Quilted Northern Soft & Strong and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Honor Local Breast Cancer Survivors

Lori and Hannah LeFort, mother, daughter and breast cancer survivors, have been selected as the 2012 Quilted Northern Soft & Strong® Champions for the Greater Nashville race, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 27. Lori is an active volunteer with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and serves as co-chair of the race committee. Her daughter, Hannah, 19, is a two-year survivor and race volunteer as well. As the Quilted Northern Soft & Strong® Champions, the LeForts will serve as local ambassadors for breast cancer awareness and will be recognized for their dedication to Komen in their community and their courage to share their stories of survival.

In 2008, Lori found a lump in her breast and immediately underwent a lumpectomy. Though she caught the disease early and her recovery was quick, she had a reoccurrence two years later. Then in 2010, her daughter Hannah, at the age of 17, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. The mother-daughter pair, along with support from their family and friends, bonded together to fight the disease with full force. Today, they are both healthy survivors living life to its fullest.

“No one knows your body better than you, and if you don’t care for your own breast health no one else will,” said Lori. “Early detection saved our lives.”

Lori become involved with the Greater Nashville Komen affiliate in 2007 after her close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now in her fifth year of volunteering, she coordinates all logistical aspects for the events with the help of her committee. Today, Hannah is a sophomore in college, studying to become a nurse, and also serves as a race volunteer.

“It’s my hope to help those who have been affected by this disease,” said Hannah. “If I can help just one other person, then I feel like I’m making an impact.”

“The story of Lori and Hannah is very touching and truly shows that this disease can affect anyone, at any time and at any stage of their life,” said Anna Umphress of Georgia-Pacific, the maker of Quilted Northern® bath tissue. “These women have inspiring stories that give survivors and their families hope and we are proud to honor them this year.”

The maker of Quilted Northern® has been a proud sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® series for nine years and is dedicated to supporting and sharing the stories of those who fight for a cure.