The Sugar Foundation

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth was truly one of a kind.  She had an uncanny ability to touch the hearts of all those who came into contact with her.  She was an amazing mother of 2 young kids, McKenzie and TJ.  A loving wife, daughter, aunt, niece, friend, mentor….  She had so many friends – whether it be her childhood friends that remain close, her coworkers, the Moms Club, her giant extended family, or the group of peers also battling breast cancer – Elizabeth touched them all, and she left us all better off for having had that time with her.

She grew up in Naperville, IL and ultimately made her way to the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!).  Several moves later she landed in Michigan, where we met working for Pulte Homes.  I still remember that moment like it was yesterday – her laughter and her smile were infectious.  We were married in 2008 in Naples, FL and eventually settled back in Northville, MI, where we raised our kids.

Elizabeth was the life of the party, tearing up the dance floor, a laughter that always lit up a room.  She’d be the friend to tell you what you needed to hear, not necessarily what you wanted to hear, and would be there for you anytime you needed her.  I often hear from folks saying how much they wish they could talk to Elizabeth right now about whatever the event or text or crazy thing is happening, and I know she would’ve loved hearing it all.

She was so passionate about her children and their activities.  Elizabeth was their biggest and loudest fan no matter the event.  You could always hear her voice, cheering words of encouragement.  She was an athlete, an avid tennis player, and willing to try most anything – she picked up golf, started skiing again and even coached McKenzie’s softball team for a season!  All of this was done with her kids in mind, wanting them to try it all.  The ski trips very quickly became our most cherished time together, even skiing in Breckenridge just six short weeks before she passed.  Through it all, she did her best to never miss a moment with her kids – stealing a line from a dear friend, we all take solace in knowing that now she’ll never miss another game.

In 2016 Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was a fighter, and never gave up.  The treatments were indescribably tough, but we truly thought she had beaten it.  Five years later we received the devastating news that it had metastasized, and still she never gave up and continued the battle with her care team at the Cleveland Clinic.  On April 1, 2023 we lost the fight, but I am forever grateful that throughout it all, her kids got to see how strong she was. 

If you knew Elizabeth (and certainly if you ever played tennis with her), then you likely know where the name of The Sugar Foundation comes from (and if not, just know the word was often a substitute for sh!$ 😊) .   One of so many fond memories of this amazing woman.  She fought so hard, and did everything right – life can be so unfair.  We owe it to her to continue that mission so that someday someone out there doesn’t need to miss another game. 

All monies received will be used to support advances in the treatment and detection of Metastatic Breast Cancer, through organizations such as Metavivor, The Cleveland Clinic, and through direct support to those women and families currently battling with MBC.  It is a disease without a cure – we aim to change that.