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 4.

Date:
01 Jan 2006
Time:
16:22:36
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I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Liz at her former law firm, Ross & Hardies. I will fondly remember her sense of humor and her unwaivering dedication to finding a cure for autism. God Bless you, Liz. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Date:
01 Jan 2006
Time:
23:09:22
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To the family of Liz Birt- Thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with us. She has been a shining star for the autism community. She will never be forgotten. The Francis's --Roger , Diane, and Tony.

Date:
01 Jan 2006
Time:
23:35:08
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I am one of the people who never had the pleasure of meeting Liz,however the things that I do know about her she was a beautiful person. Someone that has touched so many lives, and fought for kids that she has never met. My son was very recently DX'ed with Autism, he is 2 years old. May her fight continue through us! God Bless...

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
00:39:49
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When I heard Liz speak at the Boulder Autism Conference last Oct., she renewed my faith in the idea that one person with passion and relentless tenancity really can make a difference. What a terrible loss, not only to the autism community, but to all of us who are fighting on so many different levels for the kids. My condolences to her loved ones. Cindy Loveland, NVIC Colorado

Date:
02 Jan 2006
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01:04:44
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NoMercury deeply mourns the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Elizabeth Birt. Liz was a cherished friend, a devoted mother, and a tireless advocate for children with neurodevelopmental injuries due to mercury poisoning and vaccines. Her courage, commitment and generosity on behalf of special needs children will not be forgotten. Her spirit, determination and passion will live on through the efforts of those she inspired. Her life will always serve as a beacon of light to millions of children and their parents. Because of Liz's efforts they have hope for a cure and a thirst for truth and justice. Liz was uncompromising in her belief that the health and safety of children should be given the highest priority in governmental public health policy-making. We concur. It was her mission to expose and have society hold accountable those who would place profits or personal agenda over the health and safety of children. We will not allow her mission to be forsaken. Alan D. Clark, M.D. Medical Director & Co-Founder NoMercury Lujene G. Clark President & Co-Founder NoMercury Founding Board Member A-CHAMP

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
02:13:49
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My sincerest condolences to all whose heart Liz touched so meaningfully. I feel robbed at not having had the privilege of meeting her. Please tell me, what were the circumstances surrounding this precious young woman's death ? I am a nurse who got fired for providing a vaccine website which shows the vaccine pkg. inserts , to a concerned pt.of mine. He was a grandfather who was concerned for his twin grandchildren who have been sickly ever since they were a few months of age. Profits come before people. yours together for truth and freedom of choice with warmest love and prayers bea

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
07:24:22
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I did not have the pleasure of meeting Liz, but her fight for all of our kids is something i am truly grateful for. My son Ben is 5 and has been diagnosed with autism (at around 3 yrs old) I am a single working mom and I am in awe of the energy and time that Liz put into this work. Extra time is something I am short on. I will pray for your family and know that God is watching down on each and every one of us. Sincerely, Diana Daly, Marmora, NJ

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
09:24:10
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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Elizabeth will be missed by so many but she touched the hearts of thousands who will never forget her. Toxic Discovery Missouri

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
12:45:56
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I was shocked at reading that this precious person was taken away from us. Such a great woman who was so dedicated to what she believed in. I may not have known her personally but all parents with autistic children have a bond and Liz fought for us where some of us cannot reach. My heartfelt prayers go out to Liz and her children. Cheri Padilla Mother of my darlings Vincent,4 Esperanza 14 and Mario 21

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
13:00:08
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I am devastated. I am desolate. I am her father.

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
13:33:44
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This fall, Liz started turning her attention to initiatives in her home state of Illinois. She offered to help and she offered encouragement. Just a few weeks ago, she rearranged her schedule and even changed a flight in order to testify before two legislative committees. This is a partial transcript of how she concluded her testimony: "We are a civilized society. We have an obligation to care for these children and help their parents. If a portion of them were injured due to negligence on the part of federal health officials and drug companies, so be it. What I have witnessed over the last 8 years as an advocate and as a parent has been horrifying. I believe in our country and its strength to overcome adversity. We have to work together to solve this problem and I’m ready to help this committee in any manner possible. Thank you. [applause]" She also amazed me with how deeply and personally she felt about the autism epidemic. She wrote to me once, "In a country where we spend millions to send people into space you'd think we could provide something for the disabled." Just a couple of months ago, when she asked me, by email, how old my daughter with autism was, I told her she was 5. Her response startled me: "I am so sorry; please know that I did everything in my power to put an end to this as early as the summer of 2000 when I testified in front of Burton's committee. This is a national disgrace. I am angry for my own son but I know that our own government knew as early as 1992 that this stuff was very toxic in vaccines. This fight has taken a lot out of me personally but it is worth it if we can save future generations from tragedy. Take care, Liz." You have nothing to be sorry for, Liz. Thank you for everything you gave to help all of us. Chris Kennedy Autism Society of Illinois

