Please share your thoughts

In times like this, people want to share their feelings of grief with others who feel the same. As a community united by the Internet, we feel it is appropriate to be able to mourn as a community through the Internet. Therefore, her friends have created this page for all to share their feelings and special memories of Liz. In memory of Liz, it is our hope to share these thoughts with her family so they will know how important Liz was to all of us.

This is page 2.

Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
07:00:07
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Liz was a person of enormous personal power and determination, and we feel her loss deeply. One of the links in our chain has broken, and the battle we fight has been shaken. Liz, we will close our ranks and fight on, as I know you expect us to do, for help and hope in the faces of autism. You will be sorely missed. -Karyn Seroussi and Jørgen Klaveness
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
07:41:55
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mis condolencias para la familia!!! yo solo conocia a Liz por su trabajo, y me duele en el alma que ella no este con nosostros, tengo un dolor muy grande en mi corazon, es como haber perdido a una hermana, como miembro de las familia de la comunidad de Autismo, tenemos que seguir hacia delante luchando por la causa que llevo todo estos años Liz. gracias a ella hemos llegado lejos. Yo soy una madre de una hermmosa niña que fue diagnosticada en 2002 PDD-NOS, y todos los dias de mi vida es buscando unna razon porque mi hija?. Vamos a seguir luchando por Liz, llegar al fondo se esta enfermedad, para que ella, nos mire desde arriva y este orgullosa de todos nosotros. Gracias Liz, seras siempre recordada. sinceramente Jolie Beaupre 86 harvard st 4d chelsea ma. 02150
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
07:49:03
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Liz fought for the truth and helped bring truth to light. She showed pictures of her beloved son, and what autism looks like on the outside and on the inside. Her life exemplified life with autism…anguish and love for her son, a battle for the truth, a battle for healing, and more. Through illness, personal adversity, undue stress, Liz did not give up. I hope her affected son, Matthew, will receive the biomedical and other therapies that he needs to live a safe, healthy, happy life – free from pain, and that Matthew, Sarah, and Andrew will endure well what has happened. Liz met my son – this is meaningful to me; she was out there working for the children and the truth, and so did have chances to meet him. Liz worked for many years, having a vital, positive effect on the effort for the children. Progress has definitely been made. And although Liz may not have gotten to see the end of this rainbow, she was one of its brightest rays. Who can estimate the value to humanity of Liz’s contribution and groundbreaking and sustained work? Liz helped moved the mountain forward. Liz’s passing reminds us how we appreciate and respect what others are doing, and to remember to tell them they’re loved and appreciated. And her life shows us the value of one person’s efforts – even against a mountain. Liz, may you have eternal comfort, peace and joy in a place where, finally, there is only truth. Teri Small
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
08:46:10
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My heartfelt condolences go out to Liz's friends and family. I did not know Liz personally, other than through following her fight in "Evidence of Harm". I was moved by the work of Liz and so many others. She will be missed however her legacy will live on in the hearts and smiles of those she touched. ~Andrea Ryan
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
09:10:43
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I have been looking back through my few emails which shine with shrewd intelligence and mischievous humour. Clearly Liz had a global view of things. We were not just fighting about mercury or about MMR, it was an entire culture of cover up and deceit, in which our children counted for nothing. My heart goes out to her family. John Stone, London, UK
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
09:19:13
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I didn't know Liz, but I grieve for her autistic son & her other children, who lost such a wonderful & precious mother. I also grieve for the other autistic children who have lost an advocate. I hope she is an inspiration for the rest of us in the autistic community, and for those not in it. I pray God gives strength & support to her family.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
09:46:07
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I want you to know that my life has been enriched by knowing you. Against so many obstacles, you always came out shining. Your love for your family was absolute and by making us see the enormous trials and tribulations that you were up against, it gave us all the strength to go on. You were always there with an encouraging word for everyone, a hug, and an offer to help where needed. One of the final things you said to me when I needed it most, “We have to love each other and to allow time off for each other in this fight; I have been in it for 6 years and it has taken every ounce of my strength but still I feel an obligation to continue on.” Your work will continue Liz. I love you and miss you. Jo Pike
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
09:49:24
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Liz was simply amazing. She was a devoted mother, a brilliant attorney, and a champion for anyone affected by autism. My most fond memories of Liz are sitting around a late-night table over cocktails laughing our tails off, or on a dance floor. Most recently we shared tears over our boys, and dreams for their futures. I will miss her; but far greater than my personal loss is that of the community she fought so valiantly to save. To sweet Sarah, Andrew, and Matthew, we know how much your mother loved you; with a passion and depth that bubbled over at the mere mention of your names. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dear friend, we will never give up! Adrienne Britt Rousseau
