October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a Bellefontaine Intermediate School teacher is an inspiration to her students, colleagues and community through her courageous journey with triple negative breast cancer.
In October 2021, longtime BIS teacher Lori Horn was diagnosed with the rare form of breast cancer, which affects only 13 in 100,000 women each year.
Earlier this month, the fourth-grade science and social studies teacher shared some good news after visiting her oncologist for labs and treatment.
“What a year it’s been. I’m back to teaching my fourth-graders full time and back to work at The Fun Company on the weekends. Most importantly, I’m able to attend my girls’, nieces’ and nephews’ events with family and friends.
“During my appointment, we decided it was time to see if my body can fight on its own. By the end of the year, I will be done with treatment! I will have Penelope (I named my port) removed and let my body rest. I get to ring the bell! I will still see my oncologist every two months for labs and checkups.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you for the love, support, and prayers through this journey.”
Mrs. Horn said she found a lump on her own Sept. 22, 2021. On Oct. 7, 2021, she was seen at the Dublin Cancer Center for a mammogram and ultrasound. That same day, she was seen at Riverside Methodist Hospital by a breast cancer surgeon.
“I was officially diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer on Oct. 8, 2021, at the age of 44,” said the mother of two girls, Bellefontaine High School students Hilary and Haley. Lori and her husband, Michael, have been married for 20 years.
Mrs. Horn started treatment on Oct. 28, 2021, undergoing sessions every week at the cancer center for a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions through her port.
“After a very long few months of treatment, I had surgery on May 3 at Dublin Methodist Hospital. I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.
“Since my diagnosis, I have never once thought why me. I took the news as a learning obstacle that God gave me to overcome.”
The BIS teacher related the outpouring of support from her family, school and her fellow community members that she has experienced over the last year.
“I’ve never even for one day been alone in this fight. My sister, Lisa, was my chemotherapy partner.She went to every procedure, treatment, and doctor appointment that I had from October to May. Special thanks to Indian Lake Schools’ students, staff, and administration for all the love and support shown to Lisa and me. Lisa is a seventh-grade teacher at Indian Lake Middle School.
“I always try to keep a positive and brave frame of mind even on the not so good days. Were some days hard? Yes, but I just never let myself get down; I just know to keep on fighting.
“The entire Bellefontaine City Schools’ family has been nothing short of absolutely amazing. The love, prayers and support for my family kept me fighting every day. I will never be able to express my sincere gratitude.
“Also, the support from all across Logan County has been truly humbling. We live in a great community. All my family and friends have also been absolutely incredible with all of their love and support. I have a pretty incredible support system that keeps me fighting and I know that I’m not fighting this alone.”
This is Mrs. Horn’s 23rd year in teaching. She has also taught special education, along with third-, fourth-, and fifth-grades.
“Returning to teaching was one of my main goals throughout this past year. I’m so excited to be back with my Bellefontaine Intermediate School family and students. I truly love the BIS.
“The outlook for me is positive. Seventy-seven percent of women who have had triple negative breast cancer are alive five years after diagnosis. I’m going to continue my fight every day with love, gratitude, and grace. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so I make each day count.
“I hope through sharing my cancer journey from the beginning, I can be an inspiration and a ray of hope to everyone. I’m truly blessed beyond words.”
Read about Breast Cancer Awareness Month at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/.