Meet the Models, NYC: Lori Levine
Lori Levine was a CPA going about life when her yearly mammogram revealed invasive ductal carcinoma. It came as a complete shock, made even worse that the call came on her birthday, while she was boarding the plane to her son’s college graduation. For the weekend, she had to set aside her fears and celebrate. Upon arrival back home, she quickly entered treatment, but not before she sent a blast email: “I took matters into my hands and narrated my own story. I sent an email blast to everyone I knew so I could control the narrative. It gave me a sense of control where I didn’t otherwise have one.”
Lori is quick to note her incredible support system. Friends rallied around her and even created “Driving with Lori” where different people would drive her to treatment: “it gave me such an opportunity to have 1:1 time with people. It was so eye opening because you realize everyone is going through stuff. People are so vulnerable in those moments.” After treatment, Lori would plan fun things like meeting a friend for a walk through the city, booking a hotel for the night with her husband, or going to see a Broadway show: “when I look back, that’s what I choose to remember.”
In the end, though grateful to be alive, she wasn’t happy with how she looked and felt. At 52, she sought the help of a nutritionist and got into the best shape of her life. One thing she had to cut out of her diet was protein bars, which she lived on during her commutes from Long Island to the city for treatment. Her husband, also a CPA, decided to combine ingredients to make protein balls. They became a staple in Lori’s diet. Soon, people were asking for them. COVID led to Lori’s children moving back home, so to stay busy, they rolled thousands of balls. Thus, Scott’s Protein Balls were born and today they are in 300 retailers, including airports.
Seven years out, Lori takes great pride in the fact that Scott’s Protein Balls gives a portion of proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation: “it has helped me heal in a different way. It is my small way to help people with a product that I could have really used.” Though cancer remains on her mind- in some ways every single day- Lori says, “I try to settle myself. I also know I am raising money for the cause and I really believe in research, but an upcoming scan is pervasive and you can really work yourself up. I choose to stay positive.”