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
14:57:52
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Liz has been my friend since 1985. We shared many fun times and also some sad times. I will always remember her smile and her relentless pursuit of the truth when comes to Autism. She will be missed by those who knew her and especially by those who didn't. Parris Johnson Kansas City

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
15:19:40
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I can't tell you how terrible shocked and saddened we all are regarding Liz's tragic death! I just can't believe that such a needed advocate is gone. Liz was one of the most amazing people I have EVER met. I was enthralled with her energy and know that she endured much more behind the scenes than we will ever realize. To Liz's family- thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with us. Looking at all the work she did, I know it must have meant a lot of time away from you all. Thank you for your sacrifice! She made a tremendous difference in the world!!! Betsy Gibbs, Founder, Turning Point for Autism, www.turningpoint1.org

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
15:46:46
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Liz, thank you for your voice. And your integrity. My prayers go to your family, and your friends. Greg

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
16:41:10
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When I first met Liz, she made a very big impression on me. We were at the Second National Public Conference on Vaccines and I knew she was a shaker and a mover. I saw her pain and frustration concerning the whole vaccine issues. She had determination and passion for all that she was involved in. I will mourn her death for a long time and I have faith that she will be guiding all of us from up above. I am grateful she was on our side, fighting for the truth. God bless her family and children. The world of autism and vaccine injured have lost a great worrier...will miss her dearly. Mary Tocco Vaccine Researcher,natural health advocate, public speaker and dedicated to the truth about vaccine dangers. Let us carry on with more dedication as we all know that our time is short on this earth and we have sooo much to do to help our children. Bye Liz. www.marytocco.com

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
18:49:29
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I met Liz at age 13 in Chateau Mont Choisi, Lausanne. We were both confined to the rules and regulations of boarding school. However,Her sense of humor and intelligence as a young woman always impressed me. Through the years we kept in touch and I was always so delighted to hear from her. Through all of life's experiences she emerged as a strong, dedicated, charming and ambitious, friend, woman and mother. As I write these words I feel numb. I can hardly believe that Liz is no longer with us. Her tireless, steadfast battle to find the answer and to make parents, friends, legislators and government aware of all the problems with MMRs will always be humbling and higly respected and must continue.I will never forget her and I will always love her greatly. Christina Louis

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
19:29:19
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I had the honor to meet and correspond with Liz through my associations with Autism One. There was a time in my career as a clinical social worker specializing in ASD that I was growing a bit weary. Liz and I began exchanging commuications which refocused my direction and commitment by her attitude of never giving in or giving up! Her ability to share her many gifts and talents between parents and professionals was amazing. In addition to all of her accomplishments, I am grateful that she crossed my path with her mantra statement: "Never Give Up". As I continue to work with children and families with ASD I will remember that mantra and see her smile. Thanks Liz and I know you are sharing your joy and laughter somewhere... georgianne gerber,lcsw chicago

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
19:33:45
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I was not fortunate enough to have known Liz personally, but as someone else said so eloquently, we parents of children of autism share a bond. My daughter with autism is 14 so we have been in this "fight" for a long time too. I appreciate all that Liz did and all that she stood for. I have to think that we now have a strong ally in heaven. My heartfelt condolences go out to her precious children, her family and her many friends during this very difficut time. There really are no words to adequately express how devastating a loss that this is to her family and friends. Just know Liz that we all will continue to fight for answers and a cure for all our precious children. Jill Plato, Kane, IL

Date:
02 Jan 2006
Time:
22:53:18
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I met her only once years ago at a picnic in Gurnee Illinois. From that one occasion she left a lasting impression on me. I am truly saddened with her passing. My deepest condolences to her friends and family. I have excerpted part of her obituary on my blog specialedlaw.blogs.com to bring more attention to her passing as it should be noted widely.

