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If there was one word to summarize who Lori Palazzi Gonsalves is, it would be sacrifice.
Lori spent 12 years as a single mother, and throughout that time she gave up so much. She gave up time, money and relationships to focus on being there for Cory and being number one in his life.
That sacrifice was put on full display just over 10 years ago when a life-altering event happened to Cory. Luckily, he avoided tragedy, but that did not mean his life was not changed forever.
“What does she mean to me? EVERYTHING,” Cory said. “She has sacrificed her whole life for the betterment of me. In high school, I had to have surgery and I became addicted to my pain meds, which eventually led to heroin. On July 15, 2013, I overdosed, almost died, but now have disabilities I have to live with. My mother now works from home and takes care of me full time.”
Throughout the course of Cory’s addiction, Lori never gave up on him. She was there for him day in and day out, supporting him in any way she could. And when he overdosed, she was right there by his side in the hospital, hoping and praying he would make a full recovery.
This whole course of events led to Lori eventually starting Cory’s Cause, which is a nonprofit organization raising awareness on drug addiction. She is also a chairperson on the Taunton Opiate Task Force, once again showing Lori’s complete sacrifice in life.
Lori also spends a lot of time just being there for her son, as well as her grandson. She makes sure they have everything they need, and Cory really does appreciate all his mother does for him. He knows she is the most amazing mother he could ever ask for.
“She is the BEST person in my life,” Cory said. “There’s a line in that book ‘Love You Forever’ that says, ‘I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as you’re living, my baby you’ll be.’ After my overdose, she said, ‘I didn’t mean it literally, but now you will be with me forever, lol.’”
There is nothing they can do to go back and change the course of history, and if you ask Lori, she will tell you she loves her son and is grateful she can be by his side, helping him through life.
And that’s just who she is. She loves her family and all the people around her, and Lori is constantly thinking of everyone but herself. That’s not to say she does not like taking time to herself going to the casino, where she tends to have luck on her side, but Lori is just an overall tremendous person with an abundant heart.
“She is the kindest, most thoughtful, loving, caring person,” Cory said. “She always puts others before herself.”
“I admire that Lori is such a selfless person, always putting others before herself,” Lori’s husband Dave added. “She is thoughtful and so caring.”
From the moment Dave met Lori, he knew she was special, and he gets to be reminded of her amazingness daily.
And from the moment Cory was born, Lori has been his number one confidant and his best friend, and he appreciates her just like he knows his stepdad appreciates her.
“I never take her for granted,” Cory and Dave concluded collectively.
