Click Play to hear Liz Zimmerman, 47, describe the life she had and loved, as well as her fear for the future.
WAVELAND, Miss. -- If you had to take on both cancer and Hurricane Katrina, which do you think would be the tougher battle? Liz Zimmerman did just that and doesn't hesitate to call the storm the more fearsome of the two evils.
"I never doubted for a moment that I'd beat uterine cancer, but with this you don't know what's going to happen from one minute to the next," says the 47-year-old single mother of two.
"This" is the damage to her single-story brick home in Waveland, a home whose mortgage she has just refinanced in order to buy new furniture that was lost in the flooding. It's also the fact that Katrina wiped out the community college where Zimmerman was studying nursing. And it's the fear of losing her job at the Hancock Medical Center, a part-time secretarial position that provides cash, flexibility to study and, most important, health coverage.
The irony is that the divorcee's life had been looking up when the storm hit.
"It was the first time in my life I was floating along nicely," she recalls. Her cancer was in remission, her son, 30, and daughter, 19, were out of the house and she had promised herself that she'd take up nursing, inspired by the medical staff who took care of her while she was fighting the disease. "Then Katrina came along and kind of put a hink in it."
Not only did the storm render her home uninhabitable, but her school -- the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast campus -- was wiped out.
"I'll be 50 something before I graduate," she remembers telling herself.
Classes were quickly shifted to a former hospital in Gulfport. Dotted with portable rooms and portapotties, the new campus provides Liz with hope but also a much longer commute in a car of dubious reliability.
Car has a death wish
"It's really wanting to die on me," she says of the 1998 Chevy that she’s driving so her daughter can drive her newer car. "I keep talking to it, 'Come on Black Betty, get me to school.'"
Zimmerman still hopes to get her degree in three years, but at times that stretches out in front of her like an eternity.
"You're not really living; you're stringing events together," she says. "Last week I was so depressed, I asked, ‘What is the point of all this effort?’"
But she's better this week.
"I've got to get through school ... then I can take myself out of this picture," she says, suggesting she just might one day leave for higher ground.
For now she’s focused on rebuilding her home, and laughing when she could be crying.
Two days before our visit, on a day when workers were busily replacing sheetrock inside her home, she says she arranged a funeral procession for a new sofa that had been her prize furnishing.
"The neighbors and I did this ritual thing where we took off the legs and kind of hummed as we brought it to the curb," she says. "If we had had a trumpet we'd have had a New Orleans funeral."
The sofa, and its four amputated legs, still sits on Liz’s curb, waiting along with other debris for a trash hauler with no set schedule as far as neighbors can tell. Her wood fence still has her cell phone number and insurance agency name painted on it -- a tactic used by many residents to attract the attention of passing adjusters.
Progress is visible
But while the debris accumulates, progress is being made.
FEMA provided a trailer in her front yard and a power line. Contractors are rebuilding interior walls warped by three feet of water and roof damage from a tree. Floor tiles are going in this time around instead of carpets.
“No mold for this girl,” Zimmerman says of a lesson learned.
She also got help from the Church of Nazarene in Excel, Ala., where she had sought shelter during Katrina. The church bought her a small pop-up trailer before FEMA came through, and then 20 parishioners descended on her home to replace her roof in less than two days. The church also donated a new refrigerator and sheetrock for the interior walls.
That kindness has helped temper the tragedy, but Zimmerman isn't convinced the worst is over. For one, no one in her neighborhood had flood insurance since the sea is a mile away.
"Like everyone else, I'm fighting the insurance people and not getting anywhere with that," she says.
Her greatest fear now is losing her job at the county hospital, which is seeing far fewer patients since so many residents left the area. A nurse at her station mentioned some part-time staff had gotten pink slips, leading Zimmerman to wonder if hers is in the mail.
A strategy to fight on
If that new blow comes, she says she has a strategy to keep going.
"I'm not a spiritual person," she says. "I don't have that to fall back on."
But she does turn to the image of crossing a river for inspiration.
