This is a special moment.
Today, Oregon Right to Life’s executive director celebrates a major milestone: July 30, 2024 officially marks Lois Anderson’s 25th anniversary with Oregon Right to Life.
Lois is a devoted advocate for Oregon’s most vulnerable and an inspirational leader for our staff, interns, and volunteers. She joined ORTL in 1999 and served as director of political operations before taking on the role of executive director in 2017.
In a state like Oregon, it takes a special kind of person to assume leadership of a pro-life organization and come to work each day with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. Oregon Right to Life truly would not be the organization it is today without the passion, vision, and perseverance Lois brings.
From all across Oregon, lawmakers, board members, and grassroots pro-life advocates have sent in their words of thanks, congratulations, and appreciation for the incredible work Lois has done to build a culture of life here in our state.
Below are just some of the many heartfelt messages we received.
Messages:
“Lois, You were amazing, and effective, as ORTL’s political director and you’re doing an awesome job as ED. I have no doubt that your constant gentle smile, sparkling eyes, and peaceful demeanor will continue to draw people to ORTL, persuading and changing hearts and minds. It is a pleasure to work with you in this battle for protect LIFE. Congratulations on 25 years with ORTL! for LIFE” – Carol Tobias, President of National Right to Life.
“Congratulations Lois on 25 years of service — Oregon is a better place because of you and your team defending life! Hearts and minds are being changed, lives are being saved — what more could we ask for? Keep up the great work” – Scott Fischbach, Executive Director of National Right to Life.
“It is a pleasure to work with Lois. I admire and respect both the passion and intellect she brings to the pro-life cause. As a new candidate two years ago, I really appreciated the time Lois took with me to discuss the pro-life challenges in Oregon. Oregon Right to Life is fortunate to have Lois at the helm!” – State Representative.
“Lois Good job on 25 years. In a day and age where longevity is rare, thank you for your service. The Best” – Chair of County Board of Commissioners.
“Congratulations Lois! 25 years of standing for life in Oregon is no small feat. Thank you for the work that you’ve contributed to for families and children in your community. Praying blessings over you and YOUR family” – Lila Afoa, Director at Stanton Healthcare.
“Thank you for all of your years of leadership and encouragement! As a retired pregnancy center director, I valued your advise and you were always offering pertinent information! May God Bless you” – Mary Lefner, Retired ED, Pregnancy Center of the Illinois Valley.
“Lois! Congrats on 25! What a faithful advocate you have been. You set the standard for me in leadership and advocacy! Thanks for all you do” – Former ORTL Political Director.
“Lois, Congratulations on 25 years of dedication to the work of Oregon Right to Life. It’s inspiring that you have always given 100% to your work at ORTL while also giving 100% to your family. (Best example – signing important documents for the PAC while you were in labor at the hospital!) During these 25 years we watched your babies being born and now they are grown, some with babies of their own. You are a blessing to the organization and the pro-life movement in Oregon. Thank you for devoting so many years to this important work” – Jane Groff, former ORTL staff member.
“My parents helped start Right to Life and would be very proud of the people who have continued the fight after them” – Carolyn V.
“It’s always nice to see you at the big Right to Life events in Oregon. ORTL is a major part of the good news about Oregon and thanks so very much for your help in making it happen that way!” – George K.
“Lois, Thank you so much for your dedication to the pro-life cause. I’ve been able to learn so much about the trauma and pain abortion causes and how important/sacred human life is. I’ve attended the March for Life, Together We Advocate Conference, and volunteered at the ORTL fair booth at my local fair. All these have given me an opportunity to stand for life and truth. Thank you so much for being a part of making that possible. I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating your 25 years of being a voice for the voiceless and loving on the precious unborn. God bless you! Because He Lives” – Megann C.
“Dear Lois..thank you for your dedicated service all these years! I so appreciate your devotion and perseverance in the face of such hostility and hate..not an easy row to hoe but such rewards await you for standing fast in the face of such opposition. The work you’ve accomplished has done more than you’ll know in this lifetime. One day maybe you’ll get to meet some of the lives you helped save through your work with ORTL! May God richly bless you!” – Susan C.
“Thanks, Lois, for your leadership over these past years. Your consistent good cheer is a challenge to always keep hopeful and steady whatever the circumstances might be. God bless you!” – Jim O.