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
00:09:54
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My heart hurts by reason of this untimely and tragic death of a friend. I pray that you have found peace Liz. May God bless Matthew, Sarah and Andrew. Thank you for your love and friendship. Jeff Sell -- Ben & Joe's Dad...

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
00:12:48
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As a parent of a austic child myself in all my research I have yet come across a woman like liz, her stamina and devotion and caring not just for her son but for all our children, I am deeply saddend by her untimely passing. I must add there are tears in my eyes as I write this for her whole family, but am deeply affected and concerned for her son. Thank God she has a good family that will look after him in the way she would of wanted it to be. Sincerely and with my deepest sympathy Alice M. Platis.

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
01:10:07
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Heaven Has A New Angel She had the ability to speak. When all we could do was to be patient waiting for our children to speak. She spoke for us. She had the abilty to stand. When most of us were in Occupational Thereapy with our children encouraging them to climb and swing. She stood tall for us. She had the ability to cry for us. When all we could do was be silent with tears running down our faces. Getting the news that our second child was autistic. Liz was there early on in the battle ground. When most of were lost and wondering what to do next. Liz was there for us, fighting. She was first in line. Now she is an Angel in Heaven. With two young children who were diagnosed autistic all I could do in the early days was get through the next 15 minutes. Every corner was filled with tears and lost of all hope. The grief is unlike any pain I have ever felt. Only another parent of an autistic child could ever understand. Liz was our guiding Angel on earth she is now our guiding Angel in heaven. She will be missed dearly by all those who are in the autistic community. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely, Leslie Hamud

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
02:37:38
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Quite simply, largely because of the work of Liz Birt/Safeminds, kids born this century were injected with less Thimerosal, later in life. How do you say thank you for damage not done? Also, the thousands of kids who respond well to treatment may be because they were injected with less mercury, later in life. Anne and I are parents who might not have had another child without the information linking mercury and autism, giving us a good idea what to avoid to avoid autism. How do I say thank you for Isaac? (Answer: Awkwardly.) I only met Liz a few times, but I did see her in action once. I had a friend working for the John Edwards VP campaign. Liz flew to NYC for a fundraiser. I introduced Liz to some of his staffers, she asked for 5 minutes of their time. They tried the standard brush off, and one said 'there is nowhere quiet we can go'. Liz said cheerfully 'we can do it right here', pulling her laptop out of her bag, cradling it in her left arm, launching into her Powerpoint presentation, right there in the middle of the hotel ballroom dance floor. I held the laptop for her while 5 minutes became 20, as Liz did her best to describe the autism crisis. A small crowd grew, Liz was great, she delivered a condensed version of the report she worked on (scroll down to mercury in medicine 5/2003, http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/library.php ) When Liz was finished, my friend had two comments. First, he said Liz' approach was exactly what autism issues needed to be heard. Second, how did she get the laptop past security? The world is a better place because she lived. May she rest in peace. Kevin Barry

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
05:13:36
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I never met Liz, sadly, although in my role as Chairman of Visceral in the UK I felt I had on numerous occasions so strong were the impressions she left on my colleagues. My wife, Jancis Robinson, will not forget the warmth of Liz's welcome and hospitality when she conducted a charity wine tasting in Chicago under Liz's auspices several years ago. All of us join in wishing Liz's family a long life free from further tragedy and a successful conclusion to all the causes she so selflessly espoused. Nick Lander

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
11:08:51
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I never had the privilege of knowing Liz Birt, but like so many others in our community, I feel like I knew her through her inspirational and tireless work on behalf of all our children. She is truly a hero and an angel. May we all continue the fight for our children in her memory and inspired by her remarkable life and the gifts she gave all of us. I am praying for her family and friends at this difficult, difficult time. May she rest in peace. Kim Rosenberg

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
12:29:49
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I heard Liz speak on November 17 at an autism hearing in downtown Chicago. Her words were inspiring - I am deeply saddened by her loss -- her family is in my prayers. Chris

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
12:41:38
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I didn't know Liz, but as a mom of a child with autism we are all connected. My sincerest sympathy to her family and friends. She lives on in all of us in our daily struggles and triumphs. Without role models and tremendous super-advocates like Liz, we would be far behind. I nominate her to be Saint Elizabeth Birt, patron saint of families affected with autism! Anne Crandall