"You've got to get to the other bank," she quotes from her own personal scripture. "Unfortunately this river is pretty deep, but we'll get to the other side. ... A lot of others are in the river with me."
Sunbathing for a cause
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Liz,
Keep the faith.. Continue to pursue your nursing career.. You will be a great nurse one day.. The healthcare world needs caring, loving people like yourself.. Keep the chin up and I know things will be looking brighter your way..
Karen Goodson Bolingbrook, Illinois (Sent Dec 1, 2005 4:36:47 PM)
Liz, I admire your strength and courage. I know that one day your dream of becomming a nurse will be a reality, and help make the world a better place. Never give up your dream, and stay strong.
Lillis Lee (Sent Dec 1, 2005 6:48:16 PM)
Liz,
You're a determined, strong, brave woman and I know you'll reach your educational goal eventually. Us cancer survivors have the grit to get through anything because fighting the disease (my cancer is breast cancer) helps reposition your life.
Taking things one day at a time is the most important lesson I've learned from cancer, BUT having reasonable goals (be they education, career, or whatever), help get through each day. Just remember, you'll have a whole team of people rooting for you from now on - your fellow cancer survivors AND MSNBC.com readers :)....
One day at a time....
Jayne Collins (Sent Dec 1, 2005 7:00:20 PM)
i don't think anyone could not admire this lady....our hearts are with you!!!
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Dec 1, 2005 8:52:34 PM)
Thank you MSNBC for helping ALL of us take one step at a time to get our lives back together. But this latest edition is so important to her recovery and to all that read it.This is the reason I try not to get depressed and complain about small things. My life as I knew it before Katrina is totally gone but Liz is a very good reminder to remember what we can do and what is here for us now.
Marcella, Pass Christian, MS (Sent Dec 1, 2005 9:24:31 PM)
Liz, Like you I lost it all in Katrina, only i was in Chalmette. I was also in school studying medical billing and coding, school went under too! I'm 55 now and it will take a while to finish school. Keep pluggin away at it girlfriend! No storm can keep a hardheaded woman down!
Jan Cervini, now Chanute, KS (Sent Dec 1, 2005 9:33:16 PM)
Hi Liz, Hang in there. It just takes the "stick to it'iveness" attitude to get through all of this. You can do it!! I'm a single mother of 3 grown children. A former Unit Secretary in a Hospital and can totally relate. I'm now 47, 2 1/2 years out of Nursing School and am the Charge Nurse in a Trauma Center OR. My dreams have finally come true. All of those belongings were just that-belongings. Your education and Degree means so much more...When you complete school, you will be able to buy just about anything to replace all of those posessions and then some! You might even be able to go on a vacation or two. Imagine that...You can do it. You are on the HOME STRETCH. Great Luck to you and your future. It WILL be brighter.
Nancy York, San Diego, Calif. (Sent Dec 1, 2005 10:10:18 PM)
Liz,
Melissa and I are so proud we got to meet you at Beulah Camp in Excel, Alabama. You are terrific person and great mom. We know that you can get thru all of these tough times. God will help you and we will continue to pray for you each day.
Roald Lindquist, Cumming, Georgia (Sent Dec 1, 2005 10:10:20 PM)
Liz,
I will add you to my special list of those I send prayers and all good thought to.....I too am a cancer survivor (ovarian) and know you will have many pulling for you.
mgt
Mgt Haus Ridley Park, PA 19078 (Sent Dec 1, 2005 10:39:39 PM)
Liz, It is so good to see and hear you again. I am glad you are continuing looking up, or as some say
one day at a time. You are a joy to be around and
I enjoyed my time their with you while your roof was
being put on. I thank God you are working to reach your goals that was set before Katrina. You are in our
prayers. The Excel Church of Nazarene will always be a home for you. God Bless you
Jo Ann Johnson, Excel, AL. (Sent Dec 1, 2005 10:43:08 PM)
Great article MOM!!! We (Adam, Jen and the boys)are really proud of you and we love you very much. Keep in mind just like when you were diagnosed with cancer we will be right there by your side to help you get pass this river no matter how deep it gets! "cause when it comes down to it, all we have is each other! We'll be there soon to help you paint when the sheetrocker is done (anybody out there wanna help?)