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
10:12:36
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My thoughts go out to Liz's children, family and friends. I only "knew" Liz through reading about her story in EoH and other articles. I was struck by her determination and desire to do more for the autism community. It is only through the courageous people who came before me (Liz amongst them) that I now know the truth. Two years ago as I sat at my computer screen searching for answers for my son after being shuffled from pediatrican to GI "specialist" to allergist, etc, I finally stumbled upon some real help through the heroes in the autism biomedical community. The rest, they say, is history. We now have a determined angel in heaven. God bless! Sue Misiaszek
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
10:41:57
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Our hearts ache. Our minds cannot accept she is gone. Who is going to motivate us? Who is going to scare the health of public officials? She was an amazing force and I cannot stand that I have to use WAS in this sentence. Ok folks - now is your chance. Rise up and fill these awfully big shoes from the most ardent supporters of our kids, our cause. LETS GET BUSY IN HER HONOR. We owe that to her. And for her kids -- my hear is breaking. I am so sorry you lost a mom. I wish I could bring her back. I can only send you love and kisses and thoughts that your mom was a total rock star and appreciated. I wish I could bring her back for you. Much love from the Ackerman clan - Lisa A Jeffs mom (Lauren's mom and Glens wife) P.S. can we roll back the clock please?
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
10:50:43
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Liz, I never had the opportunity to meet you personally. But even not knowing you, I always felt that we were united by the same bond that keeps all of us together. Losing you, one of our greatest warriors, it's hard to understand, and it hurts very deeply. Thank you Liz for fighting for my kids, thank you Liz for everything you did, we will keep your memory alive, we will keep fighting, we will not give up or give in, and one day justice will prevail. My deepest sympathy to her children, her family, her friends, and to all of us who knew her, one way or another, my prayers and thoughts are with you. We will miss you! Johanna Flores
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
11:26:06
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We did not know Liz personally but my family appreciated all her hard work on behalf of all the mercury damaged children. We will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Richard Farretta
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
11:28:16
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It’s been a full day since I received news of Liz Bert’s terrible passing, and it has been hard to put my thoughts into words. I first met Liz on a frosty January morning, in Washington, in 2003. She was there to join the deafening protest to the so-called Lilly Rider – and it was my very first encounter with the mercury moms and dads of America. It was very cold and Liz was very busy. I asked her what she thought needed to be done, in terms of proving the case against thimerosal. “We need to get our hands on the raw VSD data, right away,” she said. “I won’t stop fighting until we do!” I had no idea at the time what “raw VSD data” meant, but it sure did sound important. And I realized at that moment that Liz was one of the toughest, smartest, most dogged mothers I had ever met. What I didn’t realize, just yet, however, was how sweet, pure, true and generous Liz Birt was. That would come a bit later, when I traveled to spend time with her and her family outside Chicago, when she traveled to the east cost, just to be interviewed for the book, and when she would call me late at night, while I was writing, just to make sure I was ok, and to tell me that one day, the book would be finished, and it would have an impact. There would be no book without Liz, perhaps no thimerosal controversy at all, or certainly not the level of debate that we see today. When I last saw Liz, not long ago, she looked and seemed so happy. She told me she was happier than she had felt in a long time. She had the confident look of someone who anticipates nothing less than full victory, and unquestioned vindication. And now she has been stolen away like a precious, bejeweled necklace, before the final fruits of her extraordinary labor were fully realized. Everyone who knew Liz is left in shock, mourning, and disbelief. It doesn’t make any sense that someone who was so very alive is no longer alive at all. It is crushingly cruel and unspeakably sad. Her children, especially, deserve our love and support. I will always miss Liz. She was unlike anyone I have ever met – an inexhaustible fighter in an very taxing battle. If there is a direct line from Heaven to the US Congress, you can bet that Liz will be on the line, constantly. I am trying to contact the publisher to see if there is time to pay tribute to her in the paperback edition, though I fear it may be too late. My heart goes out to Liz Birt’s family, and to everyone who knew and loved her. Peace on Earth for 2006 David Kirby
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
11:29:54
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This message is for Liz Birt's children. Dear Sarah, Matthew and Andrew, I have only known of your mother and her amazing work. Exposing the truth about autism in order to prevent its spread and find the cure, especially at the time when Liz Birt and Safe Minds began that search, it was an undertaking of heroic magnitude. As a mother of an autistic three-year old, working for and believing in the recovery of my child and other children, I feel indebted to the work of Liz Birt and Safe Minds and view it as the foundation for autism recovery. Your mother will be remembered by many in the world as a true hero and may her path enlighten many more.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
