Lori Kellar is one of the more than 48 million Americans who have struggled with addiction. Like so many people, it began with something that didn’t seem dangerous at all: casual, social drinking. Over time, though, alcohol slowly took control, unraveling her life and putting strain on her relationships with her children, grandchildren and her husband, Dennis.
For years, Lori battled her disease in silence, doing everything she could to hide it. When she finally found the courage to say yes to help, she was met with another crushing reality. Treatment came with a price she felt she couldn’t afford.
That’s when an Emily’s Hope Treatment Scholarship stepped in.
In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Lori opens up about her battle with addiction, and Dennis shares his experience of loving someone through it. They talk about what they wish they had known sooner, the fear and uncertainty along the way, and how everything began to change when Lori said yes to the help she so desperately needed.
If you enjoyed this episode, you may like the following:
- ‘I lost who I was.’ Emily’s Hope Treatment Scholarship gives mom second chance
- Life-saving scholarship: How Emily’s Hope treatment scholarship gave a woman her life back
- The Voice You Knew — The Story You Didn’t
MEET THE GUEST
Lori Kellar
Lori Kellar is a wife, mother, and grandmother who openly shares her journey with alcohol use disorder. After years of struggling in silence, she sought treatment with the support of an Emily’s Hope Treatment Scholarship. Today, Lori uses her story to encourage others to ask for help and to remind families that recovery is possible.
MEET THE GUEST
Dennis Kellar
Dennis Kellar is Lori’s ex-husband, who has walked alongside her through the challenges of alcohol use disorder and recovery. After navigating separation and ultimately finding their way back to one another, Dennis continues to support Lori’s healing journey. He shares his perspective to offer insight and encouragement to other partners and families supporting a loved one in recovery.
