atKokomo.com
OCTOBER 2020
MAGAZINE
SURVIVORS & FIGHTERS MAKING STRIDES
LOCAL 685 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE HELPING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
TOWNIN’ AROUND DOWNTOWN
FLIP FOR SPECIAL TIPTON EDITION
Eric Hollensbe DDS
Justin Roberts DDS
Roberts Dental Group s t n e i t a P w e N 765.455.1222 Welcome 3415 S. Lafountain St. Ste I
General Dentistry
To all who are affected by this terrible disease, The Hardie Group recognizes, supports and honors each and every one of you!
765-457-7214 | thehardiegroup.com 1808 Dogwood Dr Kokomo, IN
R E A L E S TAT E C O M PA N Y
Fund-Raising Fish Frys • Catering For All Occasions 425 W. Deffenbaugh St Mon - Thurs: 10:30AM - 7:00PM Fri & Sat: 10:30AM - 9:00PM Sun: CLOSED
Free Delivery on orders $25 and over
765-450-6584 Hawg Heaven Kokomo
A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION
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317.501.1743
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I N THI S I SS UE
7 10 12 16 17 18 19 20
OCTOB ER 2020
Makin g Str id e s : Local 685 Wome n ’s Committe e H e lp in g in th e Fig h t Ag ain st B re ast Can ce r Commu n ity Le ad e r b oard
Town in ’ Arou n d Down town
Kokomo Pe t Pag e
Kokomo Eve n ts
City of Fir st G ame Pag e
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CATHE RIN E S H EA AUSTIN VAN C E VAL RAN DA LL E D I TO R
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TIPTON MAGAZINE
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8800 North Street, Suite 117 | Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011
FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
WIN THE FOG FIGHT
watch this call them
Aimee Romero
Drs. Bud & Kate DeCleene Dr. Travis Stephens
VP. Branch Manager NMLS: 452032
765-453-5005
765.860.1084
aimee.romero@ruoff.com Ruoff.com/aimeeromero RuoffM ortgage Company, Inc.,d /b/a RuoffH omeM ortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensingi nformation visit: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails. aspx/COMPANY/141868. Thisi s not an offerf or extensiono fc redito ra commitment to lend. Alll oans must satisfyc ompany underwriting guidelines.I nformation and pricinga re subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #141868. 03052020
• Catering for weddings, bridal showers, graduations and birthday parties. • Fundraising for schools, churches, non-for-profits. • Personalize your purchases with specialty gift boxes and tins.
Gourmet Popcorn Specialty Drinks| Candy Homemade Fudge Personalized Packages
Residential Specialists Drive up window open!
SWING BY AND SMELL THE POPCORN OR ORDER ONLINE! 1108 E. Markland 765-252-3745 www.popcorncafeshop.com
Ace Automotive Service, Inc
A
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NICCI PERKINS
Automotive
765-271-9088
Service, Inc
nicci@custom-moves.com
AMY POWELL-HURST
765-438-6183
A 201 W. Morgan Kokomo, IN 46901 Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
amy62j@aol.com
(765) 454-0689
www.custom-moves.com Make your next move a Custom Move! (765) 457-9037 | SR 931 & Gano Since 1975
Classes start October 26! Apply today at IvyTech.edu/applynow.
Full selection of new inventory including Boss DXT V Plows.
Mon.-Fri. northcentraloutdoorpower.com 8am-5pm 1947 S. Elizabeth St. Kokomo Saturday 765.457.1633 8am-12pm
6 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
MAKING STRIDES LOCAL 685 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE HELPING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER Writer / Sarah Shutt
atKokomo.com / OCTOBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 7
Photography Provided
The Local 685 Women’s Committee, a UAW organization for the Chrysler plant facilities in Kokomo, has actively been supporting breast cancer research in many ways. The committee has been around for a long time, and has recently been planning events and raising money to help in the effort to find a cure for the disease. In the past the group has raised more money in the fight against breast cancer than any other UAW in the nation. One of the group’s big events to raise support and awareness is their annual walk. Since the coronavirus outbreak, the committee has been forced to rethink their usual events, come up with meaningful programs and work with social distancing guidelines. “Due to the pandemic, we have had to unfortunately cancel the annual walk,” says Tammy Mohr, a Chrysler employee for 26 years and an active member in the committee. “Instead, we will be doing various fundraisers from now until the end of November.”