11:30:41
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Thank you, We are Greg and Michelle Gaither. We did not know Liz, but recently read about her in today's Chicago Sun-Times. Our son Najja was diagnosed as autisitc around the same time as Liz's son Matthew. My wife and I are both social workers, and like Liz, we are developing a non-profit organization to raise awareness and improve service delivery for autistic families in our community. We are very encouraged by Liz's committment of advocacy and service to improve the quality of life for autistic families. Please e-mail us with any helpful information that might assist with development / implementation of non-profits serving autistic families. ggaither@illinoisalumni.org
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
11:44:22
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I didnt know Liz well but I did have the privilege of meeting her and speaking to her on a few occasions. When I heard the news yesterday, my heart broke--for her children, but also for our community. She was a true hero to my child and to countless others. The loss is immeasurable. Her role has now changed from hero to guardian angel. She will be in heaven watching over our children and over us as we continue the fight for truth and justice for our vaccine injured children that she so selflessly began years ago. God bless her children and family. Ellen Sweeney
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
11:56:37
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The first time I met Liz, she was letting somebody at the CDC or the FDA have it over the telephone -- a pay phone (from a DAN conference) -- as she had just acquired something from the Freedom of Information Act. I went up to her and talked to her after that. She showed me the photo of her son and we talked about Dr. Wakefield and the research and our kids. And, I consulted with her on occasion. Even though I didn't know her well, I felt that I knew her well enough to say she was someone I could count on. Sally Rubin Oakland, CA.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
12:03:16
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Some people are hubs and some are spokes. Together they can roll forward over obstacles. Liz Birt was a hub. She strategized and rallied others to take action against untruths and injustice. Those of us dispersing Thimerosal information to attorneys general and state legislators relied greatly on Liz and SafeMinds. Seeing Liz Birt's name on an e-mail was an assurance of quality. Documentation was solid, facts were checked. It's a testament to Liz Birt's power that so many families, like mine, were touched by someone they had never met or spoken with. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and everyone touched by her work. Nancy Hokkanen Minneapolis
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
12:03:56
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Reading Evidence of harm was a real turning point for me in the struggles of treating our 5yr old with Autism. There were people out there believing and thinking of the same causes I was, I felt somewhat vindicated. Liz was a real inspiration! Her dedication to her son and the entire Autism community was tremendous and extremely appreciated by myself. She and the other parents made me want to become more involved in biomedical treatments for my son as well as politically active in the fight against the uses of mercury. In her memory I will increase my participation in the political fights she so greatly served. I thank Liz from the bottom of my heart, her passing is a great loss to her family and the Autism community. Sincerely, Allison Chapman
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
12:19:34
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Few of us will leave this world having made a difference- Liz is the exception. Heather Adams
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
13:06:15
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Liz Birt’s passing is a shock and a great loss to the autism community. She is a tremendous hero to us all. We will keep her family and friends in our prayers. Let us honor Liz’s memory, her life, by finishing the work. We will prevent the poisoning of the next generation of children, and promote the healing of those affected. Her spirit lives on. Maryland Autism Recovery Coalition
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
13:23:34
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May God be with her and her family, especially her precious son Matthew.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
13:30:44
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LIZ -- your WONDERFUL contribution to this world and this lifetime will never be forgotten !! May you always be the GUARDIAN ANGEL for your family and every child, family, community striken with AUTISM!! Liz's family -- may each day, minute, second, became a bit easier for you and please know that all are sending best wishes. As a daughter who lost a parent very early on -- I have learned that is better to have a wonderful person by you for a short period of time than to have never had it at all . It is a gift - and many never have that. God Bless -- Jamie Schienholtz
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
13:38:52
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Liz was my Aunt, I have just recieved all of these comments from people, On behalf of my family, we greatly apperciate comments. God bless all and thank you again
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
13:42:58
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What an amazing example she has been. Without her, we wouldn't be were we are with Autism Awareness and Research. Her spirit will be remembered and honored always.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
