Meet the Models: Lori Labedz

Meet the Models: Lori’s Story – Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Fear

When Lori was diagnosed with breast cancer on August 4, 2021, her first thought wasn’t about herself—it was about her daughters. The fear was immediate and deep.

“I was scared,” she shares. “But more than anything, I was afraid for my young daughters.”

Facing cancer while raising a family is a weight no one is prepared to carry, but Lori didn’t have to do it alone. Her husband, her family, and her friends surrounded her with support, lifting her through each phase of treatment and recovery. Some of the most meaningful help came in simple, heartfelt ways. A meal train was set up to make sure her family was fed when she didn’t have the energy to cook. One friend sent a “sunshine box” filled with yellow-colored comfort items, bringing warmth and light on difficult days.

“The meal train was a lifesaver,” Lori says. “It gave me one less thing to worry about and let me focus on healing.”

The friend who organized it—Katie Dexter—was herself undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the time. That kind of shared strength, given so selflessly, left a lasting mark on Lori’s heart.

Throughout treatment, Lori was surprised by a shift within herself. Rather than succumbing to despair, she found a renewed sense of gratitude.

“I was surprised at how my outlook on life changed. Instead of being depressed, I became so much more grateful for the things I had taken for granted.”

She also learned the importance of listening to her body and honoring her own needs.

“Take the time off work that you need,” she advises. “Your healing matters.”

Now, in 2025, Lori is celebrating four years cancer-free. That milestone is a testament to her strength, her support system, and her resilience. Cancer made her reevaluate what’s most important in life—and helped her cherish every moment more deeply.

This year, as she walks the Runway, Lori does so with grace, pride, and profound appreciation for the village that carried her through.