Love you lots
your son and daugter-in-law
Adam and Jen
Adam Zimmerman New Orleans, La. (Sent Dec 1, 2005 10:45:49 PM)
Liz,
I am so proud of you and excited to one day soon be your daughter-in-law!! You are so strong and can get through anything cancer, katrina no river is to deep for you! I love you and I'm here for you any time you need me day or night chemo or katrina!
Jennifer Canizaro, Metairie, La. (Sent Dec 1, 2005 11:11:53 PM)
Liz,
I am with you....a cancer survivor and a believer in the human spirit - not the god spirit and I am alive after 11 years....I see that river....and the banks on the other side....you will become a nurse and you have so much to live for .. you go girl !!!!
You are wonderful and you will make it
Ellen Lindop Brookfield WI (Sent Dec 1, 2005 11:26:55 PM)
Liz,
You have the inner strength which will help you overcome the obstacles. I was moved by your story and know there is something so much greater at work in your life, beyond anything ever imagined. The love of this higher power works for the good of all. You will experience this love in untold ways.
Rachel
Rachel Dennis (Sent Dec 2, 2005 11:27:22 AM)
Liz
I'm 48 and just finished nursing school in May of 2005.You can do this. Take one day at a time, believe and have faith. In 2005 my son had a collision with a semi,my husband went on disability. Sometimes life has a habit of throwing us curve balls. I encourage you to continue jumping the hurtles and to run the race. I have faith that God did not bring you this far for you to quit. I will be praying for you. I know you can do this.
Therese, KS (Sent Dec 2, 2005 11:58:01 AM)
You go, girl! Being from Mississippi (all my family is still spread out along the southern half and fighting FEMA) as well as a cancer survivor (10 years now), I am having the time of my life reading all your blogs. Thank you, MSNBC, for keeping my friends and family in the spotlight. Liz, if I have to be in a hospital in the future, I want you as my nurse!
Michael Roberts, Houston, TX (Sent Dec 2, 2005 5:27:13 PM)
Liz:
I think your positive attitude will keep you going. Our family is praying for your success in obtaining your degree in nursing and I am pretty sure you will be the best nurse a patient will ask for becuase you know how a serious illness affects the human immune system.
Mir N. Khan, Bethany, CT (Sent Dec 2, 2005 8:17:11 PM)
Liz,
As a two time cancer survivor, God has unique ways to bring us closer to HIM. Your journey to become a nurse, obsticles and all, is a gift to you. Imagine how many patients will grow in hope when you share your story. God Bless, Vicki
Vicki James, Gloversville, NY (Sent Dec 2, 2005 8:57:09 PM)
Best Wishes to get through all you're facing, Liz. And if you ever decide to explore the spiritual route, it is there and waiting....something reliable and rock solid that would not fail you.
Lisa Purdon-Ball (Sent Dec 3, 2005 2:56:46 AM)
HI LIZ, I READ YOUR STORY,AN COMMEND YOU ,BUT WHAT I DOM'Y UNDDERSTAND IS HOW CAN YOU SAY I QUOTE, I'M NOT A SPIRITUAL PERSON? THEN HOW DID YOU SURVIVE ALL OF THIS? CANCER, KATRINA????????? WHO DO YOU THINK GOT YOU THROUGH ALL OF THIS MISERY? MAYBE I READ YOUR MESSAGE WRONG! I HOPE SO.
JOAN SHERBON, CLINTON , MO (Sent Dec 3, 2005 4:49:07 AM)
Dearest Liz:
I am sending my prayers to you & your brighter days ahead.
My home is nowhere near a river or an ocean but it has been flooded twice in 4 years...I am up 6000 ft altitude, too.
