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 3.

Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:09:01
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I never had the privilege of meeting Liz Birt but I send my deepest sympathy to her friends and family. The work she did for our innocent children will live on and she will be remembered as one of our great warriors in this important cause. --Lisa Jillani, director, PAVE
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:10:48
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We are devastated to hear that the Birt family and the autism community have lost Liz, whose contributions for both are almost beyond comprehension. Liz inspired, led, fought, loved, and laughed for us all even as her own family was harshly stricken by the oversight of our public health system. Meeting Liz in 1999 was a first for me: I had never met a parent who was raising a vaccine injured child, and working for truth about vaccines. Her determined digging provided CDC and FDA documents which I quoted in "When Your Doctor Is Wrong". True to her high integrity, it was only later that she was revealed as the source. She never demanded acknowledgement for her effort on the book's behalf. Liz wasn't afraid of anybody. Above all else, this inspires us to tackle the impossible for our kids. Judy and Chris Converse
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:17:14
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My heartfelt condolences go out to Liz's friends and family. I only talked with her once but she was so great ans sweet and kind. We talk of our love of our children and the fight to dp right for them. From what I have read she sounded wonderful! So a terrible lost to our family and friends and co-workers. I am so sorry. May God Bless her and all she did. Let's help to make it come real just for Liz. Let's give to the fight of a lifetime! God Bless You! Be-Be Fontain (mom to Destin 11 yrs old) Patty Fountain (grandmother to Destin)
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:26:41
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Opps-there were some misspell words I forgot to fix. Destin hit the send button. Sorry! And God Bless You Liz! You are missed! Our heartfelt condolences go out to Liz's friends and family. I only talked with her once but she was so great and sweet and kind. We talk of our love of our children and the fight to do right for them. From what I have read she sounded wonderful! Such a terrible lost to our family and friends and co-workers. We are so sorry. May God Bless her and all she did. Let's help to make her dreams come real just for Liz. Let's give it the fight of a lifetime! God Bless You! Be-Be Fontain (mom to Destin 11 yrs old)and Patty Fountain (grandmother to Destin)
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:36:14
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I too am one of those who had not had the chance to actually meet Liz but thru my research and reading EOH - I feel she is an angel for autism and thank her for all she has done and send my deepest sympthay to her family as they are feeling this great loss. I too have a son named Matthew with Autism. Julie Harris
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:36:43
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I didn't know Liz personally, but I sure knew of her, saw her at Autism One. I honor and respect all that Liz is, for her spirit will continue to inspire us to rage for truth and justice for our precious children. We will transmute our tears and shattered hearts into joy and healing for the little ones. Sarah, Andrew and Matthew, we, the global autism community, are holding you close in our hearts and loving you madly. Patricia Withers, UK and Chicago "And may God bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so you will do the things which others say cannot be done." We won't let you down, Liz.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:39:11
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I never met Liz in person but saw her name many times in relation to the mercury-autism connection as I have a nephew on the spectrum, work with inviduals with ASD, and have had mercury-poisoning myself. Condolences to her children: Matthew, Andrew, and Sarah, and other family members; friends; and co-workers. Thank you for sharing her with so many others through her work in the field. Linda Shepard Salzer
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:42:33
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I just learned of who Liz birt was. I have a 4 yr old autistic daughter and I am only half way through "Evidence of Harm". I was just reading and learning about all her tireless work and efforts towards finding the truth and being an autism crusader. I am deeply saddened of her passing. I was hoping to one day meet the HEROES of this book I am reading. I just thank her for paving the way for parents like me who have children more recently diagnosed, so that the road for us is much easier than her road was. Good Bless Liz and her loved ones left behind.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:51:01
