A Bellefontaine Intermediate School fourth-grade teacher is currently persevering through a difficult chemotherapy regimen, requiring her to stay home and away from her beloved students and profession since the fall.
Family members of Lori Horn are coming together this weekend to host a fundraiser benefit, an ocean-themed “Life’s a Beach” — a nod to better times ahead —from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at The Olive Tree, 121 W. Chillicothe Ave., to assist in her medical expenses.
Her sister-in-law, Lori Smith Brewer, is helping to organize the event, and said lunch will be served, and a silent auction featuring number of items and a raffle are planned.
“We’ve had so many area friends and businesses donate items for gift baskets and gift cards; we’re so grateful,” she said. “We’re encouraging everyone to stop out and be a part of the fun to help support Lori as she continues in her treatment.
“Her students and fellow staff member miss her, and we would love to see them. She is fighting hard through the treatments and is nearing the end of her chemotherapy.”
Mrs. Horn was diagnosed in October with stage three triple negative breast cancer and also began her chemotherapy that month in Columbus.
Initially, she completed the treatments once a week, but beginning Jan. 20, moved into a new phase of treatment, beginning AC chemotherapy every three weeks.
She said via her Facebook page that this form of chemo is known as the “red devil” chemo.
“This is the chemo that will really test me with side effects. I only can have it every three weeks for a reason. But I feel strong and ready to keep fighting. I have total faith in God and my doctors. “
During the last week, the longtime educator and also employee of The Fun Company completed her 15th chemotherapy treatment.
“The last round was rough with many ups and downs, but I am still fighting. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
Her last chemotherapy is scheduled for March 24, and she is scheduled to have surgery and reconstruction at the end of April or early May. Appointments with the breast cancer surgeon and reconstruction surgeon are being made.
Despite the challenging times of the recent months, Mrs. Horn and her family, including her husband, Michael, and their daughters, Bellefontaine High School students Hilary and Haley, have been uplifted by caring gestures from the community.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the continued love, support, prayers and encouragement,” the fourth-grade teacher said. “It truly does keep me fighting especially on the not so great days. I know I am not fighting alone. All my love to you all.”