“Home Town Values You Want Low Prices You Need” 931 South • www.McCools.com Next to Harley-Davidson Kokomo Kokomo’s Largest Flooring Store Locations in Kokomo, Carmel & Avon
8 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
IN THE PAST THE GROUP HAS RAISED MORE MONEY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER THAN ANY OTHER UAW IN THE NATION.
THERE WILL BE DIFFERENT WAYS PEOPLE CAN DONATE, SUCH AS BUYING THIS YEAR’S SPECIALLY DESIGNED TIE-DYE BREAST CANCER T-SHIRTS AND ORDERING FROM LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS. -TAMMY MOHR
This year the Women’s Committee has decided to allocate fundraising profits toward construction of a new cancer center in Kokomo. “We will be selling our usual breast cancer T-shirts, and also $20 gift certificates to Marie’s Car Wash.” Mohr says. With each purchase of a gift certificate, $10 will be donated to the fight against breast cancer. “We have also planned to have special nights at several different restaurants in Kokomo, where part of the profits would be donated to the cause,” Mohr says. One of the bigger events planned is a concert night in Foster Park on October 17. “There will be different ways people can donate, such as buying this year’s specially designed tie-dye breast cancer T-shirts and ordering from local food trucks,” Mohr says. There will also be a beer garden hosted by a local bar. It will be a family-friendly event and social distancing is recommended. On the weekend of October 23 there will be a silent auction throughout the Chrysler plant facilities, and the auction will be posted on Facebook so anyone will be able to participate.
iheartkokomo.com atKokomo.com / OCTOBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 9
COMMUNITY Writer / Julie Yates | Photography Provided
DIANA BOND
In 2012, an annual mammogram detected triplenegative breast cancer, which accounts for about 10 to 15% of all breast cancers, and refers to the cancer cells that test negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors, as well as the protein called HER2. The biggest challenge I had was that my husband was very sick at the time of my diagnosis, and passed away on the day of my last chemo session. What got me through was support from my sister, co-workers and friends. Have someone go with you to your appointments. You are bound to forget some things the doctor is telling you. Keep wearing a smile and keep wearing your lipstick. You may feel very bad, but don’t let your appearance drag you down.
KC REYNOSO
I won’t lie - it was the hardest four years of my life. I had reconstructive surgery and ended up with implants that were then recalled. After that, I had numerous health problems. If you’re looking for a sunny story, I am not your girl. If you want the truth about the lack of continuity within electronic medical records, I am your girl. I went through aggressive treatment while working and raising two kids alone. It was always pink ribbons and support, everywhere I turned.
WILDA BUCKLEY
After learning I had triple-negative breast cancer this February, I had surgery right before the coronavirus-related shutdowns in March. I’m blessed with a job that has allowed me to work from home and throughout chemo. I was unaware, until my diagnosis, that one in eight women will fight this battle. My advice to others is pray. Having a personal relationship with Jesus, my savior, has been paramount in my healing and success as a patient. Don’t be discouraged with your diagnosis. Learn all you can about your specific type of cancer. Find nutritional supplements to fill the gaps, especially when you don’t feel like eating. Surround yourself with positive people and join a support group. Look for the joy in everything.
KATY LEWIS
I’m now almost 30 and I was diagnosed at 26. It came as a total shock. It’s not in my family so there were no family genes to cause it. Over that summer I had six rounds of chemo and a double mastectomy. What kept me going was that I wanted to be back at Western where I was teaching art. It’s hard to explain, but you get in your own head and you can’t escape. The desire to be back in the classroom was what kept me going forward. I found out I was cancerfree on Halloween of 2017. I ran down to the office and made an announcement. Even though classroom doors were closed, cheering was heard in the hallways.
