[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 130 (Friday, August 7, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        TRIBUTE TO LARRY CUDMORE

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, the Gem State is made strong by 
the hardworking, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across 
our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, 
volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities 
they call home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential 
to keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. 
Through my Idaho Service Spotlight, I recognize these exceptional 
Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the 
Gem State. Today, I am pleased to recognize Larry Cudmore as an Idaho 
Service Spotlight recipient for the Month of August 2026.
  Larry Cudmore has devoted his life to serving others and bringing 
hope. For nearly four decades, Larry served as a pastor in several 
churches across north Idaho before moving to Idaho Falls in 2002. 
There, Larry spent the next 16 years practicing ministry at First 
Evangelical Lutheran Church until an aggressive cancer diagnosis forced 
him to retire. While Larry was declared in remission in 2018, he was 
unable to return to full-time pastoral work.
  Larry still felt called to do more for his community. Drawing on his 
love for horses and childhood memories on the farm, Larry started 
Champs Heart in 2019. The nonprofit serves children with special needs, 
veterans, and their families, helping them reconnect and offering 
opportunities for healing through horse encounters.
  Larry was inspired to start Champs Heart after interacting with 
patients at Primary Children's Hospital while he was undergoing 
treatment. Among them was Emily Baum, an 18-year-old from Ashton facing 
a severe cancer diagnosis. Larry spoke with Emily many times during his 
treatment, sharing stories about his horse Champ to lift her spirits.
  Emily passed away at the age of 19 in December 2017, just 2 months 
before Larry was declared cancer-free. To honor her memory, Larry 
decided to create a place where children with cancer and special needs 
could get a break from the stress of doctor appointments and feel joy. 
His goal was simple: bring a smile to these children's faces without 
putting a financial burden on their families. Today, on the Champs 
Heart property is a facility called Emily's House, and the 
organization's volunteers are called Emily's Angels.
  Champs Heart now serves around 500 participants each month and has 
expanded its services to include survivors of domestic violence, police 
and first responders, foster children, and at-risk youth. From 
providing a child who experienced abuse a judgment-free space to build 
confidence to helping a teenager with disabilities find the balance to 
ride on a horse, Larry is proud of every Champs Heart success story.
  On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Larry for 
being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of 
August 2026. You reflect the very best of our State, and Idaho is 
stronger because of your actions.

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