Ross Family Funds

Jeff and Lori Ross have been a loving and supportive part of the Lake Orion Community for over 25 years.  Their three children, Taylor, Morgan and Dylan, are well on their way to becoming outstanding citizens themselves, raised with solid values, a good work ethic, and lots of smiles.

Jeff and Lori met on a blind date at a bar.  They were set up by Lori’s friend, Lisa Zyrek, whose husband, Jeff Zyrek played hockey with Jeff.  Jeff and Lori hit it off instantly, married in 1995, and have enjoyed decades building good friendships and a solid foundation for their family.

By nature, Jeff and Lori have involved themselves in numerous projects that support good causes.  Lori worked as a nail tech at the Downtown Salon for many years.  She does AMAZING manicures and pedicures, and for years, she volunteered her services and supplies to visit hospitals and do the nails of cancer patients.  Lori has always rallied to support teams and was an active participant in the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk and long cycling events for cancer too.  She has always been generous with her time and talents.

Jeff and Lori are known and loved by the many connections they’ve made through their children.  The Ross kids attended Stadium Drive Elementary, Scripps Middle School and LOHS.  The girls played soccer with LOBOS, Vardar and Hawks East, and danced at L.A. Dance.  Taylor graduated from Central Michigan University where she was active with her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Morgan attends CMU now.  Dylan, a senior at LOHS, plays varsity hockey.  He has also played hockey with Orchard Lake, Jimmy Johns and USA Eagles.  His travel baseball teams include Crush and Bulldogs.  So many travel teams between the three kids and multiple sports!  Great memories that will be cherished, Jeff and Lori were always proud and supportive, cheering on their own kids and ALL their teammates.

Now it is time for the community to support the Ross family through their battle with cancer.

In 2014, Jeff went in for a hernia operation and doctors discovered a mass that was sarcoma.  It was the first of several rounds of chemo.  Each round of chemo, Jeff faced like a champion.  There was a relapse in 2016, and again, he seemed to have beat it with his strength, faith, positive attitude, prayer and his supportive family.  In 2018, it returned with a vengeance.  This time, it was rectal cancer, and was difficult to get a handle on.  He has endured numerous surgeries, including the addition of a colostomy bag, and has never let that get him down or get in the way of watching his son’s baseball or hockey games, or visits to see his girls at CMU.

Spring 2020 hit hard.  Jeff’s scan showed more cancer and it has been an uphill battle since.  This year, with so many activities cancelled and stay at home orders in place, time together has been a blessing for this family to spend quiet moments together without the hustle and bustle of sports and school, and reconnect on a deeper level.

Since the first diagnosis in 2014, there have been times when Jeff’s work has slowed down and Lori has had to take unpaid time off to take Jeff to treatments.  With kids in college and another to go, the bills don’t slow down.  When Michigan closed businesses, Lori had to leave the salon and now sees some of her nail clients from home.  In addition, she sets her alarm for

2:30 AM

every day to work an early shift at Costco.  After that, she cleans houses and cares for her family.  Tired, yes.  Complaining, never.  Her focus remains on keeping her family happy and providing everything she can.

Did I mention that the Rosses are still smiling throughout it all?  The smiles are contagious in their presence.  Jeff and Lori’s passion for life, friends, family and mankind are reflected in their daily routines and mirrored by their children.  The positivity coming from this family is inspiring and remarkable!  We wish them the best and would like to alleviate some of the financial worries of their unfortunate circumstances.  Thank you, in advance, for sharing!