Liz Tilberis

OCRF’s First President
(September 7, 1947 – April 21, 1999)

Liz Tilberis was a mother and wife; an advocate and editor; a leader and friend – and she devoted herself entirely to each of these roles. Wherever she went, her smile radiated and her eyes sparkled. Only Liz could talk about champagne cocktails and “chemo-cocktails,” as she called them, in the same breath. With her abundant energy and her infectious sense of humor, she taught those around her how to live each day to the fullest.

For Liz, surviving ovarian cancer meant not letting the disease run her life as life is too precious and there is simply too much to do. Her endless optimism never allowed her illness to overshadow her courage and style. She never complained about battling cancer because she considered it a waste of time—she had a magazine to publish, her sons to care for and funds to raise for OCRF.

Liz fought her battle with ovarian cancer openly because she wanted to help others and was vigilant in her efforts to educate women, increase awareness and advance research. She was confident that a breakthrough was around the corner and was determined to fund research until we got there. Liz lost her six-year battle with ovarian cancer, but her memory lives on through her family, her book, and the work of OCRF, and now OCRA.

“Liz came from one place, and that was love… She made everyone feel good.” Donna Karan

“The cancer never defeated Liz. It took her body, but she never surrendered her will or her spirit, not once… Her wonderful nature seemed to shine through everything.” Andrew Tilberis

“Liz was the snap, crackle and pop of the fashion world.” Blaine Trump

“[Her] remarkable courage was what those of us who knew Liz will remember most about her… When others might have retreated from the spotlight, she used her platform as a vehicle to raise awareness and research dollars.” Hillary Rodham Clinton