Lori's fight against Breast Cancer

Just before Christmas, I received a phone call that I will never forget. My older sister Lori (30 years young) told me that she has been diagnosed with triple negative – invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC); Breast Cancer.

My sister, Lori, is the most admirable woman I know. She’s hardworking, smart, independent, beautiful, strong and self-sufficient. When she was 18, she began working an entry level position with Publix. After 12 years of hard work and several promotions into management, she decided to pursue a career in Nursing and was accepted to Broward College. In order to dedicate her time to her studies, she transitioned to a part-time position and is no longer covered under the Publix health insurance policy. Instead of being uninsured, Lori is currently paying the high cost of a self-insured COBRA plan in addition to her education and living expenses. In addition to the cost of numerous tests, chemotherapy, radiation, and several surgeries, Lori will also need to undergo an expensive fertility treatment in order to preserve her future plans of being a mother. Because of the nature of these treatments, Lori will not be able to work and has had to take a leave from school. 

While Lori is the kind of person who would never ask for help, we have decided to ask for her. All of this is putting a great emotional and financial strain on her life. Lori will now have to put everything on hold, including finishing her degree to become a Registered Nurse, in order to fight through this and become healthy again. I know we, as a team, will make it through this tough time. Any help you can provide would go a long way towards helping someone we love.