Tuesday, August 14, 2012

I smile when I think about Lo Detrich..

Anyone who has come in contact with Lo Detrich cannot imagine not smiling, not only because she always was but because she just exuberant.  I had the privilege of meeting Lo when she was very young.  The Detrich family were members out at Tulsa Country Club and her older sister, Jane and I had gone to school together at Monte Casino.  Lo was a bright, vivacious, giggly girl who always seemed to be having the best of days, even when she really wasn't.  Lo was diagnosed at birth with CF, a disease that attacks the lungs.  But everyday, even as a young child Lo never seemed to let her illness get in her way.  I remember cheering Lo on as she swam the Fourth of July races at the Country Club, and she always got 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.  I never remember seeing her sit on the sidelines in fear of participating, she was always right in the middle of the group!! Lo had an addicting smile, she could brighten up any room.  Lo is the same age as my brother so I had the privilege of watching her grow up, through grade school and high school.  Although I was not involved a lot in her life I did get to keep up with her, and now thanks to modern day technology (Facebook and Caring Bridge) I have been able to keep up more.
Lo's family and friends have been by her side the entire fight, fighting right along side of her.  Lo seemed to be Lo's biggest cheerleader.  She knew she wanted to beat the odds not only for herself but for all of those struggling with CF and those to come after her.  She has left a HUGE footprint in the sand of bringing awareness and finding a cure for CF.  Her fight was never in vain but rather in selfless love for everyone she met.  Lo is a spectacular and beautiful woman and her smile and legacy will love on forever!!

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