10 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
LEADERBOARD LINDSAY CAMPBELL
I never felt a lump in my breast, but actually had pain in that spot. I was diagnosed in August of 2019 by telephone, two days before my birthday. The biggest challenge during treatment was understanding exactly what was happening to me. It was critical for me to find a breast specialist. My Son, Ian Jack, was my focus through the whole process. Finding out I had breast cancer at 37, with a three-year-old son, really put me into survival mode. It didn’t really sink in that I had cancer until after my double mastectomy. Be sure that you know all of your options before making decisions. Reach out to people who understand. Reach out to family. How you go through this journey is your choice. Being your own advocate is necessary, especially when you are under the recommended age for mammograms and you know something is wrong.
JENNI RONK
When I was 42, I had my first 3D mammogram in August. Nothing was detected, but two days later I felt a lump. I was told it was probably nothing since it didn’t show up on the mammogram, but it was still there in November. After two ultra sounds, four tumors were found in my left breast. 3 of them were cancer. The tumor I could feel wasn’t easy to find. Pay attention to your body, you know it better than anyone else. If I wasn’t persistent, my cancer wouldn’t have been found. I had a double mastectomy and take hormone blockers. I’m very thankful that I found it when I did because I ended up having precancerous cells in my other breast and microscopic cells in a lymph node. I feel I was put through this to show women how important it is to pay attention to your body and don’t be afraid to speak up!
CARRIE RHODES
I got engaged in December of 2018 and then found out in February of 2019 that I had breast cancer. I planned my wedding in two weeks, and got married right before I had a double mastectomy and started 28 rounds of radiation. This May, a reoccurrence was found. I’m currently pregnant and since they were monitoring me so closely, a pregnancy complication was found. I will be in the hospital until my baby is born. Faith keeps me going. I know there is a greater plan. Initially, my thought was to keep to myself, but people can’t support or pray for you if they don’t know. I now encourage people to tell the story of the mountain they climbed to help others climb theirs.
atKokomo.com / OCTOBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 11
TOWNIN’ AROUND
DOWNTOWN Welcome To
KOKOMO
SIPES THEATRE
Sipe Theatre with Bob Hope and Lucille Ball in “Sorrowful Jones” on the marquee, 1949. Opened in 1900, the Sipe Theatre stood on Sycamore Street at Union Street. It was renovated in late 1920 and renamed Strand Theatre before reverting to its original name by 1941. The Sipe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1967
HOWARD COUNTY CENTENNIAL PARADE
July 4, 1944, along Walnut Street
P.F. HENDRICKS & CO.
STOP IN FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH!
101 N Buckeye St, Kokomo | 765.450.6417 12 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
223 N. MAIN STREET 765-236-1600 MON-FRI 7:30AM-3:00PM
SEARS ROEBUCK @ CO
Sears, Roebuck @ Co. in downtown Kokomo, west from Union Street to the first alley on the north side of Walnut Street. This store was razed in 1978.
BILL TANDY 6/1/55-9/13/19
William James “Bill” Tandy was a renowned co-host of the Male Call radio show on WWKI and was loved by many. Bill’s passion for music brought him to Kokomo from Chicago in 1982, and he was a gifted organist at the Pipe Dream in downtown Kokomo during the 1980’s.
ARMSTRONG-LANDON CO
Ace Hardware, The Armstrong-Landon Co at 318 E. Monroe Street. This is their mill. They also had a building on Main Street and Sycamore Street, which was the tallest building in Kokomo at 6 stories. Armstrong-Landon was the oldest running business in Kokomo, from 1855-2011.
