Editor's note: Visit our
Faces of Highlands Ranch page, where YourHub.com staff and readers can introduce you to more people who make this part of the metro area what it is. You may recognize her name because of her charitable contributions to the community. Perhaps you've seen her typing away on her laptop at her favourite corner table (aka "second home office"
) at the Tattered Cover. You may have passed her in the halls at Saddle Ranch Elementary as she prepares to volunteer her time in her daughter's 1 st grade class or you've even run into her at one of the local parks goofing off with her two children. You could have gleaned some useful tips from a recent "Healing with Humor" presentation and book signing she conducted at several Douglas County libraries.
Regardless of whether or not you've had a chance encounter, Liz Holzemer represents what the face of Highlands Ranch is all about--giving, caring and committed to her community.
I first met Liz online when I joined her non-profit, Meningioma Mommas, a 24/7 online support group for people affected by meningioma brain tumours. Liz is a survivor and when I went seeking support for my elderly aunt who was diagnosed with seven meningiomas, I was unable to find anything like it in Australia where I live. Liz personally reached out to us both and I was so motivated by her vision and passion that I became Executive Director of Meningioma Mommas.
Liz's dedication to helping others and raising funding for meningioma research has led to her being recognized for her charitable work. She is a past 9Who Cares and a 7EveryDay Hero.
She uses her talents as a freelance writer to make a difference as well. She became a published author last year with her first book,
Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor. During my annual visits to Highlands Ranch, I have witnessed firsthand at her book signings and Meningioma Mommas gatherings throughout the community, the powerful impact of her work when meningioma sufferers meet for the first time and take enormous comfort and hope from talking to others who are travelling the same bumpy road as them.
More than anything else, Liz loves to spend time with her familyand connect with people from all walks of life. Whether she is refilling her epilepsy medication at Safeway, greeting the wait staff at The Egg & I, or asking how her mail carrier is, Liz always takes the time to thank locals by name. That's just who she is.
Liz has lived in Highlands Ranch for nearly 11 years and calls it her one-stop shopping home!