Closing the Gap for Lori

'Close the Gap for Lori' is a small but dedicated group of friends asking for help to provide Lori the financial help she needs to get medical care and pay ~$4K of medical bills currently due. In 2006 Lori was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's (pron. show-grens) syndrome, a degenerative autoimmune disorder described as a "twin sister" to lupus. This disease, in which the immune system attacks the soft tissues of the body, causes increasing pain and limits motor functioning as it progresses. There is no cure and as with lupus, eventually the function of the organ systems is threatened. The disease also predisposes the patient to lymphoma.

Since an unfruitful bout with chemotherapy in 2011, Lori has been unable to work, lost her health insurance, and for a time was homeless. She has been waiting 3 years for Social Security Disability and can not work even part-time. She is unable to see specialists that she needs (i.e. an oncologist, a rheumatologist) to improve her condition and bills from an emergency room visit have gone to collections.
 
After she met Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe this year, he invited her to share her story publicly at the General Assembly in support of Medicaid expansion (termed "closing the gap"). Getting sick and losing insurance triggers a domino effect that results in poverty and bankruptcy for many people. It happens to thousands of people who fall into all economic, social, and racial groups--it does not discriminate. It has affected Lori greatly.
 
You can help by joining us to raise funds to help Lori pay medical bills and to get the appropriate medical care.