United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

We are so sad to hear this news. Liz was a wonderful person, she gave so much to the BPI community. We will miss her very much.

We send our condolences to Neil and the family, including the UK BPI families. Our thoughts are with you all.

Love and hugs,

David, Karen and Ryan McClune

Li was a brilliant and amazing lady!! She gave me multiple ass kicks to get my life back going and to STOP the pitty party. She saw me through some of the darkest days of my life, some that no one ever knew about. NEVER once did I see this injury get the best of her!

She showed this same sense of character to all those she came in contact with. She will be greatly miss by her family and friends but also by this community of 'loons' who have come to love her.

She is no longer suffering or in pain.

"Mum" you will be forever missed!!

Your Yankee daughter xx

Uh...I don't even know where to start...Liz was the VERY first person I met at camp. Liz, Neil and I rode the trip over to D.C. from the 4-H center, which was just the beginning of our friendship. She was an amazing person and always on my mind.

-Traci

Liz was one of the first people I met here on the boards and we became best mates right away. We seemed to have the same sick warped sense of humour that she once told me could almost be "Brit".

I knew she was sick, but you know Lizzie, never one to complain or jokingly making light of how serious something was. But, when she did open her heart to you as she did with me over the years, you saw the beauty the kindness and the depth of a true and beautiful spirit.

I really can't describe the profound sense of loss I feel over losing such a wonderful friend. She was truly like my sister across the pond, and I will miss her greatly. Whenever I felt down she'd listen intently then give me a good swift kick in the arse and tell me to git over myself. Then again, she was ALWAYS there with a kind word and a good larff.

I think that is something I will always admire about her, her sense of loyalty and compassion to others and her wicked sense of humour.

She was a true inspiration to others, by just being Liz. I know the TBPI foundation will go on without her, it had bloody well better or she'll kick yer arses. But there will never again be anyone with her sheer force to inspire trauma or birth injured crips like myself, as she did.

And we are LUCKY and Blessed to have had her in our lives. I know I am a better person because of her presence in mine. Go pain free Lizzie and conquer the next adventure. You will be greatly missed

Tina BiOBPI Across the Pond

Karen,

Thank you for so tactfully posting the very sad news about Liz. I know Neil appreciates your help and kind words.

Liz Black Finney will forever be in my heart and in my memories. The symposium in Italy was when I first met Lis (and Neil and you and Gary and Debbie, et al ...).
Even though I was sleep deprived and (as ever) battling sinus problems, I had such a wonderful time with you all; after the first couple of days it seemed as if we'd known each other all of our lives.

There is so much I want to say, but I cannot seem to put into words.

To Neil and ALL of Liz's family (including the BPI families) and friends: Lots of love to you & please keep Liz's hard work for the TBPI group going in her honor.

CHEERS, Liz!
with love and gratitude,
Peggy Ferguson

Neil and family,Liz's family and the great UK BPI families,
Such a loss to have to endure. We all know here "across the pond" what a women of great strength Liz was. I also met her in D.C. and what a hoot you two were. Please know that God has called her home for a reason and that He will keep you & the families in the palm of his hand throughout this and every day of your life. What Liz helped others with is definitely immeasurable and life-altering and most certainly will not be forgotten. I know what she did for Courtney,how important Liz was to Court and how dearly Court loved her. Our hearts ache with yours...I'm sure you know that. Remember how blessed you were to have her and let her acts of support and kindness continue through you with the BPI community, because she'll be watching. Allow that angel on your shoulder to comfort you and carry you safely through this time and your daily living. God bless you all...take care...
Sincerely, Shelley, Courtney's mom

Here it is a week after reading the first post and I'm still not fully aware of my feelings.

I'll say the following and keep it short as everyone who met Liz will already understand but...

For those that never met Liz or had a chance to "chat" with her I will tell you this. Liz is the type of person that once you meet her you simply just want to introduce her to all of your friends. She lights up a room, puts a smile on your face, and will astonish you with her frank, brutal, and absolutely dead-on advise. She puts a comforting smile in your heart and the simplest way to share that with the ones you love is to just have them meet her.

When I think of Liz I think about that feeling and with her memory I will strive to put that smile in the hearts of my friends and loved ones. That is the most important lesson she taught me and will be my way of continuing to introduce people to the Liz way of life.

I am sorry to hear the sad news and would like to pass my condolences to family, friends and TBPI members. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Liz but had contact with her in the past and am aware of her continued dedication to this site and associated activities.
May I take this opportunity of promoting the work that is now being done in Scotland. We are funded as a Scottish National Brachial Plexus Injury Service (for the NHS), based in Glasgow and the team consist of Consultant, Clinical Nurse Specialist (that's me!), Specialist Physio and Occupational Therapist. I would be pleased to receive any communications of interest to my hospital e-mail or try our (fairly new set up)website - not as full and entertaining as Liz's which is evidence of her years of determined hard work:
Beverley.Wellington@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
www.brachialplexus.scot.nhs.uk


Message was edited by: Beverley