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I never had a chance to meet Liz but saw and heard her name many times in connection with the autism-mercury connection. I have a nephew with vaccine-induced autism. I work with individuals with ASD, and had mercury-poisoning myself. My thoughts are with her children: Matthew, Andrew, and Sarah; other family members, friends, and co-workers. Linda Shepard Salzer
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
19:58:06
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I am so saddened to hear about Elizabeth Birt’s sudden and tragic death. While I didn’t have the opportunity to know her personally, I know that she was a tireless advocate for children with ASD affected by the poisoning of mercury/thimerosal in vaccines. My 12 year old son Alex was diagnosed with asperger syndrome when he was six, so the topic of autism/mercury is very close to my heart. My prayer for her family and friends is that God would comfort each one and His peace which passes all understanding. Don't give up what Liz was so passionate about and for.... Monica Moshenko Advocate, Mother, Host DisAbility News & Views Radio
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
20:00:28
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On behalf of the Board of Directors of Developmental Delay Resources (DDR), I want to share my grief and condolences with Liz' family in the broadest sense: her kids, her father, her friends and siblings, NAA, SafeMinds and the whole autism community. We are all in this together. We have lost one of our greatest motivators; we must continue to advocate for our kids in Liz's memory. Patty Lemer
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
20:16:45
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I met Liz in Fort Lauderdale about 1 1/2 years ago. She helped me to figure out that could my son was suffering with gastric issues. I was very appreciative of this as my son has improved greatly thanks to her imput.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
20:43:31
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I have never met Elizabeth Birt but I am eternally grateful for every bit of herself that she has contributed toward this cause. She understood that it was important to help others understand how autism is caused and because of her efforts has made things easier for the rest of us. I am so sorry that her family has to suffer this loss. Please know that she was very important to more people than you will ever know. Nicholas' Mom xsr315r5rwrtwqqrwertrtetrteeryetetrwtetred r fr rff r rftyyhh y ujuk iik ik nicholas (he can type better than he can write :-)
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
21:47:04
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WAAAAAHHHHH! Nell Goddin
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
23:11:37
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There are no word to adequately express the grief and anguish that Liz's death creates in my heart. She was passionate and committed to our children, and fully dedicated to their cause. She had the courage to speak the truth, and was never intimidated by the potential and often very real consequences of her actions. She indeed was and always will be a shining star for all of us in the autism community, and her passing leaves a void that will never be filled. My family sends our deepest sympathy to her children and her family. May we all move forward to continue to do everything in our power for our children and for children yet unborn in ways that honor her memory. David S. Baskin, M.D.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
23:15:09
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What a tragedy!! Liz had so many circles of influence; within her own family, her professional family, us "mercury moms," as well as all families impacted by autism or will be affected by autism. That is an enormous number of people with whom she shared her strength. We will all ache for this loss, but be thankful for what she was able to accomplish during her tragically-short life. God Bless!! Crystal Fernando
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
02:22:51
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My prayers and thoughts go out to the family and Loved ones. Liz will remain a treasure in our hearts for the battles she has fought for our children and families. Thank you, Liz, for the inspirtationa and courage you have showered us all. You will not be forgotten. I know there is a special place in heaven, and you will be looking over all of us, giving us the strength to move forward. Kathy Connolly Sparks, Grandmother of two autistic grandsons Des Moines, Iowa
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
09:22:22
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THANK YOU LIZ! I DID NOT GET THE PLEASURE OF MEETING YOU BUT WANTED TO SHARE MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS FROM A PARENT WHO’S CHILD HAS REGRESSIVE AUTISM. (NOW 12) I AM THANKING YOU BECAUSE YOU TOUCHED SO MANY LIVE IN SO MANY WAYS AND YOUR FIGHT WILL CONTINUE ON BECAUSE OF YOUR VIGILENT DETERMINATION WITH THE ADVOCACY FOR OUR KIDS AND THE ENCOURGEMENT TO GAVE TO OTHERS TO PRESS ON! MIRIAM SHOAFF (GREENFIELD, INDIANA)
