The outpouring of love that was expressed for Elizabeth was overwhelming. It was especially endearing to know that this came from people who do not know Elizabeth personally, and yet their hearts were captured by the story and of her strength, her faith, her spirit … and also the type of person she is; a person who cares deeply for others, even in the face of her grave battle; a person who when healthy, devoted countless hours of her time, energy and talents to help at risk children and families without payment; a person who, even in the midst of the blazing inferno she is in, still finds ways to help others she does not even know, and even people she does know who have not been there for her. The full scope of her brilliant mind and beautiful heart can never be fully conveyed, but I think last night, it was truly felt.
Elizabeth was the topic of conversation with everyone I spoke to throughout the evening. People wanted to learn more about her and to express their compassion, their prayers, and their support for her plight. As is common with Elizabeth, her spirit and her inspiration were felt, even by those who don’t know her as well as I do.
Even celebrities turned out for Elizabeth … LPGA Tour star, Christina Kim, and members of the rock band, Shinedown, who are currently #1 on the billboards, were not only present, but they donated personal items for the raffle and auction. Besides Elizabeth, the other unmistakable star of the night that many were excited to meet was, Dr Corey Cameron, who is Elizabeth’s mom by mutual choice, and Corey’s other daughter, Colleen, who drove up from Fort Lauderdale for the event.
Speaking of celebrities, some of the most well respected Lyme warriors and activists turned out to support a sister in need, despite the fact that it was a physical hardship for some to be there. It was a joy to see Allison & Mike Caruana, Maria along with her entire family, including husband Mike, daughter and twin sister, Shelly Schrolucke, Alicia McMillan, Cindy & Mike McGraw, Mary Jean Walker, and Kristy Penino. And so many others contributed raffle prizes, cash donations, and most importantly, their prayers and support. Our entire Lyme family was there in spirit and in love!
I have never seen so many raffle prizes and auction items in my life at an event of this type. Because of this, we ran more than one hour overtime, thus interfering with the bar’s regular business. So we had to end the evening before the message Elizabeth had prepared to express her gratitude could be read. I am hoping to be able to post this for everyone to see very soon. We may not have heard her written words, but her voice was as loud and clear as her unique spirit and clearly felt by everyone present.
I do not have adequate words to express my gratitude for the incredible event that Katie Johnston and John Raser organized and hosted … My sincere thanks to The Other Bar for offering their facility, donating drinks, a DJ, raffle gifts, food and a fantastic staff to serve us – my apologies to them for cutting into their regular business by running late … Many thanks to Christina Kim and members of Shinedown for not only being there, but for putting their hearts into it … To the members of the Lyme family who came out to express their love and support, in spite of their own suffering … To all our friends and family who came out on a work night to help raise money for Elizabeth and awareness for Lyme.
Elizabeth’s battle is far from over. The funds she requires for the life saving treatment she needs are still far from her reach. I pray that people will continue to rally for her in any way they are able.
I will never forget this night or the love I witnessed and felt for a deserving young woman who I have grown to love so much! God bless you all for your caring and support!
Elizabeth – I love you and will continue to fight for you!