Anything can happen to our lives.
When we are born, there are no guarantees & warranties given our parents.
We all come into this world just that way & we depart that way as well.
No one can foretell what will happen next. Meanwhile, if you can plant some seeds in your soil for flowers to come up & cheer you along, that will be a first spiritual step for you to take.
It is like a love song back to the Creator of the Universe...the Great Mystery.
Stay tuned for that response back to you...
Warmest Best Regards
Sunnie Ford, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Dec 3, 2005 8:08:36 AM)
Sistergirl-
You know I'm not too good with words, but I just wanted to say, "YOU ROCK!!
Ron and I love you very much!! We probably wouldn't have stayed to rebuild in Waveland if you hadn't.
Julie
PS I'm really sorry the couch had to go. I liked it.
Julia Reightler, Wasteland, er, Waveland, MS (Sent Dec 3, 2005 9:44:55 AM)
Liz,
I want you to know that there are so many people that have faith in you. you are a very strong and determined person. You can and will achieve all of your goals. Liz, you are one of Gods little angels, you are also being a vessel to many people out there because you are showing them your strength. Giving up is so easy to do, but realize that after reading your story you have giving someone the courage and strength to not give up, but to endure. Continue being strong and being a vessel to so many that will gain the strength after reading your powerful story.
God Bless
Anna Jacob, Springfield, Va (Sent Dec 3, 2005 12:26:44 PM)
Please try and remember... "And this too shall pass" Keep up the spirit.
Bob Pank, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Dec 4, 2005 8:56:03 AM)
Dear Liz
I am also a cancer survivor,(colon) in 6 months time I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I lost my husband,my dog, my mother,father,and my car burned down. But you and I are very rich with the love of our family and friends, please don't allow anything to stop you, we have choises, and we choose to go on,I have no doubt that you will graduate, and go on better and stronger
love you
Vicky Franck, Houston, Texas (Sent Dec 4, 2005 10:13:02 AM)
Jack & Gwen send you their love and prayers today and always. It's takes faith in a higher power to overcome all of the adversity that this life throws our way. Hang in there Liz, were here for you.
www.cypresslloydstexas.com
Jack & Gwen Holt - Crosby, Texas (Sent Dec 4, 2005 12:42:28 PM)
Liz,
I have had this thought since I met you when we were working on your house. You are so eager to pay back something that you have received since the storm - but I truly feel that your way will be to "pay it forward" when you get your nursing degree and are able to help other people survive cancer. You are so strong and have such a friendly and caring spirit. I know you will be a GREAT and compassionate nurse.
Keep up your strength and get that degree.
God will bless you.
Teresa Hoskins, Excel, AL (Sent Dec 4, 2005 8:06:06 PM)
Hi Liz,
Like you my Mom and sister both lived in Waveland their homes were across the street from one another 2 blocks from the beach. They have lost it all. I have been to Waveland several times since Katrina to try to help my sister dig though the rubble to fined what we can, a dish are anything we can clean. It can be very depressing. All the people in Waveland seem to have an inter strength like no other they are determained to get back. Keep the faith and hang in there.
Denna, Metairie, LA (Sent Dec 5, 2005 11:57:43 AM)
Dear Friend,
Spirituality doesn't mean religion - your very deep inner strength is your spirituality! All you Katrina survivors are inspirations to the rest of the country. Keep on keepin' on! Best of luck!
Connie, Altadena, CA (Sent Dec 7, 2005 9:00:32 PM)
Dear Liz,
Your daughter, Lauren, was in my class this semester. After her final, I asked about her plans for the holidays. At the end of our conversation she directed me to your story.
I had more than several students devastated by Katrina. Whenever I had the opportunity to ask how things were going, Lauren always commented with a smile. I remember her telling me that the trailer FEMA left on your property was stolen before you even knew it was for you. She informed me today that you do have shelter and are living on your own property. I'm happy to hear that bit of good news.