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
10:04:02
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Liz had a marvelous dedication to her family, and we grieve with them over their loss. As an attorney and activist in the search for answers about what has caused this country's autism epidemic, she was innovative and tireless. "Liz, the search for truth will not stop; those who share your vision now have a guardian angel to help them with their quest." - Cliff Shoemaker
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
10:19:00
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I want to thank Liz for creating so much understanding for the families who who shine and struggle with autism and addressing this disease/blessing on an international level. Because of the work people like her do, autism can be seen as the blessing that it is-all of us who deal with this issue in our families have had to really look at ourselves and the world around us, and really come to terms with our place in life-these amazing children and their siblings have bravely chosen this spiritual position that forces us to do this, and people like Liz have helped give an environment that has made this a much safer and proactive place to do this work!! Many Blessings to all!!!Parrish
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
10:22:35
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To Elizabeth Birt's family- Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss, and I was crushed to hear of her passing. You have lost a daughter, sibling, friend and mother. More than that, however, the world has lost a passionate champion for truth, justice and good health care policy which will help all children suffering with autism spectrum disorders at the hands of corrupt people in power. Rest assured that her efforts will not die in vain. As a mother of a "Matthew" who also lives with AUTISM, I am profoundly grateful to her for all her diligence, commitment and unwaivering dedication for doing the right thing for our kids. Her life's example will be a shining model for us all to live up to. Peace be with you and yours during this difficult time in your lives. Sincerely, Allison Seaman Ocala,FL
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
10:45:26
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I did not know Liz Birt personally. Like so many others, I was motivated and inspired by her from David Kirby's book, Evidence Of Harm. Her boldness, her cleverness and her passion to FIGHT for the truth about her son's illness is awe inspiring. She was great. She was brave. She was so strong--when the rest of us couldn't be--didn't know how to be. She really was an angel sent from heaven, I believe, to lead us out of the darkness we now know as mercury poisoning. God bless you, Liz, and your beautiful children. May you rest in peace. Jo Ver Mulm, Murfreesboro, TN
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
11:17:09
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Although I have never met Liz personally I feel, like many that I did know her. I know what a courageous and generous person she was. In the 2 years that Autism has consumed our lives I have read about her determination and endless fight for all us affected by Autism. I have learned through triumph and tragedies in my life that there is a plan for all of us....how blessed that we had Liz Birt on our side. I held my son so tight this morning and said a prayer of thanks to Liz and her family. Amy G, Michigan
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
11:49:43
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Dear Liz, Thank you for all devotion in helping the autistic children & their rights. Although our children have no voices they had angel like you to speak for them. I hope that your children will be guided by the light & spirit of God...as I cannot imagine departing from my children. With affection, Lidia Marandola in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
12:08:15
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The autism community is mourning the loss of a great advocate. As an adult on the spectrum, I never heard of this awesome lady until I learned about her untimely death. My thoughts and prayers go out to not just her immediate family but also those who had the privilege of meeting her in person. May her spirit carry on. - Lori Guillory
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
13:10:23
