Vendor Not Sheepish Asking for Help
Larissa Thompson was born on April 21, 1968, in Utica, a town in New York’s countryside. She grew up in Erie, Pa, where she attended elementary, middle and high school. She then continued her education at J.H. Thompson College where she received a degree in massage therapy in 1995. Thompson became interested in massage therapy in her early childhood. “Since I was little my mom had bad psychiatric problems,”
Thompson said, “so I would rub her feet, which would help her feel better. If I can help people, why not do so?” Thompson opened her own massage therapy business named Essence of the Moon in Erie, where she focused on aromatherapy.
Her business’ success encouraged Thompson to take a vacation to England because she enjoys exploring other cultures. There, Thompson discovered that she had the rare cancerous disease Von Hippel-Lindau.
The cancer created three tumors in her head, which were removed. She now has to wear sunglasses because the light damages her retinas. Despite the challenges that accompany this sickness, Thompson is optimistic and said, “I do not dwell on my sickness. I like to try and help others if I can.”
Thompson stayed in England for more than four years and was eventually taken in a helicopter to a hospice in Erie, where she stayed only for one day before leaving for Tampa, Fla. Thompson found herself homeless upon returning to the United States because she could not pay her rent, as she had no income source. She went to Tampa in the hope of finding a job but, after one month of having no work, she decided to relocate to Washington, D.C. “I don’t want to live off the government,” Thompson said, “but it’s hard to find a job once people find out that you are homeless.” She describes herself in a catch-22 situation.
While walking in the streets of the District, Thompson passed a Street Sense vendor who said, “Would you like to help the homeless?” She responded, “I am homeless.” The vendor replied, “Would you like a job?” Thompson was interested and began selling for Street Sense on Feb. 1, 2010. Thompson uses her helper, Lamb Chop, to market the paper for her.
In five years, Thompson hopes to be able to donate to Street Sense. “If I end up on my feet, I want to donate to Street Sense because they helped me out when I needed it. In five years I hope to be living comfortably and to also be able to donate to other homeless individuals.”
In her free time, Thompson enjoys doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles because they keep her mind working. She is also a vegan and loves eating peas, brussels sprout and broccoli. “The Diary of Anne Frank” is her favorite book because she is amazed at what the Jewish community went through during World War II. Finally, Thompson’s favorite movie is “Lassie.”
