All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital provider says colleagues saved her life

Dr. Larissa Fordyce-Richards and her husband. / Photo courtesy Mon Health

WESTON – As a primary care physician, Dr. Larissa Fordyce-Richards provides care to the people of Weston and the surrounding area every day. When her throat started to close while seeing patients, she trusted her colleagues at Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital to save her life.

Dr. Fordyce-Richards, Co-Medical Director of Mon Health Primary Care, started her day like any other on
January 12. She decided to grab overnight oatmeal and eat between treating patients at Mon Health Stonewall Primary Care at Market Place Mall.

“I have never been allergic to anything, but I could feel my throat start closing up. I had just enough time to scream for help,” she said. “Rachel Hefner, NP, and our office manager acted quickly and administered a shot of epinephrine and Benadryl.”

After the shot of epinephrine, Teirra Harris, Registration Representative, switched all of Dr. Fordyce-Richard’s patients to Hefner so they didn’t have to be rescheduled. While they waited to see if her symptoms would subside, her throat started closing again. They decided to call an ambulance to take her to Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room.

“On our way to the hospital, my heart rate shot up and we had to turn the sirens on and speed through the town of Weston. They radioed ahead for staff to meet us at the door while my husband followed close behind,” she said.

Dr. Fordyce-Richards was treated by Dr. Tyler Hall where her heart rate continued to fluctuate. She received a full cardiac workup and more medications. Once the swelling in her throat went down and she was cleared by the staff, she was discharged from the Emergency Room the same day.

“I received excellent care, from the EMS, doctors, and nurses to my colleagues working to cover my patients. The staff at Stonewall saved my life that day,” she said.

Dr. Fordyce-Richards has made a full recovery and awaits the results of her allergy test to find out the source of her anaphylaxis. She is back to treating the patients of Weston for their primary care services and spending time with her husband and two sons.

“Even as a patient, there is such a family feel whenever you’re at a Mon Health location, whether it’s in
Morgantown, Kingwood, White Hall, Weston, or beyond,” she said.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.