Support Elizabeth through cancer treatment

My name is Erin Diaz and I’m writing this on behalf of Elizabeth Heffernan, who I met for the first time more than 30 years ago. I moved to Connecticut from Texas when we were 12 years old and she immediately took me under her wing, making me feel welcome and introducing me to everyone. That’s just who she is. As long as I’ve known her, ever since she was a child, Elizabeth has been a caretaker. She cares so deeply for people if she sees that someone has a need she steps in and fills it. Whatever the circumstance. Whether it’s a friend or a stranger, she’s got your back. Our paths diverged 20 years ago and we’ve lived in different states since then, and one constant amidst all the change was Elizabeth’s love and support. It didn’t matter how much distance was between us or how long it’d been; if I needed her and reached out, she was there. I’ve watched her do this with people in her life over and over again, in all different kinds of situations. If there’s a problem, she’s the first to step up to help-sometimes literally running to incidents to help strangers in need. I’ve watched her go above and beyond time and time again and it’s one of the things I admire most about her. She is a light in the darkness, always there to lend an ear and impart some hope. Her smile and laugh light up a room and make you feel if just for a moment that everything is ok, or it will be soon and she’s here with you in the meantime. Unfortunately, a few months ago she was hit very unexpectedly with a diagnosis that she has been navigating and now it’s time for her to feel that same support and love in her time of need. I’d like to share a statement from her daughter detailing how we can help this amazing pillar of our community! The quoted text below is from Madison. “As some of you may know my mom was recently diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. It has been a rough road filled with many tests and tears. Elizabeth has done nothing her whole life but make sure others around her feel loved and happy. She has given her all to everyone else and she needs our help now. The constant ongoing testing, trips to the hospital, and the surgery have felt never ending-and through it all she has continued to put on a brave face and still make sure everyone around her has an optimistic attitude. She has been fighting with her usual optimism but unfortunately has had to take a step back from work as she heals from the surgery and is currently facing an expensive treatment program and insurance is very limited in their coverage. My mom needs to be taken care of for once and I don’t want her to worry about anything other than healing for the rest of this journey. If you can donate it would be immensely helpful, and if that isn’t an option for you I ask that you send prayers to my mom and our family. Let’s help my mom kick cancer’s ass!!!”