Profile: Elizabeth Edwards - Cancer Survivor, Political Wife, Everywoman

Many people from both sides of the political aisle admired and respected Elizabeth Edwards, wife of John Edwards. Although I did not agree with her more liberal leanings, her brave fight against cancer and her demeanor during her husband's very public affair and subsequent discovery of his love child and the John Edwards-Rielle Hunter sex tape caused me to respect her.

Elizabeth Edwards' Achievements

Elizabeth Edwards achieved much on her own, becoming an attorney, and later an author and health care activist. She met John Edwards when they were both law students at UNC's School of Law. Although she was a private person, she came to the public spotlights when John Edwards ran for vice president and president. She became her husband's chief policy adviser, and was known to be tough in the trenches and outspoken with campaign staff.

Loss of her Son, Wade Edwards

She knew tragedy, losing her son Wade Edwards in a car crash when he was just a teen. She retired from public practice after her son's death and went through fertility treatments after to have more children. She also took her husband's name at this time.

Elizabeth Edwards - Breast Cancer

In 2004, Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because I had lost my own mother to cancer, I became more aware of Elizabeth Edwards at this time, and I discovered we had several things in common.

Elizabeth Edwards - Personal Similarities

Sharing the same first and middle name as my own mother, Mary Elizabeth Edwards was born Mary Elizabeth Anania in 1949. Like me, Elizabeth Edwards grew up in a military family. She attended school in Alexandria, Virginia, as did I, and we both studied English in college. Edwards moved to my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, in 1978 to become an associate at the law firm of Harwell Barr Martin & Sloan. I found I could relate to Elizabeth Edwards on a personal level, and when the facts about John Edwards affair with Rielle Hunter became known, I admired Elizabeth Edwards even more.

Elizabeth Edwards - Everywoman

Perhaps this is why so many women related to her--Elizabeth Edwards was Everywoman. She could relate to the many universal issues women face, and we could relate to Elizabeth Edwards. From dealing with infertility drugs, to dealing with a wandering spouse, Elizabeth Edwards had walked in our shoes. Those of us who had experienced loss could relate to the loss of her son, and the many women who have fought breast cancer or any form of cancer found a kindred spirit in Elizabeth Edwards. She battled her cancer with the same courage she fought all her battles. Her last message on Facebook posted on December 2 summed up her philosophy:

Elizabeht Edwards - Three Saving Graces

You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces - my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. 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. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.

Elizabeth Edwards Dead of Breast Cancer

The day after posting this message, Elizabeth Edwards, 61, succumbed to metastatic breast cancer on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at her home in Chapel Hill, surrounded by friends and family. Estranged husband John Edwards was reportedly present. Her funeral was held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, December 11th. With her earthly struggles behind her, Elizabeth Edwards now rests next to her beloved son, Wade Edwards, in Historic Oakwood Cemetery.

Sources:

John Edwards-Rielle Hunter Affair Produces Sex Tape as Well as Baby, Associated Content

John Edwards Admits Affair, Fathering Love-Child with Rielle Hunter, Associated Content

CNN

Wikipedia

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