Love for Lori

Edit from Lori: Gratitude. Since day 1 of this cancer journey, I have known how lucky I am for all of the support that I have. It truly was a prominent thought I had despite dealing with the scary prognosis I was facing. When I metastasized, it was those people who surrounded me and helped me find my way to fighting, surrendering, and traveling this journey. Now, facing this progression and the need for treatments not covered by insurance, it was part of that system, my sisters, who encouraged me to let them expand my support system. The GoFundMe has been overwhelming, unexpected and SO relieving. Most of all, it has FILLED me with love and this incredible sense of connection to so many people---so many that I don't even know. I have cried as my heart swells. I was hopeful that this would help me pay for my place in CA. At this point, I am able to also pay for half of the 2nd treatment I'm getting. Thank you tribe! You cannot imagine what this means to me. I will embrace this positive energy during my treatment and feel this Gratitude as I HEAL.

Hello! Our names are Courtney, Michele and Erin and we are organizing this page for our sister and hero, Lori. If you’re fortunate enough to know Lori, you love and admire her strength tremendously. Lori’s 7 year journey with ocular melanoma has been inspiring to all of us with many celebrations and challenges along the way. Ocular melanoma is a rare form of cancer that affects one in six million people. Conventional treatments do not yet provide hopeful outcomes, so Lori has paved her own way, with the help of her oncologist and her naturopath. Unfortunately these treatments are not covered by insurance. Fortunately they are strengthening Lori’s body and fortifying her immune system as she continues to fight this cancer.

Recently, Lori and her team decided it is time for treatment plan changes. The genetic testing of a recent biopsy came back and suggests a heavy metabolic process. One of her doctors called it “crazy proliferative signaling” and said her stability is a testament to her dedication because this cancer is trying to spread. So, at the end of April, Lori will travel to California for 6-8 weeks to begin this new phase of treatment. She will be doing hyperthermia, thermofield, and photodynamic therapy to sensitize the tumor cells to Metabolic treatment. This is A LOT but she is ready for the next steps to enter into the phase of long-term stability.

Over the past seven years, we have all wondered what we can do to support Lori as she continues to dominate this fight. As you can imagine, this change in her treatment plan brings with it unexpected expenses that we would love to be able to help with. Thank you in advance for your consideration and well wishes for our sister!