Liz was first diagnosed with oral cancer in 2023 and underwent surgery. Last fall, another, larger cancer was detected, and surgeons had to remove a large portion of Liz’s tongue as a result. At 65, she had to teach herself how to speak again.

Early this spring, scans revealed the cancer is back. Now, the only path forward is an aggressive course of radiation and chemotherapy.

Her treatment began Monday, May 4, with radiation and chemotherapy infusions over the next seven weeks. Recovery is expected to take an additional eight weeks.

If you already know Liz, you understand why we’re here. If you’re able to help, please consider clicking the Donate Now button. Thank you.

For those who don’t know her yet: Liz is an artist, dancer, and designer who brings joy the moment she walks into a room. She grew up between Belgium, Venezuela, Massachusetts, and Maine, and carries that rich, creative spirit into everything she does.

She’s connected to poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and serves on the board of the Millay House in Rockland—a place deeply tied to her family’s history. Her grandfather knew Millay as a child, before the world did.

In 2020, while most people were staying put, Liz made a bold decision to move from California to Maine—guided not by convention, but by a commitment to live authentically. That same courage shows up in her paintings, her design work, and the way she lives her life.

After her second surgery last fall, Liz had to relearn how to speak, how to swallow, and even how to eat. It has been a difficult recovery—but she has moved through it with courage, patience, and grace. And she believed the worst was behind her.

But the cancer has now spread from her mouth to her lymph nodes. The treatment she begins on May 4 is serious: 33 radiation sessions (5 days a week) over 7 weeks, running alongside once-weekly chemotherapy infusions. Her medical team has been clear: the effects are cumulative. Each week will get harder, and the most difficult period often comes after treatment ends, when the body is at its most depleted.

Because Liz’s treatment is in Bath, Maine—an hour-and-a-half from her home in Belfast—she is relocating there for the duration of care, renting a home near the hospital so she can stay in a comfortable, restful environment. This will allow Liz to avoid the strain of constant travel and focus her energy where it’s needed most—getting through treatment. From the very start, and throughout this process, a rotating group of close friends and family will be providing care and support. One of us will be with her around the clock.

While she is undergoing treatment, her regular expenses won’t pause. Liz will be responsible for rent on her Belfast apartment, along with her painting studio. Liz is self-employed, and during this treatment, working simply isn’t going to be possible.

This fundraiser exists for one reason: to remove financial stress so Liz can focus entirely on getting through treatment. We are deeply grateful for any support you’re able to give. Every contribution—no matter the size—truly makes a difference.

To be fully transparent, here is how the funds will be used (estimated to be three months):

Insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket medical expenses: $14,500

Temporary housing near the treatment facility: $8,000

Belfast apartment rent during treatment and recovery: $4,500

Studio rent while she is unable to work: $2,000

Specialized nutrition during treatment: $4,000

Caregiver support (food, travel, and related expenses): $3,000

Some final treatment and medication costs are not yet known and may increase as care continues. We will provide updates as those details become clear, along with regula rupdates on Liz’s progress.

All funds raised will go directly to Liz and her care.

If you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this page can make a meaningful difference. It only takes a moment, and it helps us reach others who may be able to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this—and for caring about Liz.