In September of 2011, 25 year old Elizabeth Holman Melde was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.  She was a non-smoker and a newlywed.   Sadly, Elizabeth lost her battle with lung cancer in April of 2012.  The seven short months between Elizabeth’s diagnosis and her death were nothing short of inspiring.  Elizabeth fought each day with grace and humor.  And although Elizabeth did not win her fight, we did not lose her completely.  She is the driving force behind Living For Liz, and she will continue to live on through her friends and family, and through each and every victim of lung cancer that L4L saves.

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The Living For Liz organization hosts events to raise money in order to aid in the awareness, prevention, research and treatment of lung cancer.  We also do our best to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle.  But there is another part to L4L…. an equally great part.  LIZFEST.  The first ever LIZFEST was held on June 9, 2012, shortly after Elizabeth passed away.  It started as a fundraiser and quickly turned into a memorial and celebration of Elizabeth’s life.  Over 500 people gathered to sing, dance, face paint, play games, ride motorcycles and more.  The money raised was used to start Living For Liz.

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LIZFEST is now a yearly event, hosted every August to coincide with Elizabeth’s birthday.  Not only do we raise money to fight lung cancer, but we also honor Elizabeth’s life as if she were here herself… with pie, bratwurst and beer.  We spend one day each year celebrating a life that was taken too quickly.  And in recent years, we are proud to have partnered with Apple Bottom Bicycle Tour. If you are ever in the Minnesota area when this happens, please join us as you will surely feel the spirit of the incredible woman who started this all and will forever be celebrated.