Title: Carrying the Torch for Liz: A Marathon Toward Healing

My name is Lorelei. In my life, I have been defined by two great callings: the discipline of being a U.S. Olympian and the joy of being a teacher. But beneath those titles, I am a lifelong friend of Liz. We have walked together since she was in the 7th grade, through the halls of junior high, the transitions of adulthood, and every chapter in between. Today, I am calling on my community to help her navigate a chapter that no one should ever have to write.

In June 2025, Liz’s life was upended in an instant. What began as a bleeding that resulted in an emergency radical hysterectomy and the devastating diagnosis of Stage 3 Endometrial Cancer. This isn't just a medical battle; it is a total eclipse of the life she worked so hard to build. As an athlete, I know what it means to face a grueling finish line, but Liz is currently carrying a pack that is far too heavy for one person:

The Physical Toll: The aggressive chemo has left her body emaciated. She requires an entirely new wardrobe simply because her clothes no longer fit her fragile frame.

The Pain of Treatment: She is battling severe, chemo-induced arthritis and requires specialized orthotics and shoes just to maintain basic mobility.

The Financial Crisis: Because she cannot work, the foundational pillars of her life are crumbling. She is facing the terrifying reality of unpaid rent, mounting medical deductibles, and the basic cost of food.

The Invisible Weight: Beyond the physical, there is the need for psychotherapy to process the trauma of a Stage 3 diagnosis and the long, isolating road of recovery.

In my faith, we live by the concept of Chesed, intentional, loving kindness. It is the belief that we have a sacred responsibility to show up for one another. Liz has spent her life as a nanny, pouring her heart into raising other people's children and being the first to offer a kind word to a stranger. She has always been the one to lift others up; now, the weight has become too heavy for her to carry alone.

We cannot take away her pain, but together, we can clear the path to her future. We are raising $3,000 to ensure she has a roof over her head, food on her table, and the specialized physical therapy she needs to regain her strength.

As an Olympian, I know that no gold medal is won alone; it takes a team. Today, I am asking you to join Team Liz. Whether you are a fellow athlete, a colleague from work, shul, or a friend from our high school days, your contribution, no matter the size, is a testament to the fact that Liz does not have to fight this alone.

Thank you for your Chesed, your prayers, and your generosity.

With deep gratitude,

Lorelei Black

Former U.S. Olympian & Teacher