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Lori Bednar

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My name is Joanna Gerritsen, and I am initiating this fundraiser on behalf of my friend and colleague, Lori Bednar,  who was diagnosed with cancer for the third time this past summer. 

Lori and I work together at WC Petty Elementary school in Antioch, Illinois. She has loyally worked at Petty for 19 years! Lori also works a second job as a shift manager at the CVS Pharmacy in town.  Lori has been a loving and supportive teacher, colleague and friend to many in our community.

Lori has been a resident of the Antioch community since 1973. She has been married to her husband, Glen, for 34 years and has two children. Phillip is 32 years old and lives in Kenosha. Heather is 27 years old and lives in Madison. 

In 2000, Lori received her first diagnosis of breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation. At that time, they believed all of the cancer was gone. In 2014, Lori went for a routine mammogram and was told she needed to go back to the doctor for a biopsy. Breast cancer was detected again. Lori underwent a full mastectomy and many lymph nodes were also removed. The doctors believed they had caught everything at this time.

In the month of May, Lori was experiencing headaches and had a bump growing behind her ear. She went to the doctor again and was told that she may have cancer of the salivary gland. After consulting 3 or 4 pathologists, it was determined that Lori was once again struck with triple negative breast cancer. During her most recent surgery, the doctors removed the tumor that was pressing on a nerve in her head, and they also removed 61 lymph nodes. Thirteen of these lymph nodes had cancer.

Due to physical restrictions from Lori's surgery, she is not medically cleared to work at CVS. She is doing her best to work as much as possible at school, but she sometimes needs to stay home due to illness or the safety of her health. She will go through 6 chemo treatments between August and November. When the chemo treatments end, she will complete 6 weeks of radiation. Lori will have to drive to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville every day.

 All funds generated from this account will be used to pay for costs associated with Lori's treatments, travel expenses or day to day costs of living.  My goal is to help her as she goes through the steps, seeking to be cured of this cancer.  Examples of the related costs are the insurance deductibles for tests, treatment, hospital stays and doctor visits..  Other costs include personal bills, previous doctor's bills and other incidentals.

As a colleague, I will do everything I can to help Lori focus on her health and being there for her family. Lori This is why I have decided to request support from family, friends, colleagues and new friends.  This is very difficult for Lori to allow, but she has humbly accepted the help.

All contributions are greatly appreciated!  We are committed to doing whatever we can to show our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your monetary support.  I know Lori sincerely appreciates it!
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Donations 

  • Ginny Miller
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Joanna Kadlec Gerritsen
Organizer
Antioch, IL
Lori Bednar
Beneficiary

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