Model-gorgeous, Lo had a kilowatt smile and a big heart.
Lo on her trampoline in July 1998.
I was supposed to write a story about the beautiful Lo Detrich, who passed away last week after a life-long battle with cystic fibrosis. She was 28.
People I've talked to can go on and on -- eagerly so -- about Lo's attributes, those wonderful things that made her, well, Lo. Model-gorgeous with a huge heart, she was a fighter, an entrepreneur, a fund-raiser, good-will ambassador, a dear friend to many and, above all, an inspiration -- a true, real-life hero.
So, instead of me piecing together bits and pieces from quotes I've culled for a story, it's better to just let some of those people who loved Lo say it like they want without me getting in the way ...
Sara Bost Fisher, friend"I don't remember exactly when I met Lo. I do remember that after meeting, she made me feel like we had been friends forever. Lo never met a stranger. I always laughed that she was friends with absolutely everyone. She would host a girls' night for 20- and 30-somethings, and then the next day have lunch with Henry Zarrow. Everyone loved her, no matter what age. Lo was caring, funny, positive and extremely genuine. She was more concerned with others than with herself. She was always anxious to hear what others had going on in their lives and did not focus on her situation. I always looked forward to seeing Lo; she was so much fun to be around. We both shared a love of romantic comedies and chick flicks. We would buy every treat at the movie theater and laugh the entire time. She touched so many lives and will be truly missed."
Jo Ann Winn, executive director of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Sooner Chapter"Lo was a very gracious, giving and grateful person. Always uplifting to be around and never complained about anything. She was a dynamic fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She started her fundraising with our chapter by raising funds for the Great Strides walk. She chaired the event, as well as the top fund-raising team for 20 years! She was our good will ambassador and helped so many other CF patients cope with the disease. She spoke to large groups regarding her journey with CF, countless TV interviews, and hundreds of one-on-one conversations, corporations and individuals to raise awareness of CF. I have truly never met anyone like her and she was my inspiration to work for the Foundation."
Maggie Connolly, friend"I started waiting on the Detrich family (at Cafe Ole) when Lo was little -- not really sure how young, but I'm thinking at least 5 or 6 -- and she always ordered the same thing. She was one of those kids who would NEVER let anyone order for her. In fact, I think she probably ordered for Jane, too. We had a burger and a cheeseburger on the menu, as well as the Ole Burger, which was with cheese and a green chile. She would say, 'I'll have the Ole Burger, but without the ole!' When she said 'ole,' she would throw her hand up in the air and say it loud and with a festive gesture. It takes a special girl to see so much joy in something as small as a word, how you say it or what you do when you say it. Not only would it make her happy, but it made everyone around her happy, as well.
"The last time I saw Lo was probably about 5 years ago. She was on one of her 'breakouts' from the hospital. She came in by herself, ID bracelet on her wrist, oxygen in tow and ordered an Ole burger, but without the Ole, just like always. Even though I just knew Lo from waiting on her, she always felt like a friend. I think she had that effect on everyone. She had a real gift of connecting with people."
Heidi Hughes, friend"It is hard for me to speak about her as I would be describing feelings I'm not sure how to express. I simply cannot sum up our friendship in a couple sentences, especially the parts that have embedded such a lasting impression on me. For lack of a better word to describe her, I would have to say, overall, Lo was contagious. Her smile was contagious, her strength, her view on life, her optimism, her love. She had such a pure heart. Her outlook was untainted even through all her struggles. When I think about Lo, I don't think about her hurt or struggles, though. I think of her smile and her kind embrace. I think of all the lives she touched, even just with her presence. I think of all the amazing accomplishments she stuffed into 28 years and took with her. And now, I think about her breathing freely, without worry, without pain. And that thought is comforting above everything else. I look forward to seeing her again, swapping new no-brainer literature and being coaxed into eating cheap Thai food."
Peace, love and Lo ... XOXO
