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Elizabeth Edwards Passes

Elizabeth Edwards endured a lot while dealing with her diagnoses with breast cancer. 

Just Monday we learned that the cancer spread to her liver and that doctors had advised against seeking further treatment.

She was resting comfortably at her home in North Carolina with family, and former husband John Edwards by her side earlier this week.

Edwards helped propel her husband into the spotlight during his second bid - this time during the 2008 presidential campaign, only to find out that the man she revered had an affair with a campaign worker.

The details were painted out in a book written by former Edwards campaign manager, Andrew Young titled, The Politician.

Mrs. Edwards was also a writer, having authored two books:  Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers, and Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities.  She also shared her story with this year's Kennedy Center Honors recipient, Oprah Winfrey.  

Mrs. Edwards was a woman who had been scorned, not once, but at least twice, while being portrayed as a person of strength and courage during her most darkest of days. 

Both the President and Vice President have made comments on her passing:

President Obama: "In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain.  Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up.  But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration."

Vice President Biden: “Elizabeth Edwards fought a brave battle against a terrible, ravaging disease that takes too many lives every day.  She was an inspiration to all who knew her, and to those who felt they knew her."

In the days before her death, Edwards wrote these words on her FaceBook page: 

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel towards everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

Elizabeth Edwards was 61.
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