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 6.
- Date:
- 14 Jan 2006
- Time:
- 18:12:37
- Remote User:
Comments
Liz or as I called her "Kansas City Liz" has been my friend since the mid 1980's. We met when she was with an insurance company that I was an agent for. We had some great times together before she married and after. I attended her wedding, helped her paint her first nursery, went with her to turn in her final paper at DePaul University, I could go on with a long list. When she was expecting Matthew she asked if she could name him after my son. What a thrill that was for our family. We knew him before the vaccination changed his and the family's entire life. Liz was the most energetic person I have ever known. She could get more done in a day than most people accomplish in a week. She was intelligent beyond anyone I have ever known. She was thoughtful, caring, funny,there are not enough adjectives to bestow on her.
My heart aches. My son, Matthew, who now with children of his own is heartbroken. Liz led a life that we all think about living. She made a difference whereever she was. Yes, she was petite, yet, she was a giant, a force to be reckoned with. I was like her second "mom" but we both knew no one could replace her mother.
The torch must be carried forward. The flame must not burn out. While the road ahead in the work she started is long I know that she will guide everyone who picks up the torch and strives to complete the awesome work she started. May God Hold Her Family in the Palm of His Hand. With much love, Suzanne Vax Laverdiere, Houston and Magnolia Tx and Inver Grove Heights, MN.
- Date:
- 16 Jan 2006
- Time:
- 03:12:37
- Remote User:
Comments
although i didnt know her as a mom of a son inflicted with his vaccines i am saddened because she has done so much for our children, she will be truly missed. Kathy Cady Andrews mom.
- Date:
- 17 Jan 2006
- Time:
- 23:24:17
- Remote User:
Comments
This memorial was given by my wife, Dr. Danuta Hoyer, on January 14, 2006, at St. Francis Xavier Church, Wilmette, IL
Today, we remember and celebrate the life of one remarkable woman. Our Liz! Born in 1956, as the youngest child of Gibb and Giovanna Birt. Raised in Kansas City, she tagged along after 2 older brothers, George and Jim. My-O my, what an opportunity, to be a 14 yr. old freshman and hang out with upperclassmen boys !! Some of those friendships became lifelong. Liz had a finely honed, dry and mischievous sense of humor.
She went to boarding school in Switzerland and while perfecting Italian and French language skills, filled some of her time with a few wild adventures and making the first of many international friendships.
On returning home, she completed her studies at the University of Tulsa and began her early career path in underwriting.
In her mid twenties, her beloved mother became very ill and Liz’s energies went into helping care for her through an arduous illness until her death. Afterwards, time spent with her Dad became a top priority. Together they enjoyed quality time traveling, and I remember the many times Gibb would fly into Chicago for performances at the Civic Opera House. Few adult daughters have had the type of warm friendship that Liz and Gibb shared. In fact, when her future husband met her, she was vacationing in Mexico with her father.
After marriage to Maurice in 1989, the following year law school beckoned. Her studies took her from Knnsas City to Depaul University . Settling down in Chicago, Liz started her legal career and in quick succession, three wonderful children entered the picture. Sarah, the wise older sister, Matthew, joyful and precocious and Andrew, the cherubic cuddler.
Things were rolling along for this young family with all the intensity that comes with developing two careers, extensive interstate commuting for Maurice, raising three children and a sizable house remodeling of their Chicago home. Then tragically at 18 months, shortly after an MMR injection, autism struck Matthew.
This forever changed the path of all their lives.
Liz illustrates to us the power of ONE person and how our life’s struggles and challanges give us a choice: one can be either passive and a victim OR we can take the opportunity to be proactive.
Liz sought to learn the truth. She overcame obstacles, fought for what was just and tried to bring about change for the better.
Liz took a mother’s grief over Matthews illness and armed herself with a $600 computer. So equipped, Liz went into battle. Each night, after putting the children to bed, donning a robe and slippers Liz went to that computer and pored over countless periodicals, medical journals, pharmaceutical files and documents. She pulled many all nighters to learn what happened to Matthew and what to do to help.
Liz’s journey led her to many wonderful people. There are parents, researchers, doctors and therapists the world over who will continue her fight to make a difference. The goal: The prevention, treatment, and eventual cure for Autism.
Her motto was to never give up, never give in.
Her journey was also to challenge the government’s public health bureaucracy, to uncover how greedy multi-national companies influence those entrusted with making public policy decisions on important health issues.
This battle exhausted Liz physically but strengthened her spiritually.