Before the students took their exam, I expressed to them that I knew the holidays were going to be difficult for some of them and that they have been on my mind and will continue to be. Lauren and her fellow Katrina survivor classmates have made it through an incredibly difficult semester and they all did it with perseverance. She and the others never complained or made excuses. Lauren can now take the time she deserves to focus on her family and herself.
Warmly,
Lara Davis
Lara Davis (Sent Dec 8, 2005 12:07:03 AM)
Dear Liz,
Last year I found myself feeling sorry for myself in my little struggling, troublesome life up in Ontario, Canada. Then the Southern U.S., Gulf area was hit with Katrina and I, along with many other Canadians, went into a helpless shock watching the trauma unfold on many Americans after the storm. Of course we contributed to the Red Cross, other agencies, and responded in small ways as best we could to help our disadvantaged brothers and sisters to the South (believe it or not, there are many a Canadian who feels a strong attachment to our "fellow Americans"). But overlying all my feelings I thought, "My God, could I survive if my daily life, my home, my community and basically everything I knew was in one moment crushed or disappeared." Then I read a story like yours where you are fighting challenges on many levels. Your recovery may seem slow but to me you are literally a Phoenix from the ashes. It is nothing shy of amazing! There could be no greater an inspiration than to watch people like yourself fight back from the abyss and carry on with pride, dignity and a mission in life. I wish you, and many others God's speed on your road to recovery. I believe spirit and character like yours is what makes families, communities and countries great. I know that I have been humbled and have met humility by observing your actions, and also those of others battling back from Katrina. I will never, ever again complain and whine about my small challenges and have even begun to evaluate how I can conquer greater things, all from a position of a secure, simple daily life. My, when you become a full nurse, and you will, could their be any greater a human spirit to add to any team at a hospital or clinic, a community? I think not.
John King, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Sent Dec 12, 2005 4:19:11 PM)
Dear Liz,
I just wanted to send a note of encouragement. I am a RN and was in Waveland in September to help with the relief effort. When you become a nurse, you will be able to draw on these experiences in ways you cannot even imagine now. Wishing you all the best now and in the future!
Sincerely,
Shannon Roosma, RN, Seattle, WA (Sent Dec 12, 2005 6:17:24 PM)
am a firefighter here in eastern kentucky all are prays are with you all in this time of need would like too no if we could help all in anyway
brian ray virgie kentrucky (Sent Dec 14, 2005 2:30:40 PM)
Liz, from a fellow nursing student, hang in there. It will all be worth it in the end. You can see what a difference you can make by having experienced the health care system. New Orleans will come back with all its glory, you'll see. Hang in there.
Nic Crane, Albany, GA (Sent Dec 19, 2005 2:46:54 PM)
Liz, You became my role model for motherhood when I babysat Adam as a toddler and seen the kindness, joy and love that you both gave and received from his presence in your life. I used what I learned when raising my own children and the relationship between myself and my grown girls is wonderful!! Thank-You. Now as we all rebuild, I use your always positive words in my own recovery from Katrina. Thank-You again!! For someone who claims not to be spiritual, you sure do leave a mark on people that travels with them throughout their life.
Christine Poillion, Bay St. Louis, MS (Sent Dec 21, 2005 12:56:22 PM)
Liz, been a few daz but i hope your doin fine
andy,ms (Sent Dec 27, 2005 8:37:02 PM)
Liz,
I am glad to know that you are ok. We have been back to Bay St. Louis and Waveland 3 times since the storm. It was God's will for us to move away when we did, as our home was destroyed that we had there also. We have family living with us from Waveland and they do not know which way to turn to build their lives back. Wade's sister and children are with us. They do not know what is to come as they had no flood insurance with a mortgage. Wade's sister has also lost her job where she worked at the naval home in Gulfport. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Shelly Koenenn
Shelly Koenenn, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Dec 28, 2005 11:25:52 AM)
Hi Liz, you know we can make it. Yes, my eyes are filled with tears reading this, just as they were we I saw you a few years ago walking with the survivors in the Relay for Life walk. All we have is each other, no real possesions, but that does not mean we are not wealthy. We are blessed with the riches of friends. Thank you Liz for sharing, and thank everyone who has volunteered and contributed in anyway to help with Hurricane Katrina Reliefs. You have all made this Christmas a special one.
