Help Support Lori to Ride Again: A Lift for Independence

Help Lori Ride Again: A Lift for Independence

We’re reaching out to ask for your help in supporting someone very dear to our hearts—our friend, mother, grandmother, and lifelong Flathead Valley resident, Lori.

Lori has always been a shining light in her community. Raised in the country in Cheney, she spent her childhood surrounded by horses, dogs, and cats, developing a deep love for animals and the land. In her high school years, she proudly represented her hometown as a rodeo princess, traveling to events across the state. Her heart has always been one of service and kindness—she’s the type of person who helps others without ever expecting anything in return. After high school and a few years of having her children, Lori and her husband moved to the Flathead Valley where they have been for over 35 years. Montana is where their soul belonged and they wanted to raise their babies.

Over the years, Lori has faced a tough battle with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy (Friedrichs Ataxia). This progressive condition has slowly taken away her mobility and independence, but never her spirit or her generosity. Even as her physical strength has waned, her heart has never stopped giving. Now, we have the chance to give something back.

Lori’s family has found a specialized mobility lift system that would allow her to be safely lifted in and out of their vehicle, making it possible for her to attend medical appointments, cheer on her grandson at events, or simply enjoy a peaceful drive with her husband. The cost—about $14,000—is not covered by insurance or grants.

We are humbly asking for your help to raise the funds needed to purchase and install this lift. Every dollar brings us closer to helping Lori reclaim some of her independence and joy. Whether it’s the cost of a cup of coffee or a more generous donation, every bit counts.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and community. Together, we can help Lori keep moving forward—and remind her, as she has reminded so many others, that she’s never alone.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

— Lori’s Family & Friends