JIMMY RAYL 6/21/41-1/20/19
Graduated KHS 1960; Indiana Mr. Basketball 1959; played at Indiana University and later for the Indiana Pacers. Jimmy Rayl Boulevard now runs from Rayl’s childhood home at 1416 W. Superior Street to Memorial Gym.
wide selection of new comics, back issues, all ages books, trades, artist editions, mini figures, supplies & more
Located on Geek Street 121 E. Sycamore 765.450.4126
Wed - Sat 11am-6pm
www.kokomocon.com
1918 W. Sycamore | 765-450-6041 atKokomo.com / OCTOBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 13
GROWING UP IN KOKOMO I always considered Downtown a “destination place” where we’d go (with or without parents) to hang out, shop or be entertained. From catching ‘Smokey and the Bandit 2’ at the Isis Theater to grabbing a burger and fries at Scotty’s after a Kokomo football game or stopping in at Sanburn’s Sporting Goods for the latest shoes to challenging Bill Tandy at trivia over pizza at Pipe Dream, the memories forged from those experiences will forever live on in my “When I was your age…” stories to my kids and grandkids. And it’s experiences like those that will continue to support my desire as mayor to keep Downtown Kokomo a place folks want to eat, play and stay so that they receive the same pleasures I have through the years.
-TYLER MOORE, MAYOR
BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS BEGIN WITH FLOWERS & GIFTS FOR EVERY OCCASION! Bouquets • Centerpieces • Ceremony Flowers Gifts • Cards • Corsages • Boutonniers & More 333 North Philips Street | Kokomo • Like us! 765.459.0637 • www.whiteliliesinparadise.com
421 W. North Street
Mon-Wed: 9am - 4pm • Tues, Thurs-Fri: 9am - 5pm • Sat: 9am - 1pm
1100 E. Markland Mon-Sat 10:30-7:00
106 N. Main St
FIND US ON FACEBOOK 14 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
TOWNIN’ AROUND
DOWNTOWN
KHS GIRLS BASKETBALL First Team in Howard County to win the Girl’s sate championship in 1992, releated in 1993 and was the USA Today #1 girls team in the nation in 1993.
Available to anyone in Howard and Tipton counties
24/7 Home Banking and Bill Pay
Coming Soon: Email alerts for ATM/Debit/VISA/Loan/Savings
KOKOMO’S 5 AND 10 CENT STORE
We realize life can be hectic, and your time is valuable. That’s why we offer FREE, convenient, time-saving services to stay on top of things.
This later became part of the W. H. Turner Store, with the Bee Hive to the left, on the north side of the Courthouse Square.
Celebrating 81 years serving Kokomo HAYNES AUTO
The Haynes Automobile Co. factory building on South Main Street, 1915.
765-459-0758 | www.coffcu.org 1120 South Main Street, Kokomo, IN 46902 atKokomo.com / OCTOBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 15
PETS ABOUT TOWN KOKOMO SUBMIT AND SHARE YOUR PET PHOTO TO
TO SEE THEM FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE
BENNY
BLACKJACK
BUCKY
BUDDY
ETHEL
GRACIE
LOUIE
LUCY
MINNIE
OLLIE
PEWEE
PHOEBE
765-457-7558 | 1732 S. Washington St.
HOME • AUTO • LIFE • BUSINESS 16 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
KOKOMO OCTOBER EVENTS 2
3
24
5:30 - 9:00 p.m. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout downtown; Downtown Kokomo Free, self-guided arts tour in the Downtown District; For a full list of activities, call 457-5301 or visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com.
7:00 p.m. Kokomo Symphony Orchestra presents Symphonie Fantastique Concert. IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium. Visit www.kokomosymphony.net.
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Bel Air Events Tickets sales begin Oct. 1 Visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/229884301655189.
First Friday “Masquerade”
2
Symphonie Fantastique Concert
17
Kokomo-Con
Haunted Hustle 5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Zombie Zoom
Face painting, monster make up, pumpkins to purchase at an on-site pumpkin patch, haunted course & more; Kokomo Family YMCA; Call 457-4447 or visit www.kokomoymca.org.
3
Walk To End Alzheimer’s
10:20 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Ceremony Broadcast 9:30am Walk in your neighborhood 10:00am Experience the view-only planted Promise Garden. Register at http://act.alz.org/Kokomo
10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Kokomo Event & Conference Center Visit www.kokomocon.com.