14:02:04
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To Liz’s children, Dear Matthew, Sarah and Andrew, Once the sun shines again for your family and the painful experience of loosing your mom is replaced by beautiful memories of her love for you, you will be able to read these messages from all of us and hopefully they will warm your heart and make you smile. You see, your mom was very special. She not only gave all she had to you as a mother, but she took her intelligence and training as a lawyer , combined it with her intense commitment to the cause of fighting autism and shook up the world! Some people die at a very old age and never know why they were here. Your mom died very young, but she found and lived her purpose. She was a warrior for the truth. So thank you for sharing your mom with all of us. We will all miss her, but we will never forget who she was, and what she did to alter history! Maureen McDonnell
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
14:22:05
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I never met Liz personally, but her work on behalf of all of our children meant so much to me. Our community has lost a true hero. She will be greatly missed.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
14:55:22
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I've been taking a break from the internet at home since Thanksgiving but a few emails come to my work address. I came back to work today after taking off for Christmas to say good-bye to a co-worker who is retiring after 39 years of service and sat at my desk and cried after reading an email about Liz's death. I met her a couple of years ago and spoke with her about my youngest son, Matt. His older brother has autism and I stopped vaccinating Matt when he was an infant. He was four at the time I spoke with her and getting ready to start kindergarten - but he hadn't had a shot since he was 6 months old and I wasn't sure what to do. Liz told me exactly what to do and for that I will be forever grateful. It might an overstatment to say she saved my son but I like to think she saved me a little. Saved me from thinking you always have to play by the rules, because sometimes the rules don't make sense. And after we toasted our retiring co-worker at lunch today I made a toast to Liz and told them who she was..... Lori B.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
15:19:21
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My mind is clicking through snapshots of Liz I have saved up there from differnt events and locations as if it is flipping through a Viewmaster. Here she is in the hotel bar in Boston in the summer of 2001, giggling with Sallie Bernard. We're there for the CDC hearing and Liz's luggage didn't make it. Looking on the bright side, Liz and Sallie seize an opportunity for a shopping expedition to the closest Gap. I see her gracefully extended on a lounger on Mark Blaxil's deck under the summer night sky - thoughtful and dreamy. I see her at the DAN conference later that summer in San Diego - fiercely motivated and, as always, in charge. I was her lackey at that conference and happy to be so - running around at her bidding making copies of VAERS forms and rounding up parents so Liz could get her message out. She was so passionate about what she believed in. I click through more images of Liz over the last few years and there she is: poised, graceful, determined, vibrant, funny, formidable despite her petite stature. Even when Liz was sad and facing life's hardest knocks, she never wallowed in self-pity. She sucked it up and moved on. She had what is known as True Grit. The last time I saw Liz in person was earlier this year when members of the NAA board gathered to attend the IACC meeting in Bethesda. Everyone had gone their different ways to return home and Liz and I were staying the night with Scott Bono's mum, Lois. Liz and I stayed up way too late drinking Lois' pink wine and swapping stories like girls on a sleepover. I left before her very early in the morning and I didn't wake her up to say goodbye. I didn't think I would need to. Liz's family and friends who knew her much more than I are left with a void that can never be filled. She really was one in a million. My heart goes out to them. Claire Bothwell
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
15:20:34
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I first met Liz at the Hear Their Silence Rally in Washington D.C. back in 2001. I was new to the autism community and she was their to put a smile on my face and give me information to help me greatly.She is an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed.Liz's family is in my prayers. Deepest Condolences Karen Tedrow
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
16:11:17
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I had never met you, only read about you. You were an amazing courageous woman. I am sorry to hear of your passing. You have left us with a mission and we will not stop fighting. You contributed so much. Have given us hope where before there was none and we will never forget that. I pray for your family in this time and all the friends who mourn the loss of such a wonderful woman.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
17:07:06
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It is truly amazing how one person's life can effect so many. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Liz Birt personally but she has touched our family in Australia. We also have benefitted from her extrodinary fighting spirit. Both our sons would be considered off the spectrum and it is through her courage and determination that we are able see such benefits in my children. Thank you so much Liz. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, your in our prayers. Hatfield family
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
17:31:01
