The world mourns the loss of Liza Burke, a 21-year-old University of Georgia senior who planned a final pre-graduation spring break trip for 53 friends. She suffered a brain hemorrhage while on vacation, and it was later determined that she had a dangerous malignant brain tumor.
Holding her brother Jack’s hand, Liza died on April 28, 2023. Laura McKeithen, her mother, said that she “lived it largely” and gave her the following piece of advice: “Don’t waste time worrying about stupid things. Just go ahead and do it. Liza’s zeal for discovery motivated her to explore the globe.
When Liza first awoke from sedation, according to her mother, she took the ventilator out of her mouth. Liza struggled to sleep because the tumor was straining the part of her brain that kept her awake.
After beginning her daily radiation treatments, Liza recovered and enjoyed a few more days with her loved ones.
But a few days later, her brain was still bleeding when doctors examined her. Her mother claimed that when she was awake, the child would wiggle her toes or squeeze her hand.
The mother of Liza wanted to avoid another intubation, so hospice care was suggested. Her mother chose to lease an Airbnb near the sea for a month.
On April 19th, 2023, Liza and her immediate family moved into the home, and friends and grandparents frequently dropped by. Liza passed away while cuddling with her brother Jack in bed on April 28, 2023, early in the morning.
Liza wrote a letter to herself in the future as part of a class assignment in her senior year of high school, and her mother received it on May 2nd, 2023.
Graduation took place the day after Liza’s passing. The teacher promised to mail the letters to each of the graduates. The world has lost an adventurous and free-spirited soul, but her loved ones will never forget her.
