Andrew Larson, a Minnesota DNR creel clerk, is battling two types of cancer. Duluth-based charter captains are donating a free fishing trip to the winner of a contest among anyone who contributes to Larson's GoFundMe campaign that fundraises for medical expenses.
Contributed / Minnesota DNR August 06, 2024 at 9:59 AM Share this article News reporting News reportingBased on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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DULUTH — The charter fishing community based in the Twin Ports harbor is a pretty tight-knit group, including some of their colleagues at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
One of those DNR workers is Andrew Larson, who conducts creel surveys with the charter fishing captains as they return to the docks after a day trolling on Lake Superior.
The information Larson, a seasonal creel clerk for the DNR, collects on the number, kind and size of those fish is critical for managing the big lake’s now-thriving fishery. He’s been doing the job since 2015.
“He’s a really nice guy. He got to know everyone down here pretty well,” said Jamie Cotner, captain of the Happy Hooker Aluminauti, one of the charter boats docked in Minnesota Slip.
When the captains noticed Larson wasn’t coming around as usual this summer, they started asking. It turns out Larson is battling two cancers: squamous cell carcinoma in the floor of his mouth as well as metastatic thyroid cancer.
“We thought we should do something to try to help,” Cotner said.
Cotner and Joseph Kottke, captain of the Rendezvous, will take Larson and his family out for a free day of Lake Superior fishing Aug. 23. The Larsons will be on Cotner’s boat and Kottke will take the winners of a contest offered to anyone who contributes to Larson's GoFundMe campaign, "Help Support Andrew's Fight Against Cancer."
Anyone who contributes at least $10 on GoFundMe and then comments on the "Happy Hooker IV Fishing Charters" Facebook page will be in the running for the free charter fishing trip. The deadline to contribute and be entered in the contest is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. The winner can bring up to five friends on the trip.
“Anyone who contributes at least $10 is in the contest," Cotner said. "But you have to comment on Facebook so we know how to get a hold of the winner."
Larson was diagnosed last winter with cancers usually associated with tobacco use, even though he has never used tobacco. In January, he underwent 13 hours of surgery to remove a tumor and parts of his tongue and throat. He has undergone radiation and chemotherapy and was scheduled to undergo another surgery Tuesday, Aug. 6, to remove his thyroid and lymph nodes. Andrew has been unable to work this summer.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will make an impact and help lighten the heavy load,” Andrew’s wife, Elizabeth, noted on the GoFundMe page. “Your prayers, kindness, and generosity mean the world to us.” The couple married last year.
As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $16,000 toward medical expenses. The family pledges to donate any money raised but not needed for medical bills to the American Cancer Society.