17
Pumpkin Painting
11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Kirkendall Nature Center Free admission; Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult Pumpkins are free while supplies last Call 456-7275.
Kokomo Speedway Events www.kokomospeedway.net
2020 Dancing with the Stars
24
Haunted Trail Walk
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Jackson Morrow Park Free; Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
24
KPRD Family Movie Night 8:30 p.m. “The Haunted Mansion” Jackson Morrow Park After the Haunted Trail Walk Free admission to the public Call 456-7275.
*ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE For a complete list of events in Kokomo, check out www.visitkokomo.org or The Kokomo App.
Stay mobile with transition and portable ramps!
atKokomo.com / OCTOBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 17
BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE MINIATURE GOLF 409 Arrow St 765-450-8155
APPLE CIDER DECORATIONS FOOTBALL HALLOWEEN OCTOBER
CANDY CORN FALL FUDGE HOT COCOA ORANGE
CARAMEL APPLES GHOSTS LEAVES PUMPKIN SPICE
• Single & Double Go-Karts • Arcade, Cornhole, Basketball • Two 18 Hole Miniature Golf Courses • Batting Cages
409 Arrow St • 765-450-8155 18 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
OCTOBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE Presented by Custom Moves Real Estate Services, LLC
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Comes undone
1. Remove cover from
5. Doing word
2. Snake, puff ...
7. Feral
3. Like
8. Envy
4. Scant
9. Public disturbance
5. Pansies
12. Movie inspectors
6. Purchasers
15. Inflated ball
10. Duck or chicken
19. Tenderly
11. Too
21. Rigidity
12. Cheat
22. Plaintive howl
13. Memorandum
23. Fades
14. Leave out
24. Obliterates
15. Polished 16. Peru beasts 17. Displease 18. Recurrent periods 19. Fights for air 20. Fresher
For the answers, visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/atKokomo
NICCI PERKINS 765-271-9088 nicci@custom-moves.com
www.custom-moves.com
“Welcome Home” atKokomo.com / OCTOBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 19
HOT FALL TRENDS P.F. HENDRICKS & CO
101 N. Buckeye St, Kokomo 765-450-6417 Men’s and Women’s Outdoor, Travel and Ath-leisure Boutique. Trail to Table. Mountain to Meeting. Life is a Journey. Look and Feel good on every Adventure!
ALL PRO PLUMBING
765-868-2094 All-Pro Plumbing offers solutions to all your water problems. For healthy, great tasting, safe water in your home, give us a call!
POPCORN CAFÉ
1108 E. Markland Ave, Kokomo 765-252-3745 Gourmet popcorn, Fresh made in-store fudge, Bubble Tea, Candy, Specialty tins and much, much more. Stop in and smell the popcorn!
20 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atKokomo.com
HOT FALL TRENDS COMICS CUBED
121 E. Sycamore St, Kokomo 765-450-4126 COMICS CUBED is a COMIC BOOK SPECIALTY shop that has a wide selection of new comics, back issues, all ages books, trades, artist editions, minifigures, supplies, and more
MO JOE COFFEE HOUSE 106 N. Main St, Kokomo 765-437-3451 WINNER: 2018 BEST COFFEE SHOP WINNER: 2018 BUSINESS
WHITE LILIES N PARADISE
333 N. Philips St, Kokomo 765-459-0637 Share the joy of flowers for all seasons of life. Over 20 years experience with Paradise Flowers and Carriage Manor Flowers.
MAIN ST GRILL
223 N. Main St, Kokomo 765-236-1600 Truly memorable food. A staff that knows your name. Snob-worthy coffee & espresso! atTipton.com / 12 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020
HOT FALL TRENDS URBAN HOMESTEAD
114 E. Jefferson, Tipton 765-675-4424 A “HOME” studio retail shot offering Rowe furniture with upholstery selections, wall décor, pillows, tatle top, kitchen, bar & candles. Gifts for house warming, baby arrivals, wedding/anniversary & MORE!