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I met Liz through her cousin Dorothy, who lives in Boulder. Liz was small and wiry and I was struck by her drive and no-nonsense way of making her point. Liz shared her personal story regarding her son Matthew’s adverse reaction to vaccines and invited me to go to a DAN! Conference with her in LA. Liz’s invitation and introduction to many of her friends led to ASBC’s biomedical strand at our annual conference this past October and was the beginning of our friendship. Liz’s generosity in spreading this awareness within our community in Colorado continues. We owe Liz a debt of gratitude for her unswerving support of our community that will be difficult to repay. I last spoke with Liz just before leaving on our holiday break and she was alive with possibilities. Her life was beginning again with someone who could accept that much of her time would be taken by her passion to eradicate thimerosal from vaccines and the continued pursuit of studies to ascertain the damage created by exposing children to thimerosal and holding those knowledgeable accountable for their actions. We spoke as mothers of our children and our concerns for their future, securing services that would help our affected community realize their fullest potentials, etc. We reminisced about her time in my home during the conference and talked about our work together the fun we had on the hike the next day. Liz often worked herself to the point of exhaustion and still found the time for her friends and family. She was an everyday girl and yet was anything but everyday. We were to speak again on my return when she was in Aspen. It is hard to believe that I will not hear her voice again. I will remember her as someone who lived the truth of “Be the change you want to see in the world.” (Ghandi) and an inspiration to those of us in the autism community who continue to advocate for our children. She was one of our own and her passing is felt keenly. I will miss the friend that I had only known for a very short time, thought I had all the time in the world to know and was blessed to have had. My heart and condolences go out to Liz’s family. Not giving up, or giving in....missing Liz, Theresa K. Wrangham, President Autism Society of Boulder County
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
14:27:53
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I never knew Liz personally. Only through the online community have I heard about her efforts. And only now have I realized the power of her spirit. And, although she never met me, she had the ability to touch me and affect the autism situation of my life. She has done this for so, so many families - despite their not even being aware of it. One person can truly make a difference in so, so many peoples' lives. Autohor Frederick Buechner wrote, "The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt." The trembling Liz evoked continues and will for quite some time. It is evident that the purpose of Liz's life was to raise awareness (in many aspects of life, in particular, autism), to create positive change, and to generate momentum. Whether it had been in person, on-line, in spirit, or as a result of action, Liz is a part of many people's lives, including mine. Always remember the Power of One: One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom. One heart can know what’s true. One life can make the difference, You see it’s up to You! Author Unknown Thank you Liz. May the power of your spirit work to engage mine. Your spirit shall live on! Adrienne Robertiello (New Jersey; mother of an autistic child and community advocate)
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
15:52:08
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Liz looked into the eyes of her son and knew that one million other mothers in America were also watching as their beautiful, smart, normal, bright children were taken away in front of their eyes. She then used her talents to the best of her ability to stop this tragedy. Our continued fight to expose the truth, and protect American children from harm will be our tribute to Liz. She taught us to not ever give up and we wont. Her children should know that she was a true hero who sacrificed a lot for all children, because of her love for them. I will miss her greatly and they will be in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Megson
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
16:23:58
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I have never met Liz, only through e mails and her reputation of being a rebel! On behalf of the parents in Ireland I wish to offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. In her memory we will continue fight the good fight! Cecelia Young
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
16:47:06
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The autism community has lost an incredible friend but her fighting spirit will always be remembered. Our prayers go out to all of her family, specially her children, who she fought so hard for. Dan Hollenbeck and Laura Hewitson
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
18:05:05
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God bless her in Heaven and give strength to her children and family she left behind. Ayda Sanver.
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
18:10:22
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I only met Liz by reading part of her story in the Evidence of Harm book and at a conference in Boulder in October. However, she left an invaluable memory and I can only thank her for all the hours, dedication and sacrifice she made for our children. She not only worked to make her son's life better but for all our kids and I will always be grateful. We have to carry her torch. I hope her son Matthew and all her children will be okay. They will be in our daiy prayers. Thanks Liz. Claudia Barzen - mom to Daniel 9 and Christopher 7.
