About Lizzy
Alisa McFarland was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia when she was 10 years old. Although most young people with this disease live into their 20's and even 30's, Lizzy unfortunately quickly developed several of the secondary symptoms which follow the initial diagnosis such as diabetes and a serious heart condition. When she turned 14 she was confined to a wheelchair, and was unable to attend her regular school due to her heart condition. At the young age of 15, on Christmas Day she suffered a stroke along with heart failure. She was revived only to succumb to pneumonia, failing kidneys and liver, and eventually death on December 29, 2006.
Lizzy loved music, her favorite being rap music especially by Tupac. She also enjoyed communicating with friends on her laptop, and visiting different places when she was able (shopping malls, restaurants, fairs, etc.). Her favorite foods were pizza and Chinese, and her favorite drink was Tim Horton's Iced Cappuccino!! She had her faithful companion Gabe, a beautiful golden retriever therapy dog from Canine Helpers, who was around to help and comfort her right till the end. Lizzy was also very much a part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraisers.
Alisa is survived by her mother, Jackie, father, Bob, and several brothers and sisters. Gone, but never forgotten.