HORTON’S HOME AND GARDEN
112 S. Main St, Tipton 765-675-2013 Horton’s specialized in lawn and garden, home décor, boutique clothing and famous fudge. We’re a place you’ll keep coming back to and always guarantee to put a smile on your face!
MEMORY LANE ANTIQUES
120 N.Main St, Tipton 765-675-3004 Antiques, Vintage, Retro and Artisan Wares. We strive to bring unique and unusual antiques and artisan wares for your picking.
WELCOME KEGAN SCHMICKER TIPTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Provided by the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce
The Tipton County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Kegan Schmicker as the new executive director, effective September 1, 2020. After a month-long search and a review of many qualified applications, the Board of Directors concluded that Schmicker put forth the best action plan for developing the next level of value-added service to Tipton County’s business community. Schmicker is a 2012 graduate of Butler University, majoring in both accounting and management information systems. He also has an Indiana real estate broker’s license, and has pursued continuing education in economic and community development through Ball State University and the University of Oklahoma. Shortly after graduating, Schmicker started his website design and marketing company, Black Frog Designs. He also had the opportunity to consult with the City of Tipton on economic and community development activities. Schmicker served as project manager for Now Entering Tipton, the City of Tipton Downtown Revitalization Plan, and establishment of the Riverfront District. He also managed a local effort to solve broadband deficiencies in Tipton County, and partnered with the Tipton County Foundation to secure a grant for the City of Tipton Splash Pad. In conjunction with his professional endeavors, Schmicker has also been a consistent volunteer in the community. He has served on the board of directors for the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce, the Tipton Main Street Association, and the Encore Lifestyle & Enrichment Center. Schmicker currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Tipton Community School Corporation and the City of Tipton Redevelopment Commission. The Tipton County Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization supported by a 13-member, volunteer Board of Directors. The board looks forward to seeing its mission advanced under Schmicker’s leadership. Tipton’s Chamber has more than 200 current members and is always looking to welcome more. For more information, visit tiptonchamber.org.
Horton’s Home & Garden Home Décor ∙ Gifts ∙ Clothing Fudge ∙ Blinds ∙ Garden And So Much More! 765∙675∙2013 | 112 S. Main St., Tipton
Attitude of
Gratitude
Lori Tragesser Fully Embraced Life and Those Around Her
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
The word cancer is scary, but certain personalities are born to rally, and that’s precisely what Lori Tragesser did when she was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in 2012. A married mother of five, Lori was motivated to get healthy and stay that way, so she chose an aggressive treatment path that included chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. After breast reconstruction surgery, she felt very good - empowered, even. “I was ready to take on the world,” Lori had said.
When Ben and Lori researched metastatic breast cancer, the results made their stomachs drop - life expectancy is typically three years. After receiving such a devastating diagnosis, Ben says Lori allowed herself one day of self pity before diving into research to find out what medicines and treatment regimens were available. She attended several conferences, including one called “Living Beyond Breast Cancer” where participants taught her how to be an advocate in her own community. She signed up to be a part of “Hear my Voice”, an advocacy program through which newly diagnosed patients with metastatic breast cancer can call a patient who can answer questions and help them feel less alone.
For two years all seemed good, but then she began experiencing pain in her collarbone making it difficult to sleep. Her doctor instructed her to have a bone biopsy, which sounded ominous. The diagnosis wasn’t good.
“She could have used someone like that to talk to when she was first diagnosed, so when the opportunity came up for her to do that for someone else, she was all about it,” Ben says.
“You have metastatic breast cancer,” the doctor stated. “It’s non-curable but treatable.”
Lori’s friends who had also been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer became her go-to gals when she needed a pick-me-up or just a good laugh.
THROUGHOUT HER CANCER JOURNEY, LORI’S ATTITUDE WAS ONE OF GRATITUDE.
