We would like to pay special tribute to our friend, 2004 Michael Brennan Courage Award recipient, Ellie Levy, who lost her battle to cystic fibrosis. The world lost a beautiful, strong young woman who fought against CF and embodied what it is to stand brave every single day. Everyone at BEF sends our deepest condolences to Eliie’s parents, Brian and Stacy, to her family, friends, and anyone else touched by Ellie and her story. She was a special young woman who faced death the same way she faced life – with strength, dignity, and grace. Today, we are reminded why we fight this fight – why BEF exists – and how much work we still have to do.
More about Ellie:
Ellie Levy was diagnosed with CF at birth. Despite the trials she faced because of the disease, she fought hard to live an active and productive life. Ellie attended Florida Gulf Coast University, where she studied philosophy and communications. Her academic interest in existentialism and existential death awareness led to Ellie’s assisting in creating and teaching a course on the philosophy of death and dying. She had several articles published and was a representative for the Reach for the Stars Foundation. Her passions were learning, helping others, writing, music, and performance.