“Your work has been energetic, conducted with perseverance and initiative, you have been pro-active, dedicated, the impact has been powerful, it is wonderful you have been such a strong leader and have been successful in supporting the prolife movement. Many blessings and with deepest gratitude and respect” – Joan B.
“Lois–Thank you for your long time commitment to supporting life in Oregon. Our state faces so many challenges due to our laws that allow the death of so many precious children. We are fortunate to have a person of your passion and skill to advocate for the preborn. Congratulations on reaching this impressive milestone in your quest to eliminate abortion in Oregon!” In gratitude” – Kristi S.
“Lois, 25 years is certainly monumental. I am sure there were times when things seemed hopeless, but you stuck it out and made a difference. God bless you in your dedicated devotion to this cause” – Eunice P.
“Lois, Oregon Right to Life is blessed to have you as their Executive Director. You are an amazing leader and it is my privilege to work with you” – Debbi Canepa, ORTLEF Board President.
“Lois–congratulations on your 25 years of great work for ORTL!!! And best wishes for the next 25 years!!!” – US Congressman.
“Dear Lois, Wow! You have held the helm for 25 years! Thank you for your dedication and continued service. With the reversal of Roe v. Wade, we are empowered to do all we can to change Oregon’s course. It will be a challenge and your leadership will make a big difference. God Bless You!” – State Representative.
“Lois, It has been a pleasure working with you these past 12 years of my time in the Oregon Senate. Your leadership has made a difference. Thank you for all you have done to protect the lives of the unborn. Best wishes for the future. God Bless” – Senator Bill Hansell (OR-29, Athena).
“Congratulations Lois on this milestone! Oregon Right to Life is so blessed to have you. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and to get to see your passion, hard work and perseverance first hand. Thank you for all that you do. This organization would not be the same without you” – Emily Harfouche, ORTL Board Member.
“Thank you for always leading ORTL with a smile and charm. What the movement needs is love, and it always radiates from you! God bless you and your work!”– Anna G, former Vice President of Chesterton Academy’s pro life club.
“Congratulations Lois for 25 years of being on the front lines defending the lives of the unborn, especially in such a resistant state. You are a champion! Thank you for standing in the gap for the unborn and keeping the rest of us informed about what goes on in the legislature of Oregon” – Judi & Don M.
“Lois, I am new to ORTL but am thankful to have an avenue to be able to collect useful information. Thank you for ALL that you do. Please keep up the wonderful work that you & the organization does” – Gary V.
“Congratulations Lois! Lois has been faithful and serving those without voices for a long time. It feels like she is a friend, though we have never met. Thank you so much! Blessings!” – Patty M.
“In a culture as progressive as ours, ORTL has stood as a positive, bright light for life! And the influence of this small organization has been incredible! For the moral clarity, the positivity, the willingness to stand against the tide – I am grateful for ORTL and the leadership you have provided, Lois!” – Michael S.
“Thank you for everything you have done for the state of Oregon, for all of God’s children, and for every time that you have smiled your wonderful smile and brightened up my day! What a gift. Thank you. Blessings,” – Kristi S.
“Your example of selfless service, kindness, dedication and sense of duty is an inspiration to all who fight for life, and is most especially inspiring to women and girls in these crazy days. I pray for ORTL and everyone involved every day. God has certainly given you a mission in this life and you boldly live it out, leading by example. I know that there must have been times when you wanted to give up or when you felt overwhelmed by the task at hand in this important mission, but here you are, still working hard and saving lives. Thank you for all you do, and may our Lord and Savior Jesus continue to bless your work! Very Best Wishes” – Shawn K.
“Lois Anderson has visited my inbox for years. She is always a welcome visitor. She has been faithful, encouraging, rational yet passionate, steadfast and true. Thank you, Lois, for being the hands, feet and heart of Jesus all of these years” – Vickie K.
“Thanks to your leadership, I have been empowered to volunteer at fairs last year and this year, something I never thought I would be brave enough to do. Thanks to your email messages, resources, and very capable team, I will keep learning and acting as a pro-life advocate in our state, in spite of the great challenges we face. Thank you, Lois!” – Lynda B.
All of us at Oregon Right to Life are deeply appreciative of your kind and caring words, your support for our mission, and your ongoing commitment to the most vulnerable.
Because everyone deserves an advocate…
THANK YOU.
