Yesterday, I Met Lori

Lori is a CFer.

Lori is 44 years old.

Lori lives on 7800 several weeks (maybe even months) per year for the past few years, receiving treatments to maintain her quality and quantity of life. She was the last patient in Tricia's current room before Tricia arrived from ICU several weeks ago.

Last week, Lori was rushed from her home in southeast VA to Duke with a fever of 105. She nearly died.

Lori goes home this Thursday with her husband. Hopefully, we won't see her here again for a long time.

Lori amazes me.

Although she's been following our blog since the beginning, and we've emailed back and forth a few times, I had not met Lori until yesterday. I'm sorry I did not meet her sooner. Her story gives me hope and strength. Given up for adoption by her birth parents, adopted into a big, loving home, living her life to the fullest, married to a loving CFHusband, knowing where she's going when she dies.

Although it sounds incredibly similar to Tricia's story, there is one huge difference.

Lori is not a candidate for the double lung transplant that could save her life.

But, instead of complaining and moping and being angry with the world, Lori has chosen to not only deal, but to live her life as fully as she possibly can for as long as she possibly can.

Lori's story is incredible. On the days that are the hardest for me here at Duke, I will think of Lori. She is facing almost certain death within the next few years, and yet, she sat with my mom and our friend, Brenda and I last night, eating pizza and smiling (and with a few tears), telling us her amazing story of hope and love and peace.


I wish you could meet Lori. Everyone has a story to share, with the potential to make a difference for good in the world.

Lori is no exception.

Thanks.

Nate