Why I Give

Why I Give: Lori Tesdahl

Lori Tesdahl first connected with Audio-Reader around 2007, after spotting a call for volunteers in the Lawrence Journal-World. At the time, she was searching for a meaningful way to give back—and one opportunity immediately resonated.

“My stepfather had retinitis pigmentosa and was slowly losing his sight,” she shared. “Even though he didn’t live in Kansas, I knew this was a service he would eventually need. It felt like a valuable way to help.”

Lori became not just a regular donor, but an active volunteer—especially for Audio-Reader’s longtime benefit sale, formerly known as For Your Ears Only, when it was held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. She spent countless hours sorting through thousands of donated records, carefully curating a massive selection that helped bring in more than $30,000 each year to support Audio-Reader’s services. She continues to be a volunteer reader, currently covering Pan Pipes and the KU Alumni magazine for special requests. Her belief in the mission is rooted in a deep understanding of what access to information can mean for someone navigating vision loss.

“Audio-Reader serves an often-neglected demographic that will only grow as the population ages,” Lori said. “It helps people stay connected to their communities and the world around them—and it’s all provided at no cost to the listener. That’s huge.”

For Lori, giving to Audio-Reader isn’t just about supporting a service—it’s about making a tangible difference in someone’s everyday life.

“We donate because I know it makes an impact on the life of anyone who listens.”