Elizabeth Edwards, 61, who battled cancer for the last several years of her life, died this morning at her home in North Carolina.
Edwards, who was born on July 3, 1949, was an attorney and best-selling author, and the estranged wife of John Edwards, the former U.S. Senator from North Carolina who was the 2004 U.S. Democratic vice-presidential nominee.
Doctors told the 61-year-old Elizabeth that further treatment of her cancer, which had spread to her liver, will be no good. Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.
Edwards thanked supporters on her Facebook page yesterday saying in part, “The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered,” she wrote. “We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.”
Edwards was hospitalized briefly around Thanksgiving and received treatment, but doctors told her she may have little time left. Edwards passed with her three children– two daughters and a son–her estranged husband and family friends at her side.
On learning of Elizabeth Edwards’ passing, President Obama issued a statement describing her as a “tenacious advocate for fixing our health care system and fighting for poverty. ”
“In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain. Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up,” Mr. Obama said. “But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
