Conversations with Lori Hastings

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Hastings. 

Hi Lori, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2011, My husband, Dave Hastings, and myself started a non-profit called Lori’s Voice. At 12 years old, I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. I married Dave, my high school sweetheart in 1983. We were blessed with three healthy children and nine beautiful grandchildren. We understand the many hidden costs that come with taking time off work to travel to hospitals out of state. There were also the costs of hotel stays and expensive food in hospital cafeterias. Medical equipment in general comes with a hefty price tag. Having first-hand knowledge of these expenses, we knew we had to do something to help special children and their families.

We established Lori’s Voice to help children with special needs to pay for what insurance doesn’t cover. Our assistance helps those who are;

– Under 21 years old,
– With a mobility issue, neuromuscular or degenerative disease.
– Have a financial need

This list goes on and on, accessible wheelchair vans, home modifications, beach wheelchairs, adaptive playground equipment, ceiling lifts, special needs camp scholarships, travel expenses, including gas, food and lodging, AFOs, adaptable winter body coats, and much more.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Mostly it has been a smooth road. Some of the challenges I’ve had to overcome will be forever ongoing; My husband of 40 years has been the love of my life as well as my sole caregiver. Every day comes with its own set of challenges as he has to assist me with every aspect of daily living, From the minute he gets me out of bed in the morning, dresses me and puts me in my power wheelchair, until he lays me back in bed at the end of the day. For most, getting ready to attend an event is as easy as a snap of a finger, for me, it requires much more. Often by the time I am ready to roll out the door, I am tired before I’ve even arrived to my destination. This life style requires much time and patience and for those reasons, I am continuing to overcome challenges.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have written three children’s books using a voice activated software, speaking through a headset with a microphone. Each of these books were written to inspire children to overcome obstacles and be ‘the BEST that they can be’. The profit made from these books was initially used to support Lori’s Voice, now we give them away to children in children’s hospitals. I am very proud of the fact that just in the year 2022 we gave $710,000. in grants to special needs children. Since our inception in 2011, we have helped well over 600 children.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The city of Coopersville has always been my hometown. It is a wonderful farming community where everyone knows their neighbors. It is a kind, generous place that always takes care of its own. If someone falls, there are 100 folks standing by to help them up. It is a historic town with lovely, friendly people, much like that you’d see in a Hallmark movie. There is nothing I dislike about Coopersville.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lorisvoice.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorisvoice_admin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorisvoice/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/loris_voice