Vanessa, Waveland, MS (Sent Dec 28, 2005 2:47:18 PM)
Thanks to all of you who have posted to this thread. I enjoyed doing this interview with the guys from MSNBC, because they care enough to show what it is really like here on the coast. The wonderful words of love and encouragement that I have received from all of you are with me everyday. Thank you all for the love.I hope that one day I will be able to return it tenfold...peace and joy to you all.
liz zimmerman (Sent Jan 3, 2006 8:10:23 PM)
DEAR LIZ,
YOU ARE A GREAT LADY...AND MY WISH FOR YOU IS THIS. THAT THIS WILL BE BEHIND YOU AND ALL WILL BE AS YOU WISH FROM NOW ON...YOU HAVE MORE THEN PAID YOUR DUE'S. BLESS YOU.
CAROLE FUENZALIDA (Sent Jan 21, 2006 12:08:58 PM)
FALL SEVEN TIMES--STAND UP EIGHT.
YOU "WILL" MAKE IT.
MARILYN M. VANCE, FRANKFORT, KY (Sent Jan 27, 2006 5:02:04 PM)
Liz,
I admire that you are still continuing on with your nursing career even though you have to commute a little furthur. Remember that you have come so far as to pursue your career and now all you have to do is finish.
You remind me of my mom because she is also a cancer survivor and a single mother; I can sense that cancer survivors like yourselves have a special strength that no one else has.
Jacqueline Lasala (Sent Jan 28, 2006 4:16:44 AM)
Liz i was very impressed with your story someone that has so much courage and faith in all you have accomplished.Im sure things will get easier for you now hearing what you have been thru Good luck to you and cross that deep river that you mentioned you sound like a geat person Jim Austin
Jim Austin Earlville,Illinois (Sent Jan 30, 2006 10:04:18 AM)
Hi Liz:
This is your sister. I just happened to be searching the internet and saw your story. I know we aren't close but I AM glad to read that your fight with the cancer is going well. I'm sorry about your house. I passed by it last time I was down there. Glad to hear things are progressing in that regard. I hope Adam and Lauren are doing good. I'll keep my fingers crossed for your job. I've been in that boat. Good luck to you.
Lenora Atlanta, GA (Sent Feb 2, 2006 6:47:00 PM)
dear Liz,
never give up on your hopes and dreams, and never, ever give up...keep on fighting, and one day your dream of becoming a great registered nurse will come true, keep on fighting our nation needs more fighters like you too
randi Kaneohe, Hawaii (Sent Feb 25, 2006 3:00:58 PM)
I just want to let you know I've faced both cancer and Katrina too and find Katrina the harder challenge to shake. But I am an outsider, and can't imagine having to go back. I always felt I had more control over my cancer (even after having it 3 times). I went to New Orleans to visit a friend and get away, and wound up running to Lafayette hours after the levy began to breach. I saw the looting and the damage and it was surreal. I felt more powerless there than in the throes of chemo and radiation. Perhaps because I had more help and support there. Someday I will be able to go back and put perspective on this, but you have to live with it day to day. Liz, you are an inspiration, to take it on this way and to keep being reminded of the things that tried to defeat you. You make me feel not alone in seeing the differences between two life threatening circumstances. I wish you much happiness and peace of mind. God Bless.
Lauren Brower, Charlotte, NC (Sent Feb 28, 2006 1:15:00 AM)
Liz,
I too have come up against death itself and wondered how I was going to make it. My first thought after reading your letter was a scripture that I held onto. It is Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee...I know you said you do not have a faith to fall back on, I too lived my life that way for years. I will be praying for you and know a lot of people wheter they write or not have been moved by your story...God Bless you and your children.
