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Loss of a sweet fighter

Another valiant fighter has lost her battle against Cystic Fibrosis. If you read my post from yesterday, you know that I am in the midst of reading The Spirit of Lo, by Don and Terry Detrich. Lo was born with cystic fibrosis, which rocked the Detrich's world. They have been inspired to raise millions of funds for the foundation, as well as provide support and encouragement for other CF families. Terry and Don have told the world their story, sharing their hurt and heartache as well as the joy found in their daughter with CF, Lo's, spirit of hope and spunk, and their other daughter (no CF), Jane's, willingness to protect her sister and do what's best for her. Through The Spirit of Lo, I have grown to love the Detrich family. Everything they have experienced hits so close to home for me.

Lo had gone through two double lung transplants and a kidney transplant. She was a fighter if there ever was one.

Sadly, Lo died August 11, 2012. She left this world with her infectious smile and joyful attitude. Lo loved the Lord and spread His Truth wherever she went. She was beloved by many. It makes me SO mad at this awful disease that we lost yet another brave fighter to its clutches! I want to fight so much harder for a cure so families don't have to experience the incredible loss the Detrich's must be feeling.

Despite outstanding hardship, the Detrich family never gave up. Here's a passage from Lo's Caring Bridge blog, written by her sister, Jane.

"Thank you, Mom, for showing me what true love is.  Your love is the same whether Lo and I are wrecking havoc or saving the world.  Sometimes we do both at the same time.  :)  It doesn't matter how tired or beat down you are, you always have a little more in there for us (and anyone else who needs it).  I don't know how you do it but you truly completely one hundred percent blow my expectations out of the water on a regular basis about how good of a person you are.  I couldn't ask for a better role model in life.  Thank you for keeping everyone updated.

Thank you, Dad, for always being so supportive of Lo, Mom, and I.  It doesn't matter what we have attempted to endeavor, you have been quietly standing behind us supporting us all the way.  We (Lo and I, not Mom) have tried out some pretty stupid ideas and you have been there to lovingly pick up the pieces every time. When we need you immediately, you seem to be able to teleport yourself across town instantaneously. :) There is nothing better than hearing you say you're proud of us or complimenting us about working hard.  You, Dad, are the hardest worker I know.  Your ability to calmly reflect on tense situations and act rationally has helped keep our little family together and safe and sound.  Thank you.

Thank you, Lo, for hanging in there with me with times were tough.  Thank you for yelling at me when I was being stupid.  Thank you for laughing at me when I was learning to be funny and was failing miserably.  Thank you for holding my hand when I was scared.  Thank you for motivating me to be a better person. Thank you for teaching me how to have patience with patients. Thank you for teaching me the importance of keeping a smile on my face.  Thank you for teaching me the importance of appreciating every moment.  Thank you for being my best friend through thick and thin. 

Thank you, to all of you, for all of the thoughts and prayers and kind words that you always seem to have at the ready.  This isn't an easy road to walk down, in fact, I think its like Highway One along the west coast.  It would be petrifying to drive alone and you wouldn't be able to enjoy the majestic beauty.  When you're with friends, you get to spend time in the passenger seat staring out the window at the incredible landscape of mountains and cliffs and never-ending ocean water.  Thank you, friends, for taking the driver's seat from time to time to allow us to enjoy the beauty of the ride."  

I am amazed by the Detrich's tenacity and strength. I am encouraged to keep fighting by Lo's enthusiastic spirit. I pray for Terry, Don, and Jane, as they learn to adjust to life without the physical presence of Lo, knowing in their hearts that she is in her Heavenly Father's kingdom. May God comfort you all in this trial, as he has in every single trial you all have faced!

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