Donor Family Story
Joy & Carl:
Finding light after loss
A story of sudden loss, resilience, and the power of peer grief support — told in Joy Larsen's own words.
Carl
The man who made you laugh every single day
Carl was a cook at a mom-and-pop restaurant while finishing his bachelor's degree in business management. He had a signature dish — his own take on spaghetti burgers, inspired by Rachael Ray — that no one has ever been able to replicate.
He was incredibly funny and made it a point to make you laugh at least once a day. Quietly, without seeking recognition, Carl aimed to help at least one person every day. He had a genuinely kind heart and a way of making you feel safe enough to believe in his promises.
He was the kind of person Joy never imagined she'd end up with — he looked like a rockstar. But beyond the green eyes that lit up a room and his warm, affectionate smile, it was who he was at his core that made him unforgettable.
Carl's accident happened just a few weeks after their daughter Trinity turned 3. She was "daddy's little girl," and her own grief hit very hard — intense temper tantrums and regression in developmental milestones. Trinity went into play therapy, then occupational and speech therapy, and eventually received an IEP at school. Their son Christian was only about 17 months old when Carl passed and doesn't remember his father.
Finding Taylor's Gift
Someone who truly understood
After Carl's sudden death, Midwest Transplant Network reached out to let Joy know about their partnership and the support services available through Taylor's Gift. The opportunity to connect one-on-one with someone who truly fit her needs and situation was exactly what she needed.
"At that time, I really needed that kind of support. I was trying to lean on coworkers, family, and friends, but it wasn't the same as someone who understood grief. Who had been through it."
Joy was connected with Tracy through Taylor's Gift, and it clicked immediately. "We talk about life, what I'm going through, and she shows up in such a caring, supportive way. Having someone outside of my everyday circle — someone I can talk to openly about my grief, panic, and anxiety — has been amazing."
One night when a wave of emotion hit particularly hard, Tracy guided Joy through relaxation techniques that helped her return to a calmer place. Before that, most of the people Joy had connected with weren't her age, and it was hard to feel truly understood.
The Support Group
Seven years — and still showing up
Joy is the longest-standing member of her Taylor's Gift virtual support group — seven years and counting. "I truly enjoy having conversations and connecting with others. It's comforting to be with and hear from other widows and widowers."
The group explores grief as a rollercoaster, with questions and activities designed to make you reflect on your own experience. One activity involved reflecting on a statue and hearing everyone's different perspectives. "I still go back to those questions and spend time thinking them over."
The group does check-ins at the beginning or end of each session to reflect on how the connection felt. "It really is a blessing to be part of a community and to witness the journey we share together."
A Message of Hope
"This organization should exist everywhere"
"I cannot thank Taylor's Gift Foundation enough for who they are and the work they do. Without them, I wouldn't be able to talk about my grief, understand how others react, or communicate my own needs."
When you've never experienced this kind of loss, you often don't know how to handle it — but the knowledge and understanding in this community is remarkable. "You can sense how others are feeling just by being in the group, and it helps you express your own emotions too."
"The way they pair people for one-on-one support is thoughtful, matching you with someone who can truly provide the guidance and understanding you need. Taylor's Gift has made an extraordinary difference in my journey, and I am so grateful."
