Inside Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), the Ronald McDonald Family Room provides a peaceful place for families with hospitalized children to rest, eat, and gather strength. Helping lead that space each day is Lori Priest, manager of the Family Room. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate her leadership and dug deeper into her story and what inspires her to support families during some of their most difficult days.
Lori’s connection to the mission is deeply personal. When her daughter was five years old, she became critically ill with botulism, and Lori spent five weeks by her side in the hospital. Thankfully, her daughter recovered from the paralysis of botulism. However, during that frightening time, her family received support from many people. This was an experience that stayed with her and later inspired her desire to help other families facing medical crises.
Lori said that her physician at the time told her, “You’re in this for the long haul, and you know what that means.” To which she said, “Actually, I don’t have any idea what that means.” The physician said “That means you need to eat, you need to sleep, you need to shower, and you need to take some time for yourself. You need to replenish. That is how you stay strong. She’s counting on your strength, and that is how you are going to do it.” Lori says she felt like that gave her permission to take care of herself. “I think parents need to hear that, that it’s okay, and is really important, actually, that you take care of yourself, so that you can give your child the strength that they need.”
Back then, she lived in a trailer for five weeks in the hospital’s parking lot to stay close to her daughter. In the present day, she is glad to be able to offer comfortable rooms to families at EIRMC. Lori joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho in November 2019, shortly after the Family Room at EIRMC opened. Today she manages the space alongside dedicated employees and volunteers, helping ensure families have meals, a quiet place to rest, and everyday comforts like showers and laundry while they remain close to their child’s bedside.
For Lori, the greatest impact of the Family Room is giving parents a “soft landing spot,” during an incredibly challenging time. Families often arrive exhausted and overwhelmed, and even a short break can help them recharge so they can continue supporting their child. Sometimes called aunt, grandma, or mom, Lori is there to wipe tears and give hugs.
Some of the most meaningful moments for Lori are when former families return to visit. Seeing children who were once patients, now healthy and thriving is a powerful reminder of why the Family Room exists.
This Women’s History Month, Lori credits strong mentors for shaping her leadership along the way. One of those mentors, early in Lori’s career, was Amy Stevens, who believed in her and encouraged her to step into opportunities she was not always sure she was ready for. Amy’s support helped Lori grow professionally and build confidence in her abilities. That experience continues to remind her how powerful genuine mentorship can be and how much it can influence someone’s path.
Lori encourages others to get involved with the causes they feel passionate about. “Wherever your passion lies, your heart’s there,” she says and you can “make a meaningful difference.”
