Elizabeth Caitlyn Carr was born July 13, 1989 in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Millersville, Maryland in 1994.
As you can see from the Photo Gallery on this website, she was a beautiful, happy, and spirited infant and toddler,
who brought joy to our family. She became a big sister in 1991 when Hannah was born, and then in 1995 she joyfully welcomed
Caroline into the trio of Carr girls. A sweet and gentle daughter and sister, nothing gave Elizabeth more pleasure than to be
surrounded by her family and her pets.
Elizabeth attended Oak Hill Elementary School through fourth grade and then entered the Summit School in Edgewater where she shared her loving nature and sense of humor with friends and teachers alike. Elizabeth participated in Green Hornets t-ball, Severna Park cheerleading, and was a member of the St. Andrew's swim team - the same things many other area children enjoyed. But her journey was far different from most of those who played and swam alongside her. Elizabeth was almost three years old when she was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1992. During a year that included surgery chemotherapy, and radiation, Elizabeth faced the ordeal with optimism and gentleness. She endured the pain with great courage, and with the help of family, friends, and her medical team Elizabeth was able to celebrate her fourth birthday and the following nine birthdays in good health. Although there were lingering effects from her treatments, Elizabeth persevered without complaint for 10 years. These were times filled with some of Elizabeth's favorite things: family travels, sleepovers with friends, shopping trips to the mall and Target, babysitting, playing games and Barbies, afternoons on the couch with her pets and a drawing pad and markers, and the joy of time spent with family. Elizabeth also loved holidays, and she enjoyed each one to its fullest. Then in August 2002, neck and shoulder pain brought a second diagnosis of a tumor. With optimism and quiet determination, Elizabeth again endured surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation as she battled the cancer. On good days, she enjoyed many of her favorite acitvities, taking trips to the mall, going to movies and out to eat, traveling to New York, and enjoying quiet moments with mom and dad. She faced her illness with courage and with concern for those around her, and in the process touched us all with her gentleness. On February 24,2003, Elizabeth died at home surrounded by her loving family. The memories we shared with Elizabeth and those we carry with us give us hope for the future. Until we see her again, we keep the memory of her gentle spirit and beautiful smile alive as we find ways to help other families in their struggle with childhood cancer.
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