I have known Lori since 2008 when we met in Denver with Lady her Pomeranian. I was immediately captivated by her spirit, her love of philanthropic involvement, and her commitment to increase awareness of the disability community. As I have grown to know and love her, I have seen the determination of spirit and strength of will. Learning her story, hearing how she was challenged by sound and successfully competed at varsity level in high school sports and inter-collegiate tennis. How she instructed youth and adults in tennis without ever hearing the connection of ball to racket. How she gives her volunteer support to non-profits displaying her passion and love to make a difference.

Lori was born with moderate to severe hearing loss. She spent 30+ years relying on hearing aids in both ears. While in junior and senior high school she competed at varsity levels in numerous sports. With certain limitations from her hearing aids in the arena, she still competed at an extremely high level while not audibly hearing signals. Then as an adult in 1998 she was diagnosed with 3rd stage skin cancer.

In 2005 after a skin cancer re-occurrence, her hearing disability was further increased by more than 30%. The challenges from her chemo-therapy further affected her hearing. This transitioned her from “moderate” hearing loss to a “profound” hearing loss in her right ear. This finally qualified her for the Cochlear implant in her right ear. Then in late 2010, she qualified to be the first candidate in the world to have an invisible hearing “implant” in her other ear along with the Cochlear implant.

When this internal and ground-breaking technology was activated, she for the first time was able to hear running water in the shower, the wind, now understands more words while listening music, hears sounds through the walls, the sound of her own voice, the sound of a kiss, and has the ability to speak, listen and understand at the same time opening her world of communication. She is now hearing more of the day to day experiences that we take for granted.

Her desire is to create an inspirational message for all people challenged with invisible and physical disabilities. The message is simply- that no matter what adversity one faces, that a strong sense of self will allow one to realize their potential no matter what obstacles society puts before us.

~ David Sumrak, friend

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