Lori Biechler is not a complainer.

Despite physical challenges — including vision and hearing impairments along with severe rheumatoid arthritis — Biechler rarely asks for help.

But when her physical challenges also became financially difficult, her co-workers decided to step in.

"We are a small office," said Ann Snader, who works with Biechler, 44, at Heritage Surgical Associates in Ephrata. "When someone is in need or hurting, we are there for each other to support each other."

Biechler is a patient account representative at Heritage. Her husband, Donald, died more than 10 years ago. And she'd come to rely on her Labrador retriever, Abigail, to help around the house.

"I don't sleep with my hearing aid in," Biechler explained. "So she would tell me if the phone rang or if someone was at the door."

Biechler and Abigail were close companions until late last year when the Lab died at age 13.

Biechler, who described Abigail as a self-taught service dog, looked into the cost of buying an assistance dog and discovered the price tag was $4,000.

She also learned the special hearing aid she uses is no longer being manufactured, which made maintenance and repair of the device expensive. The cost for a new hearing aid is also $4,000 and is not covered by her health insurance.

Biechler's co-workers didn't need to know more than that.

The first step was to get her on the path to finding a service dog. Snader, who is a member of the Ephrata Lions Club, enlisted support of that organization.

"A few years ago we sponsored a young woman to get her service dog," Snader explained. "It's amazing what those dogs can do."

Biechler, who now lives with her parents in Lititz, was recently approved to receive a service dog from Redfern Canines in Harrisburg. It takes up to eight months to select and train a dog. Meanwhile, efforts are under way to raise funds for both the dog and a new hearing aid.

The Ephrata Lions Club will sponsor a Vera Bradley bingo event at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Ephrata Recreation Center. For tickets and more information, contact Ann Snader at 733-9327 (after 5:30 p.m.) or Jeannie Stahl at 669-8318.

Donations can also be made directly to the Lori Biechler account at Ephrata National Bank. Call 733-4181 for more information.

While Biechler takes a stoic approach to her health issues, her gratitude to her friends and co-workers is packed with emotion.

"All the support I have received will help this dream become possible," Biechler said. "Now it will happen sooner rather than later."