This Thanksgiving week we are sharing with Belchertown some very sad news. Our hope is to rally the community around a family going through a devastating time.

Lori Allen, the director of the Belchertown Family Center, suffered a debilitating stroke on the week of October 26th. Many Belchertownians of all ages know and love Miss Lori. Whether it be for her circle times at the family center, her home visits for the collaborative or her work in the community. You may have met her at an event she organized at the Senior Center that she did with her family center kiddos, at a fundraiser on the common or leading energy and meditation at the nest.

Lori and her husband Roger have lived in Belchertown for over 20 years. They have raised their boys here. DJ graduated from Pathfinder last year and Matt is currently a sophomore there.

Lori has often gone above and beyond for community members in need, and now she needs our help. Lori was admitted to Baystate Medical Center after the stroke for 3 long weeks. As soon as she was strong enough she was moved to an in-patient rehab facility where she is undergoing extensive physical, occupational and speech therapy—possibly for several months. The prognosis is uncertain at this time, but we are hoping for a full recovery. Lori’s time at rehab will be an exhausting journey for the entire Allen family. Lori will not be able to work. Roger has already exhausted his sick leave. Most likely he will not be able to work in the full time capacity he does now—at least in the coming months. Unfortunately the Allens have no other immediate or extended family in New England to help them out. Lori, Roger and the boys will have so much to focus on, outside of financial concerns, and this is where we can help.

We realize many families are going through tougher than usual times financially. Donations of any amount are significant. If that isn’t possible at this time, sharing this campaign will help get this to as many people in Belchertown as we can. There is nothing better than when this community comes together to support friends and neighbors in their time of need. We know we will do it once again for this kind and deserving family.

This fundraiser was started and supported by many past and current volunteers, board members, and friends of Miss Lori and the family center.