UPDATE 1/15/26 - A message from Lori

"I am incredibly thankful for every donation, share, and message of encouragement through this difficult medical journey. The love and support for me has been overwhelming, and I am truly grateful for it. All of your kindness will help carry me through this incredibly challenging time, and I feel so lucky to have your support and prayers. I cannot thank each of you enough. Thank you! Love, Lori"

Many of you know Lori as a family member, friend, colleague, or former classmate. Over the past few years, people have reached out to ask how they can help. This fundraiser is meant to provide a clear, practical way to do that.

Since 2021, Lori has been dealing with a complex and unpredictable medical condition. What initially appeared as intermittent illness has progressed into recurrent, severe episodes that often require emergency care and hospitalization. These episodes can occur suddenly and without warning, with recovery taking weeks. Despite extensive work-ups from multiple specialists, identifying a definitive diagnosis and long-term treatment plan has been slow and challenging.

Throughout this time, Lori has continued to pursue treatment and recovery while doing everything possible to remain employed and independent. She has repeatedly attempted to return to work after hospitalizations, even as her health made sustained consistency increasingly difficult.

In 2024, Lori underwent a significant surgery intended to improve her condition. While there was some initial improvement, severe episodes continued. In 2025, the frequency and severity of her hospitalizations increased, which has made sustained employment and long-term planning increasingly unrealistic. These hospitalizations are not only physically demanding but also disruptive to basic daily functioning for extended periods afterward.

Lori has been unable to work since mid-2024 due to her health. She is also facing financial strain from insurance costs, as she now relies on COBRA with very high monthly premiums to maintain access to specialized care. These costs come on top of existing medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and the loss of regular income.

This fundraiser is intended to help cover expenses related to Lori’s medical care, insurance, recovery, and basic financial stability - past, present, and future. All funds raised will be used directly to offset costs related to her health and ability to remain stable during this period.

This fundraiser was not initiated by Lori; it is simply one way to offer support during a prolonged and uncertain time. Donations may be made anonymously, but if you feel comfortable leaving your name, it allows Lori to see the breadth of support around her, which has been meaningful during a very difficult period.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering supporting Lori in a concrete way. Your help, at any level, makes a real difference.