TRIBUTE TO LARRY CUDMORE

On 2026-08-07, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO LARRY CUDMORE" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO LARRY CUDMORE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 130 (Friday, August 7, 2026) [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. ____________________