Paula Sue Martin (Sent Mar 11, 2006 7:29:26 AM)
Liz,i hope you get the guidance from God that you need to get you through this tough time.You will find that it will get you through anything.
Stacy,Magee,MS (Sent Apr 18, 2006 5:32:28 PM)
The Journalism class of Livingston High has a message: Our hearts are with you...Good luck.
P.S. (from Mattie J)
People sometimes say, There is always a happy ending, if it's not happy it's not the end...I hope you find a happy ending to your story soon.
Mattie Jalz, Livingston New Jersey (Sent Jun 2, 2006 10:11:01 AM)
I can't imagine what it has been for you,friends and family.
I pray that you will persevere, and that God will see you thru. Whenever things rough or you feel down just remember this saying "Behind every dark cloud, is a silver linining"
God's blessings and guidance to you and yours. Davia
Davia, Common wealth of Dominica, WI (Sent Jun 2, 2006 12:22:15 PM)
I'm using a WebTV so I don't know if this will post but I have read your story on here and I have been to a community college now for four years. I am 55 and getting my Associate in Science degree soon. Sometimes, we lose our faith as I did once when younger. We forget about God but He finds us, believe it or not! He gives us signs when we don't look for them nor expect them. I know that you will persevere in your goals and make it down that road and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am about to graduate in spite of all odds and hardships against me I have been through. Hang in there, girl! Things change with Time. Always be POSITIVE and try not to let negative persons surround you. Stay in the Light. I am very glad your house was getting rebuilt and I am sure it is back to normal by now! Thank God for churches! Best Wishes to you, a single mom like me!
Sharon Randall (Sent Jun 8, 2006 6:07:32 AM)
LIZ HANG IN THERE WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. WE ARE PROUD TO HEAR YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS A NURSING CAREER AND GOOD LUCK!!! WE WILL ALL REBUILD AND COME BACK STRONG.MY GIRLS AND I THINK ABOUT YOU A LOT. GOD BLESS.
REBECCA FONTENOT WAVELAND MS. (Sent Jun 22, 2006 12:45:20 AM)
Liz,
You will make it. God is with you. He knows you by your name. He created you in His image. You will cross that river! One day you will look back, and you will see Him there watching over you! He said to tell you He loves you and is proud of you, Daughter.
Gaynell, Katy, Texas (Sent Jun 24, 2006 8:04:46 PM)
I am inspired by your story, Liz. We here in the Atlanta area received thousands of Katrina refugees, and we have been enriched by their stories and their gifts. Yours is a story of putting one foot in front of the other, to keep going despite many obstacles. I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and we pray for your success. Katrina will not be over for many years; we will continue to care and hope for the best for you.
Estelle Ford-Williamson, Avondale Estates, GA (Sent Jul 18, 2006 10:06:48 AM)
Liz,
I finished nursing school in Aug 05 after 30 years as a CNA, 15 years as a single mom and 3 unsuccessful attempts at 47 years old. All I can say is stick with it I've been an RN for nearly a year now and it has been worth all the struggles getting through nursing school. Don't stop with your RN continue with school and prepare to pass your knowlege along to the next generation of nurses. I started my MSN in May and should graduate at 50. We are never to old to learn. I to have battled cancer and won. I look back on the struggles I went through in school and working as an aid full time and wonder how I servived but I do not regret a minute of it. The first time a patient tells you they love you for the care youve given them, you know why you perservered. Good Luck
Iona, Virgina Beach VA (Sent Jul 18, 2006 8:41:28 PM)
Liz,
Your story is so touching. I feel so blessed and wish I could share what I have with you. I too am in the medical field and it is so very rewarding in every way. Don't give up.
