Excerpts from 2013 Recognition Dinnner , Our Honorees ~ Lorine Seewald

This annual event is based on our motto, inspire, empower and strengthen, with each honoree representing one of the three words, but just like Evelyn Knapp (our inspiration) each honoree, past and present, bears all these aspects.

~Lorine Seewald~ 

Strength, to have courage, to persevere, to withstand adversity, fear or difficulty. 

All of these meanings clearly describe Lorine Seewald, but the one definition of strength that epitomizes her is endure.  

We met Lorine at our very first support group demonstration, which was held at Mather Hospital- this was prior to Strength for Life’s existence- back when Jacqui and I (Debbie Hughes) knew we were being called onto a path - we just didn't know what it was.  

Jacqui and I always refer to this first meeting as “our ahah” moment. Lorine and her peers spoke opening with us about the challenges they faced with a cancer diagnosis. That night determined how Strength for Life was to be formed. 

In writing this we realized that Lorine was actually involved in all of our “firsts”. Our first presentation, our first exercise class and our first wellness retreat. 

Now you know why she exemplifies the word “strength” - anyone who could endure us for this long deserves an award!!  

 

An obvious quality that we all notice about Lorine is her physical strength - she is admired and complimented on it and she sets a wonderful example to other class participants.  

One thing that may not be as obvious, because she is so humble, is her strength of character. Cancer was not her first and only challenge. The quote that comes to mind when thinking about all that she had faced is that “It’s not what happens to you it’s how you react to it that matters.” 

And Lorine has reacted to each obstacle in such a way so that it may benefit others.  She even started a non profit to help people deal with certain losses. In fact, policies that she put into place through her foundation are still implemented today.  

 

In class, she always offers kind words of encouragement and is what we refer to as the backbone to our clients.

 

She steps up to challenges, such as the one presented to her at our 2012 Evelyn Knapp Memorial Run. She registered for the flat 3k walk but instead completed the hilly 5k option, even running parts of it! 

Again - showing her strength and endurance - she is an amazing assets to SFL and we are blessed to have met her.

 

Thank you, Lorine, for helping to shape and for adding dimension to Strength for Life.