BIS teacher beats cancer, returns to the classroom

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Submitted by Bill Tipple

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a Bellefontaine Intermediate School teacher is an inspiration to her students, colleagues, and community.

Longtime BIS teacher Lori Horn was diagnosed with breast cancer last October.

Horn shared some great news over the weekend.

“Saturday was my 1-year anniversary of being diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. What a year it’s been. I’m back to teaching my 4th-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!

“Last Thursday I saw my oncologist for labs and treatment. 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 2 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!”

Horn detailed her journey over the last year.

I found a lump on my own on September 22nd, 2021. On October 7th, 2021, I was seen at the Dublin Cancer Center for a mammogram and ultrasound. That same day, I was seen at Riverside Methodist Hospital by a breast cancer surgeon. I was officially diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer on October 8th, 2021 at the age of 44. (Triple-negative breast cancer is rare. It only affects 13 in 100,000 women each year).

I started treatment on October 28th, 2021. I have treatment every week at the cancer center. I have combinations of chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions through my port.

After a very long few months of treatment, I had surgery on May 3rd, 2022 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.

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 7th-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.

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. 77 percent of women who have had triple negative breast cancer are alive 5 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.

This is Lori Horn’s 23rd year in teaching. She has taught special education along with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.

She is teaching 4th-grade science and social studies at Bellefontaine Intermediate School this year.

Lori and her husband, Michael, have been married for 20 years. They have 2 daughters. Hilary is a senior and Haley is a sophomore. Both girls attend Bellefontaine High School.

You can see more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

Photos: Lori Horn through her cancer journey

The first photo is of Lori (right) and her sister.

The last photo is Lori’s first day of school this year (9-6-22).