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
13:06:08
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I can only say a star shines brightest against the dark sky. Although this is a sad time for so many friends and relatives, I believe Liz will continue to light the sky with hope, triumph and conviction! Her eternal flame will continue to inspire many! I am truly sorry for all those who knew her well. My heartfelt prayers I send to you. God Bless us with gratitude in rememberance, and Bless her friends and family. Sincerely, Cindy Goldenberg Vaccine/Autism Advocate Laguna Niguel, California

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
13:34:06
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I arrived home, 4 months after evacuating for Hurricane Katrina, the day after Liz died, to find a brochure dropped off by a church group from Illinois with "The Big Question - If you were to die this minute, do you have the assurance that you would go to heaven?" I know that Liz has; few have earned it more. She was a force of nature with her bulldog ferocity for pursuing the truth and her infectious sense of humor. Everything she did was at full volume. She was a ceaseless advocate for affected children as well as those not yet born and an amazing mother to Sarah, Matthew, and Andrew. She was my roommate at nearly every conference I have ever given and an irreplaceable friend; she was my hero. She embodied living life to its fullest and using every second we are given in a meaningful way. "And when I rise, let me rise Like a bird, joyfully- And when I fall, let me fall Like a leaf, gracefully, without regrets. And when I work, let me work Like a bee, wholeheartedly- And when I play, let me play Like a breeze, refreshingly, light and clear. And when I stand, let me stand Like a tree, strong and tall- And when I lie, let me lie Like a lake, peacefully, calm and still." Rest in peace, Lizzie. You will always be with us in our hearts; may you continue to motivate our actions as well. Never give up. Jane El-Dahr

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
16:51:59
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I did not know Liz, but I was so heartened by all that I've read about her. As the mother of six children, three of whom are on the autistic spectrum, I am so very grateful to women like her. She fought tirelessly for answers, and I hope that others will continue the fight for her. May God bless her and her family, and give them peace in this time of sadness. Peace, JoAnn Pomper Barham, Longmont, CO

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
17:02:31
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I've never heard of her until today as I am new to the news letters on vaccines, she sounds like an awesome woman and would have loved to know more about her!

Date:
03 Jan 2006
Time:
22:04:34
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My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. Her story inspired me.

Date:
04 Jan 2006
Time:
00:13:38
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I never had the honor of meeting Liz "in person." It was purely fate and the internet that brought my daughter Kelly, from L.A. to Chicago to become a nanny to her three children. I was a little concerned. Who is this Liz Birt? How do you know if she's even a real person? Kelly introduced us over the phone, one of those late night, lengthy, mostly girl talk kind of conversations, two moms with lots of kids, some with special needs and I'm about to ship my eldest one off to the "unknown world of Elizabeth Birt." It was during our late night introductory chat that we bonded. Liz was light, warm and friendly and seemed to gush over the fact that either one of us could actually sit down for five minutes and meet, let alone share a war story or two. We laughed through some tears and toasted our survival skills. The simple truth I learned about this woman... Liz was a Mom, the kind of Mom I could trust with MY child. She loved Sarah, Matthew and Andrew more than anything in life and each of them were the pillars that gave her strength. She was grateful for her life and hopeful for the future. She made a difference one moment at a time. Deeply saddened by the loss of this gracious woman, we offer our most solemn prayers to her family and thank her for the gift she was to ours. John, Denise, Collin and Hayley Knight The Gift You Are Imagine a month of Sundays Each one a cloudy day Imagine the moment the sun came shining through Imagine that ray of sunshine as you Remember your darkest hour With dawn still far away Remember the way that you longed for morning's light And think of yourself as a candle in the night Make believe this is the first day Everything all brand new Make believe that the sun is your own lucky star And then understand the kind of gift you are The gift you are like the very first breath of spring The gift you are all the joy that love can bring The gift you are all of your dreams come true The gift you are the gift of you You are the promise of all the ages You are the Prodigal Son You are the vision of prophets and sages You are the only one Dream of a bright tomorrow Know that your dream will come true Carry your dream in a sparkling crystal jar Then you will know the kind of gift you are The gift you are like the very first breath of spring The gift you are all the joy that love can bring The gift you are all of your dreams come true The gift you are the gift of you The gift you are. The gift of You. Words by: John Denver



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