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
19:07:15
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Liz has been a powerful force in bringing the mercury issues to light. She was helpful and kind and quick to respond to concerns. It is such a tragedy that this earth angel has been taken. She will be greatly missed. Christine
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
19:56:30
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I feel like such a loser. When my son was diagnosed I tried to get involved in excactly the same way that Liz did. I tried and never accomplished the things that she has. She is amazing. With a 7 year old on the spectrum and two other daughters I have been so sad today for her loss and my inablity to do more. I only wish I could have done the things to change the way people think about autism and thimerosal. I will not give up now: she has given me strenghth. God bless her family. Teresa Old Greenwich, CT
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
20:11:00
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I only met Liz through email, as I have only met so many of you who have written here. My deepest condolences to her family, fiance and friends. I thank her so much for all that she did to raise awareness and make a difference in this whole mess that is vaccines, mercury and autism. We never know how long we will be here to make a difference in others lives and on this New Years Day, 2006, I re-commit to continue the quest. Onward and upward for truth, enlightenment, healing, joy and peace. May we see the day that not another child or adult is harmed. Sheri Nakken
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
23:13:19
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I just finished EOH a few months ago and am heart broken for Liz and her family especially Matthew. We have a 9yr. old son with autism and the stongest connection he has ever formed is with me, his mother. I pray everyone will be extremely patient with Matthew as he struggles with this loss of such a tireless, giving mother. My condolences to everyone who was touched by this wonderful person. Mary mother of Abraham
Date:
31 Dec 2005
Time:
23:39:03
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God be with you Elizabeth.Rest in peace.Moses Lazaro.
Date:
01 Jan 2006
Time:
00:52:36
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Dear Family of Elizabeth, I am so sorry for you loss. I never met her, but I know I would have loved her. I read Evidence of Harm twice. I also have a son named Matthew who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS or Autistic-like symptoms, or Asperger's. We are using biomedical treatments and the DAN approach. He is nine years old. He is doing much better. I am again so sorry. I will light a candle in her honor on Wednesday night and say a prayer for her and one for her friends and family. She fought the good fight. She will not be forgotten. I have a feeling that she will be watching over you all and she will do her best to send her love from Heaven. If there is a place in heaven where they are trying to speak to us, to help us understand what we can do to stop autism and cure autism, I have no doubt that she will be one of the strongest voices. She will be leading the choir. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Yours truly, Kimberly Boyd
Date:
01 Jan 2006
Time:
08:47:52
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I didn't have the honor of knowing Liz, but I am just heartsick to hear of her death. The world, her family, her friends, and all our children have been robbed of someone irreplaceable. Her passing is equivalant to an entire library's worth of wisdom being lost, and the autism community feels a gaping hole in their hearts and minds. I will never forget how much she has accomplished, for so many, in so little time. Let us all be inspired by her, and never, ever forget all she has done for our kids. My heart goes out to all of you who knew her best, Val Boergesson
Date:
01 Jan 2006
Time:
11:19:42
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Elizabeth Birt will always be a champion, an example of what can be achieved with tenacity, dedication, and love. As a community of survivors, we within the autism community must continue Liz's legacy, continue to show that our loved ones have a voice that is to be heard, and to also continue to enjoy life to the fullest as Liz was so elegantly able to. To her family please know that this community is yours, we are here for you to support you and provide what you may need after such profound loss. Too know that the many people that Liz touched, assisted, and fought for will be forever greatful to you all for accepting that this is what drove her, not only for Matthew, but for the thousands of families with loved ones with Autism that are seeking answers. The benefits of her never ending work could never possibly be know if full, but we do hope your entire family realizes that her efforts were never in vain and will continue to provide much, much more for many, many families. Liz will be with us all, the way in which we honor her memory too will be that which will drive future outcomes and we want her to know that even from the heavens she will forever be a factor in efforts that will increase the quality of life for individuals with Autism and provide the answers we are all seeking. With much respect, love, and heartfelt appreciation to all of Liz's family, friends, and the autism community for allowing us to share these thoughts in Liz's memory. The Gammicchia Family ~ Andrew, Carolyn, Alexander, and Nicholas gammicca@comcast.net
Date:
01 Jan 2006
Time:
12:19:30
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I first heard about Liz when I read David Kirby's "Evidence of Harm". Like myself, the helpnessess a mother feels when her child is diagnosed with autism is indescribable. She took it upon herself to make the world aware of disorder that affects 1 out of 166 children. We have lost a great advocate , but her children have lost a mother. My heart goes out to them. Be asure Liz, the fight will continue to find a cure.

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