Lisa's Story

Why we started?

On August 26, 2002, we lost Lisa Elizabeth Klitzky to Rhabdomyosarcoma. Lisa was a daughter, a sister, and a friend. And for 25 years, we had the privilege of sharing our lives with her. Friends like Lisa come along but once in a lifetime. She was one of a kind. She had a warm heart and an unmatched kindness toward others. To know her was truly to love her...and to be loved.

Lisa grew up in Long Grove, Illinois, where she attended Adlai Stevenson High School. At Stevenson, Lisa was an active member of the Class Board, the Student Council, and the Art Club. The latter being Lisa's true passion, separating her from the pack. Tim Myers, Lisa's former high school art teacher noted, "Lisa was a model student. She consistently worked hard to improve her skills while always demonstrating an optimistic attitude. Her eagerness to learn about art helped create a positive environment for everyone around..."

After high school, Lisa continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Enrolling in 1995, Lisa continued pursuing the arts, earning a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Art in 1999. While in college, Lisa expanded her circle of friends, developing many meaningful relationships with fellow schoolmates, just like those she enjoyed with family and friends at home. As one of her college friends remarked, "Lisa was simply as good as it gets." After earning her Bachelor's degree, Lisa continued her artistic passion, working as a designer in the advertising industry.

Lisa had only been working for a short time when her life changed forever. In February 2001, Lisa was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. Rhabdomyosarcoma is typically discovered in pediatric cases. However in Lisa's case, she wasn't diagnosed until she was an adult. Lisa's prognosis gave her only a 20% survival rate. But, that didn't phase Lisa. She continued to see the glass as 20% full versus 80% empty. Prior to starting chemotherapy, Lisa donated her hair to "Locks for Love." An organization that makes wigs for children with cancer. No matter the hand that she was dealt, Lisa was truly selfless when it came to helping others.

Despite an arduous and exhausting fight against cancer, Lisa's spirit always remained high and intact. Her amazing attitude served as an inspiration to those around her. She tried to see humor in everything. Examples of her spirit came when she named her two permanent central line abdominal ports that are used to transfer medicine to her body after her favorite musical duo, "Simon and Garfunkel." And let's not forget all those times when she'd reach to put on mascara, forgetting she didn't have eyelashes! She'd just laugh every time. Never one to give up hope, Lisa would comment, "I will have used up all my bad days for the rest of my life and will only have good days, once I'm healthy again!"

Why we continue?

Lisa's passing was heartbreaking to all who knew her. In her memory, ensuring that her spirit lives on, devoted family and friends are continuing her legacy of beauty, art and kindness to others by creating the Lisa Klitzky Foundation, Foundation supports adolescent cancer survivors facing long-term physical and psychological challenges in their post-treatment years. Lisa's loving spirit allows this foundation to make a difference in the lives of others, as she would have done herself.