“We can joke about dying or joke about not having hair, and nobody is offended,” Lori had said. When Lori first joined “Hear My Voice”, the group consisted of 36 members. Four years later, only two women were still alive. Lori volunteered with Susan G. Komen Central Indiana, helping with the organization’s annual fundraising fashion show. She also traveled to Orlando to speak at an Eli Lilly national sales meeting, and was the keynote speaker at her oldest son’s graduation. In addition, she created a blog depicting her cancer journey. “Everyone is curious about what it’s like to have cancer,” Lori stated. “It’s important to me to let people know this is what this is, but you can still live life. You can still love people and do things for each other.” More than 1,000 women followed her blog, from England to New Zealand, Australia and China. “It made us realize that there are women all over the world who are experiencing the exact same emotions and feelings,” Ben says.
A wonderful selection of high quality decor, furniture and unique gifts. 114 E. JEFFERSON ST, TIPTON | 765-675-4424 URBANHOMESTEADLLC.COM
Lori kept things real on her blog, admitting that feelings don’t always necessarily make sense. For instance, she mentioned that after undergoing treatments for a period of time, people often don’t know what to say. “They see me living a normal life and so they back off and don’t ask as much, which is upsetting because I feel like they have forgotten [about me],” Lori explained.
Though Lori longed to live a normal life, she admitted that her mortality was the last thing she thought of before going to sleep and the first thing she’d think of when she woke up in the morning. Nevertheless, she did her best to make great memories with her children. The family endeavored to check off bucket-list items, like trying to visit all of the 48 lower states (they were just six states short).
On the other hand, she recognized that sometimes she’s wasn’t up for sharing her feelings. “When people ask how I’m doing and I’m not in the mood to talk, then I feel bad because I was just whining that nobody asks about me, and now I’m complaining because people are bugging me,” she had said with a laugh.
Lori left a few treasures behind for her kids and unborn grandkids. For example, she made electronic cards for their weddings and births. She also recorded her voice reading several children’s books. Plus, she made a book for her family that told her life story. Though she wanted it to be a surprise for the family, as she was nearing the end, she struggled with confusion and mobility so Ben helped out. When Lori
Besides being a mom to her own kids, Jake, Luke, Levi, David and Lydia, she also mothered her children’s friends who were frequently over at her house. “Many of those kids thought of Lori as their second mom,” Ben says. “Some thought of her as their first. Whether they were struggling with homework, home life or anything else, she was there for them.”
Home is where the “Heart and Soul” Live
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• • • •
License Personal Service Agency Accredited with the Better Business Bureau serving Central Indiana Custom Care Packages to meet each Client’s specific needs Minimum of four hour shifts up to 24/7 shifts available with personally trained Caregiver’s to meet the needs of our Client’s
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“WE WERE FORTUNATE IN THAT LORI’S DEATH WASN’T UNEXPECTED, EVERYBODY HAD TIME TO SAY GOODBYE. I THINK THAT HELPED A LOT.” - BEN TRAGESSER -
passed away on May 26, 2019, nearly 800 people attended her funeral. According to Ben, their children are adjusting well despite the large void in their lives. “We were fortunate in that Lori’s death wasn’t unexpected,” says Ben, noting that his wife thought of everything, even making sure she had given him password information for bank accounts, insurance and websites. “Everybody had time to say goodbye. I think that helped a lot.” Throughout her cancer journey, Lori’s attitude was one of gratitude. She was grateful for her healthy children and for her rock-solid, 24-year marriage to Ben - a union that seemed destined from the start. The enamored couple was engaged only three months after meeting. “I moved into the apartment upstairs from her,” Ben recalls. “After moving in, she introduced herself and invited me to a birthday party she was throwing for a friend.” The pair immediately hit it off. During the first three weeks they mostly just chatted on the porch. During one of those early conversations, she mentioned that she wanted to have a lot of kids. “I think she was feeling me out,” Ben says with a chuckle. Asked to describe his beautiful bride, his voice cracks as he replies, “She was everything.” To read Lori’s blog, visit yourstrulylori.com.
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REY
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OCTOBER 2020
MAGAZINE
Attitude of Lori Tragesser Fully Embraced Life and Those Around Her
WELCOME KEGAN SCHMICKER
TIPTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FLIP FOR KOKOMO MAGAZINE