Her journey took her to the halls of Congress. She testified before congressional committees and served a an attorney for the House Committee on Government Reform.
Her crusade founded nonprofit groups, Medical Interventions for Autism, and Coalition for Safe Minds. She worked tirelessly on the Board of the National Autism Association.
We have all read and cried over the heartfelt comments expressed on the National Autism Association website.
Examples :
“I never had the pleasure of meeting Liz, but she touched my life anyway” from Kathleen in Pennsylvania. ... Thank you , Liz, for everything you have done – My son is so much better now, and for that owe you a debt of gratitude from Nancy in Minnesota. ... countless others.
Her contribution to the Autism campaign was no small endeavor as evidenced by the local press and in the book Evidence of Harm by David Kirby.
Near and far, Liz made a difference. Reaching out via e-mail she touched many who were frustrated and anguished over their similarly afflicted children.
Despite this intensity, Liz always somehow found time for a friend, to visit someone ill in the hospital, to run all over Wilmette’s business district to gather silent auction items. She found the time to run numerous fund raisers and plan conferences, daily calls to Dad, to say “I love you” instead of goodbye at the end of many a phone call.
Her brilliant mind, soft heart, empathic spirit are examples to each of us.
We all have trials in our lives. Liz teaches us once again, that we also have God given talents buried deep inside to deal with and grow with each challenge.
For Sarah, may you know how proud she was of your kindness, empathy and artisitic accomplishments.
Today , on your birthday, Matthew, may you know that her love and desire to help you was the driving force of everything she did.
For Andrew, may you know how much she loved to smooch you on the lips, cuddle up in bed and watch you play dinosaurs.
For her family, we pray.
For her loss, we grieve.
For all our children, we’ll fight for the truth , to keep them safe from harm, to protect their health and provide them the opportunity to grow to their fullest potential.
Martin Luther King once said, “That our lives begin to end when we become silent about things that matter.” Liz was NEVER SILENT and in her short 49 years, has taught us to dig deep inside, , to find your inner voice and use all your talents to make a difference.
Liz we love you.
- Date:
- 18 Jan 2006
- Time:
- 21:47:01
- Remote User:
Comments
To the Lopez children: I was present at your mother's memorial service in Wilmette last weekend but did not have an opportunity to speak with you personally. No doubt your mom loved you very much and will continue to support you from the other side. You know this already but it deserves repeating: your mother had the rare combination of guts and kindness. We worked on a benefit here in Chicago several years back and I was amazed at how much she could get done in so little time, under very tight time tables. She was not afraid to ask anyone for what she needed and was very effective at garnering support for the cause. Liz was pretty much "unflappable"! I wish I had just 5% of her bravery!
Sometimes a person as busy and committed to making change does not have time for the little things or the minor players. Not so with your mother. Many times, she made herself available to parents who had questions about medical problems relating to autism. One parent called me later to thank me for putting her in contact with Liz. Because of your mother's guidance, another child was removed from constant stomach pain and is now able to learn.
Know that your mother was very, very highly regarded for many good reasons. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
Carol and Ed Finnegan, Wilmette, Illinois
- Date:
- 20 Jan 2006
- Time:
- 16:46:49
- Remote User:
Comments
I miss you everyday...you were a mom to me....i love you!
Kelly Hurtado
- Date:
- 26 Jan 2006
- Time:
- 19:37:54
- Remote User:
Comments
It's comforting to know
that now there is an angel in heaven
working to finally grant God access to the Verstraeten data.
Now you know God's plan.
For those of us left wondering why
please say a prayer Liz
K,G & CM
- Date:
- 14 Feb 2006
- Time:
- 23:54:46
- Remote User:
Comments
My name is Scott Rossi. Only in recent months have I become aware of Liz Birt. From all I've heard, she was nothing less than a dedicated advocate and loving mother, who dealt with balancing the pressures of autism advocacy, raising an autistic child, and marriage. More than your average mother, she endured a lot, and succeeded where many would have failed. Her efforts within her lifetime, has left an immortal legacy which will stand as a tesimony to human triumph. "Grace under pressure", comes to mind. Her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. She'll be greatly missed for years to come.
Sincerely,
Scott Rossi
Philadelphia PA
email- scttrss@juno.com
- Date:
- 15 Feb 2006
- Time:
- 16:43:06
- Remote User:
Comments
Unfortunately, I never got to know about Liz during her lifetime. Several good works she did speak volumes of her love and passion for humanity. I pray those of us here in the world today will try and give some love as she did.
