Support Larry's Family

Dear Family & Friends,

Larry Mendoza is a much-loved and cherished member of the Stockdill Lab and Wayne State Chemistry families. He has been a leader and a bright light in the Department for the last 5 years and a dear friend and family member to many of us.

As you may know, Larry Mendoza was struck by a vehicle late Friday, April 14th. In the resulting chaos & with the severity of his injuries, the hospital intake forms incorrectly informed us that the accident was a hit & run. In the week since, we have now learned that the driver honorably called the appropriate authorities and remained on the scene. This has no doubt been a significantly traumatic experience for them as well, so we want to make sure we are not adding to that by telling an incorrect story.

Since the accident, Larry has been cared for in the Neuro Critical Care unit. He sustained a number of injuries, but the most concerning has been the brain trauma he experienced. He has remained unconscious and has had minimal responsiveness to stimuli despite his intracranial pressure values stabilizing post-craniectomy. His prognosis is not great, but it also is not clear. Initial EEG showed brain activity and his responsiveness, while minimal, has not dropped off. It’s very likely that whatever outcome is ahead, it will be a long journey of ups and downs.

Larry’s family and many of his friends and colleagues from WSU and Lilly have been able to sit with him and spend time together as a little community. We very much appreciate the love and support you have each sent to Larry and to us through your concerned messages and kind donations. Please know it is felt & appreciated beyond words. Because it is now clear that Larry will be hospitalized for an extended period, we have increased the goal of this GoFundMe. We would be grateful for any further sharing of the link you feel comfortable doing.

Thank you for your support,

Jenn Stockdill

(Larry's PhD thesis advisor)