Liza Burke, a 21-year-old University of Georgia senior who organized a final pre-graduation spring break trip for 53 friends, is mourned by the entire world. She had a brain bleed while on vacation, and it was later discovered that she had a dangerous malignant brain tumor.
On April 28, 2023, Liza passed away while holding her brother Jack’s hand. She “lived it largely,” according to her mother Laura McKeithen, who also gave her the following piece of advice: “Don’t waste time worrying about stupid things. Just do it. Liza’s spirit of exploration inspired her to travel the world.
Liza’s mother recalled that when Liza first awoke from sedation, she took the ventilator out of her mouth. The tumor strained the part of Liza’s brain that kept her awake, making it difficult for her to fall asleep.
Liza recovered and spent a few more days with her family and friends after starting her daily radiation treatments.
However, a few days later, medical professionals found fresh bleeding on her brain. When awake, she wriggled her toes or squeezed her hand, according to her mother.
Hospice care was advised because Liza’s mother wished to prevent another intubation. Her mother made the decision to rent a month-long Airbnb near the ocean.
Liza and her immediate family moved into the house on April 19th, 2023, and friends and grandparents frequently stopped by. On April 28, 2023, early in the morning, Liza passed away while cuddling with her brother Jack in bed.
On May 2nd, 2023, Liza’s mother received a letter from her daughter that she had written to herself in the future as part of a class assignment in her senior year of high school.
The day after Liza passed away was the day she graduated. When the students graduated, the teacher said she would mail them the letters. An adventurous and free-spirited soul has left the world, but her loved ones will keep her memory alive.