Patt Oliver, Big Point, MS (Sent Jul 19, 2006 5:58:41 AM)
Liz, I'm thinking positive thoughts for you. Others too are still thinking about you as you can see from all the MSNBC posts to this story about you written 9 months ago. Six weeks post Katrina I did 2 weeks volunteer work giving vacccinations from a dusty outdoor "clinic" just a few blocks from downtown New Orleans........Katrina still makes me sad.....We need positive, motivated people like you to share stories of rebound and success. Wishing you a very successful nursing career. Your nursing colleague from across the continent, Kathy Duttlinger
Kathy Duttlinger, Lebanon,Oregon (Sent Jul 22, 2006 11:33:38 AM)
Hi Liz,Was really surprised to see you. The last time I saw you was in the seventys.If I'm not mistaking you were driving a little MG.I was a skinny twin by the name of Karen Poolson. I lived on the coner of Central and Sandy street. Glad you made it through the storm and you are doing good . God be with you, Karen
Karen F. Seward Pt. Neches,Tx. (Sent Jul 25, 2006 12:19:00 AM)
Hello Liz;
I am sorry to hear you are going through so very much turmoil in your life after beating the odds and becomming a cancer survor. The work you do in helping people through your career in the medical field is outstanding. Both my deceased mother and my oldest sister are nurses in the medical field so I know the things you do to help others and the things you give up to do so. I am proud of you and wish you the best. You shall always be in my prayers.
Charles Zimmerman Hampton Virginia (Sent Aug 7, 2006 6:50:16 PM)
Liz,
I do believe God has a special purpose for you. You have been strong and continue to show a positive attitude and perseverance we all admire. Those who know you and work with you gain strength from your presence. You are a strong woman and you will survive. I wish you every success, you certainly deserve it.
John Zimmerman Waldorf, Maryland (Sent Nov 7, 2006 3:40:39 PM)
My god, I read things like this and all I want to do is leave and help. My recent life has been no cake walk cancer, death, and learning to walk again have all touched me in one years time but I cannot ignore that there are people who could use my help. I hope that I end up getting the opportunity. Think of what our soldiers could accomplish if they were home. We could rebuild and prevent disasters like Katrina as well as combat and cure cancer. I almost threw up when I found out, while my little brother was fighting for his life during chemo, that the budget for cancer research in the last 30 years... I'll say that again 30 years was the same as 6 months in Iraq. Things must change, and we cannot rely on our elected officials to do it. Rise up, make a differnce.
Alan Vitullo (Sent Nov 7, 2006 7:10:14 PM)
liz -i just read of your trials and your tribulation and your survivor, you have touch so many lives that you were not aware of.All we can say is prayer and sent thought,i was in new orleans around anniversary of Katrina, to look and attempt to comprehend the magnitude of this awlful force of nature and it aftermath was almost incompensiveable.but to be actual in such a situation- my God. give us and update on what happening with you.you will make a wonder nurse compassionate, caring and determination.from a fellow nurse and mother.
beverly page, e st louis, ill (Sent Nov 8, 2006 8:52:49 AM)
From Liz to all who wrote and visited this thread;
The love and support I have received from all of you helps to make life a lot easier. At this time, I am back in my home, I am almost finished with all construction.My little town of Waveland is finding it's sea legs and trying it's best to stand.Progress is slow..but moving forward.Just minutes from my home there is still complete devestation and empty slabs where homes once stood. Money is not forthcoming, insurance just did not pay, therefore people remain in 8x20 campers on blighted property.Our hospital still has no 1st floor and limited resources. We are still trying to crawl out from under...and I know we will. Time is what we need..time to mend. Keep us in your hearts and sending us all your positive energy. Every new day brings renewed hope! This week I hope I make it thru final exams!!!
Love to you all,
LIZ
Liz Zimmerman (Sent Nov 29, 2006 1:44:23 PM)
To All Liz Fans!
As a co-worker of Liz ----she never stops helping
her fellow man. She continues to be a great friend and co-worker. She has organized a cancer support
group at our hospital. She is a wonderful asset to the hospital, as well as the community! Her only
fault is that she is a Ole Miss Fan. I guess no one
can be perfect.
love ya,
GO LSU!!!!
Kim
Kim Spillman (Sent Dec 30, 2007 2:15:44 AM)
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