Libby’s Story

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Shelly de Jong

July 30, 1969 - July 3, 2023

On September 16, 2016, Elizabeth’s life took a sharp turn. A few months of hip and leg pain culminated in her femur breaking due to two previously unknown tumors. These tumors, along with one in her lung, two in her lymph nodes, and a brain lesion, led Libby to Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Following nearly a week of tests, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and a bronchoscopy, Elizabeth received the devastating diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. To say Elizabeth and her loved ones were shocked is an understatement—Elizabeth had no risk factors and showed no symptoms of lung cancer.