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It wasn't my pleasure to meet Liz personally. However, her work inspired me to fight for my son and the many others like him. It was her work that helped to blow the lid off of the thimerasol controversy. That; along with the paper: “Autism A Unique Form of Mercury Poisoning” set me on this road that has been ongoing for almost 5 years now. And all though I am a firm believer that thimerasol isn’t the only problem with vaccines today; I am likewise convinced that the thimerasol issue will blow the lid off of all the rest of the problems. So to Liz I am very grateful for all the great work you have done. I hope and pray that God takes you to his side for an eternal rest that you so richly deserve. You will forever be a guardian angel and a voice for those that do not have one. Deborah A Delp Mother of: Samantha and JR Both Mercury POISONED
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
17:33:06
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The death of Elizabeth Birt is a painful reminder that being needed here on earth and making a clear, positive contribution is not a guarantee that one will continue to live. Our hope is that those whose lives she touched on a daily basis will feel comforted to know that the lessons learned from this loss will not go unheeded. It is not enough to learn about dietary intervention, biomedical intervention and least restrictive environments. We must also step up and join the battle to speak out against the greed and willful ignorance that put an entire generation of children at risk, and to overturn policies that would allow that to continue. We send our heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of Elizabeth Birt, and thank you for sharing her with us while she was alive. Sincerely, Stu, Carla and Aidan Hancock Maryland
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
17:41:06
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Liz was among the brave few souls who were instrumental in blazing a near impossible trail in efforts to help our damaged children. She was savvy and tenacious, none of our children would be getting the help they needed had she not given her heart and soul to help others. I will never forget the summer day in 2001 when I read the published paper on mercury and autism. As tortured as I felt over the realization of what happened to my daughter, I felt finally there was something I could do to help her! I immediately got her the medical help she required. Because of Liz and the collective efforts of the original "Mercury Moms", my daughter Lanier is in recovery. For that I will be eternally grateful. I do believe Heaven has received one of it's highest Angels and she will continue to do her work from her Heavenly perch as we will continue her fight on the ground... Prayers of strength, comfort and healing go out to her family from ours... Soldier on, Liz... Leslie Weed
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
17:47:20
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Liz, you were one of those out front who gave us all the courage to do our own thing in our own backyards. Thanks for never giving up, no matter how hard life beat you down! On my sad days, I'll remember your courage. Liz's family--may God's peace rest on you during this really tough time. Somehow, you'll get through this . . . Barb Romkema (one of the Iowa bill gals!)
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
17:55:50
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Although I personally never knew Liz, she touched my family and changed our lives for the better. May God open her into his loving arms for she truly is an angel in our eyes! Melissa Nadeau, mother of Drew, mercury poisoned, but on his way to recovery
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
18:06:50
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Liz was always a supportive listener, and when I called her, it was like I felt someone finally knew what it was like to fight so hard for our kids, to get the truth out, and to speak it with authority. She will be sorely missed. Kathy Blanco Voices of Safety Health Chairman www.voicesofsafety.com
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
18:31:26
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It is because of Liz and others like her, that our family has chosen not to risk immunization and I have been able to educate my patients. She will be missed! Blessings, Sandi
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
18:49:19
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"Of one Essence is the human race, Thusly has Creation put the Base; One Limb impacted is sufficient, For all Others to feel the Mace." Poem by Sheikh Saadi. May Liz rest in peace! She is in our thoughts and prayers! May we all continue to fight in honor of her.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
18:50:24
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Tears roll down my face as I gather my thoughts and write about a remarkable person who inspired many lives in the world of autism. I have never met Liz, but have read about her in David Kirby's book, "Evidence of Harm". I was deeply touched by her sincere dedication to finding the cause of her precious son's illness. I can only imagine the agony that is resonating throughout her family. I will think about her and her son, Mathew ,for a long time. Peace.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
18:56:07
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I unfortunatly didn't get the opportunity to meet Liz, but I had heard of her many times. She has one of those names in the Autism community that makes you stand up and take notice. People like her are the leaders and I am one of the followers in the fight. I am saddened by the loss of this great woman. Our children need leaders such as she was, leaders that do not give up and never retreat regardless of how difficult the road is. I know she is in heaven leading the way, not willing to let the children down. What an inspiration her life was and will continue to be. She will forever be missed. Prayers and comfort to her family Valerie, mom to Zachary 9 years old and mercury poisoned.
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