working around things to fix it up in it's existing state but adding a shower FINALLY.

so i'm catching myself coming/going ... but i have NOT forgotten you. this is my type of life right now; fleeting minutes here/there.
betty hugs
 
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
 
I cried as I awoke and went to Breakfast....it was Friday Morning...and they wanted me to be the Third Leader to Speak...probably the biggest Honor ever bestowed upon me.

In fact, after they had read over my Power Point...they MOVED me to this end of the line-up, because they said..No ONE person in our Company could follow what I had put together.

I got dressed after only 4 hours of sleep...went down to the Breakfast Buffet...many asked me to sit with them, I could not. I had to remain focused on the task at Hand...I said a deep long prayer and then after eating spent 15 minutes writing Thank You's out to those friends of mine that had followed me to this Conference...the Owners of the Company...and a Few other Corporate Officers....one of which had made the comment to me several times before..."Kent, this Company needs a New Hero."

The Stage was set....shortly after they opened the Convention I walked behind the Stage that stretch at lease 250 feet wide in front of this packed house...and settled into the "Green Room" where we awaited our turn and laughed as we prepared with the others going on or going off the Event's Massive stage.

I handed the National sales Director, the Owners/Founders and few other people Thank You Cards as I carefully planned to hand out the others to my Friends from Iowa that had all sat in the same row at my bidding. wonderful people...I needed them to know how much they meant to me.

It had been a rough Summer....My Bone Marrow and Liver almost giving out just as the Summer arrived...while others enjoyed the Hot warm Sun, I would cringe at how uncomfortable it made me feel with the Systemic Candidiasis I suffer from, from all of the Life giving Antibiotics I had to take to survive up until this point.

I had been approached to be involved in a project driven by Minesh Baxi, a Publisher out of Troy, Michigan to put together 52 Inspirational Stories of those that Overcame Great Odds to not only Survive, but THRIVE!

In the mean time...I spoke at several Venues despite my teetering health....depressed, scared and backsliding in health I hid my symptoms from many. In some cases unable to get out of bed until 12:30 to 1:00PM...if not later.

Then...I was inspired....as my health spun back in the right direction after treatment for a Malaria like infection....to ask the Founders of My company if could speak to the crowd at our third National Convention in Orlando.

The heat and humidity outside the building was incredible...so I had to stay inside at all costs...the first room I had when arriving had made me delirious from the heavy mold that wafted throughout it...I awoke no less then three times in the Curtains...having an allergic reaction that was causing me to lose equilibrium and have to urinate every hour. As I prepared to move to another room the next Morning (Thursday) I could barely walk and breath while trying grab my stuff and get out...it took me 45 minutes to pack what would normally take me five minutes.

Luckily the next room was fine.

(Back to the Green Room)

The day before I was a panelist and taught over 3000 people some business techniques and strategies I had developed over the years.

Some already knew me...most had never attended any of the 15 live events that I had spoken at in the past 10 months....but, I had decided...that with the Good Lord on my side...to deliver a message that would change their lives.

Hopefully, that is.

As I was moved from the Green Room to the Stage Entrance I used a relaxation method I found that worked very well for me since I was successful Athlete in my Teens...in fact, I almost went asleep...to conserve energy and focus, I chose not to practice my power point presentation before taking the stage. I wanted it to be from the Heart...from the Gut...without rehearsal...I knew the order of the slides. I knew the order of the words as they would come on the screen. I had written it about 4 hours. It would only last ten minutes.

And then....they called on Me.

As I walked onto the stage I remembered a story: Someone in the Audience had to sell the last remaining television in their home to make it to this event...and I thanked him, for all of us in attendance...because it was the Spirit he was showing that had built this Company to where it had come. An Industry Leader.

As I worked the "Clicker" ...I realized that the words weren't coming as I had intended. So, yes...I was truly winging it. However, the crowd was silent. No movement. Not a word. Just disbelief. Tears. And then Cheers...and clapping...thunderous applause, and as I tried to leave the stage they wouldn't let me. The Standing Ovation lasted two or three minutes..as they clapped...for what seemed forever....I thought of what I had been through...and I thought of You My Lymenet Friends...because, without you...

It would have NEVER been possible.

Love,

Kent
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
kent, did you add your new story to SUCCESS STORIES at top of support? please do; you deserve this!! hugs/kisses
 


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