Strikes Against Cancer

Her Legacy, Our Fight: Eradicating Inflammatory Breast Cancer

On August 21, 2009, our world shattered. Our beloved Lori, at just 32 years old, was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). Her daughter was a baby of six months, and her son was just four. A compassionate family physician who had just started her practice, Lori discovered a warm, hard area on her breast, easily mistaken for a common infection like mastitis. Despite negative mammogram and ultrasound results, Lori, guided by her medical intuition, self-referred to a breast specialist. It was then that the devastating truth emerged: Stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

IBC is a ruthless disease, often presenting in late stages. Lori’s was already metastatic. In January 2013, at the tender age of 36, Lori passed away. We miss her more than words can express. While we cannot bring Lori back, we can and will continue the powerful legacy she ignited.

Lori was incredibly selfless, always putting others first. She wanted to raise awareness and research funds for this aggressive form of breast cancer. Before she left us, she started a fundraising event called the Hunt for Hope. This joyous event blossomed, eventually transforming into Strikes Against Cancer. Together, these initiatives have raised over $750,000 for inflammatory breast cancer research.

Lori’s treatment often required extensive travel to MD Anderson in Texas to access cutting-edge research and clinical trials. She dreamed that women in Columbus could receive the same top-tier care without leaving home. Today, her dream is a reality.

Fueled by our unwavering commitment to everyone touched by breast and inflammatory breast cancer, we have poured our hearts into funding crucial research. This dedication has culminated in something extraordinary: Ohio's very first Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program at The James Cancer Hospital's Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center! This is one of only a handful of such specialized centers in the entire nation.

You, our incredible community, made this possible. Your compassion and generosity are directly fueling the fight against this devastating disease, bringing us closer to a future free from it. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership.

Join us each August for our lively "Strikes Against Cancer: This is How We Roll" bowling event. By forming a team, making a donation, or simply spreading the word, you will directly empower women in Ohio and beyond with a stronger chance of overcoming this aggressive cancer. Your generosity truly creates a life-changing difference. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.