Lizzy's Story: A Journey of Courage and Hope
In Lizzy’s Walk of Faith, John and Jennifer Wampler share a deeply moving account of their daughter Lizzy's courageous battle against pediatric cancer. This powerful memoir offers an intimate look at their family’s experience, revealing how a personal tragedy became a beacon of hope for others.
When Lizzy, a vibrant nine-year-old with a passion for dancing and Legos, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, her family’s world was turned upside down. From their home in Columbia, MO, to the renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Wamplers faced the unthinkable with unwavering strength and resilience.
This heartfelt story chronicles Lizzy’s journey through her illness and her profound impact on everyone she met. Through their story, John and Jennifer reveal how their personal tragedy inspired others, leading them to create Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation. Their mission? To advance cancer research and offer vital support to families navigating similar struggles.
In these pages, readers will find a powerful testament to the human spirit, filled with raw honesty, emotional depth, and the enduring power of love. As John and Jennifer recount their experiences and share the lessons learned, they offer hope, resilience, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Lizzy’s Walk of Faith is more than just a memoir; it’s a celebration of a little girl’s extraordinary life and a call to action for anyone touched by the challenges of childhood cancer. Join the Wamplers on this inspiring journey and discover how one family’s love can change the world.
Lizzy’s Strong Journey with Cancer
Lizzy lived a normal girl’s life of jumping rope, gymnastics, riding bikes, and playing with Barbie Dolls. She was spunky, thoughtful, joyful and loving. Her life was forever changed when she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in 2016. For the next 15 months, Lizzy was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Tragically, on March 15th, 2018, Lizzy bravely and courageously finished her battle to bone cancer. Though Lizzy was featured on the NBC Today Show, displayed on the menu in 3,500 Chili's Restaurants, honored at professional and college sporting events, recorded 3 songs, starred in a Target video with Chip and Joanna Gaines and multiple national St. Jude commercials, Lizzy's greatest accomplishment was positively impacting and touching lives everywhere she went. Her passion for her purpose of faith, generosity and compassion kept her strong throughout her journey.
Lizzy's Legacy Lives On
Lizzy’s race against cancer, as well as too many others, ended too soon due to the need for a cure for Osteosarcoma. Her last contribution was her desire to donate parts of her body to St. Jude for further research and help in finding a cure for Osteosarcoma. Lizzy’s legacy will live on and continue to impact others through the foundation’s ability to build a support system for others going through the same hardships.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Commitment to Children Fighting Cancer: Awareness
We are committed to spreading awareness about Osteosarcoma and pediatric cancer. While Lizzy may not be with us, we know she would want us to help spread awareness about pediatric cancer as we aspire to share Lizzy’s story and cast her vision for a cure. The treatment plan that was given to Lizzy was developed over 30 years ago and hasn’t changed since its inception. The chemotherapy that is used is also designed for an adult body but is being used on children. Simply put, we need better treatment for children fighting Osteosarcoma!
Supporting Local & Non-Local Families
Lizzy’s Foundation helps relieve the burden of financial strain on local and non-local families facing childhood cancer. When your family is going through hardships, we don’t want you to worry about the financial burden, but instead solely focus on your child and being there for them. We want to support families fighting cancer so that they have a sense of comfort in an otherwise devastating time.
Finding a Cure for Osteosarcoma & Pediatric Cancer
While spreading awareness and helping families are part of our mission, so is finding a cure for Osteosarcoma and pediatric cancer. Days before Lizzy passed away, with tears in her eyes, looked up at her mother and shared her last wish. Lizzy wished that no child would have to suffer the way she suffered. The Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation is here to continue the fight against cancer. Currently we are on track to give $90,000 to St. Jude for pediatric cancer research. The Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation is here to continue the fight against cancer.
What Lizzy’s Family is Currently Up To
John and Jennifer are moving forward by faith and are focusing on raising their other two wonderful children. They receive much joy by supporting other families going through pediatric cancer. Much healing is found in creating and sharing podcasts that gives families the tools needed to navigate the journey through pediatric cancer.
Hannah has graduated from High School and is now working part-time while attending Community College. Daniel is entering his Junior year of High School while playing Soccer, Basketball and Baseball. Both greatly miss their sister and carry her memories with them each day.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors for Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation help with finances, organization and the annual 5k run. We are very grateful for their help and dedication to Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation.
Brent Hazelrigg
Dr. Joe Carson
Kelli Carson
Join Us For Lizzy's Annual 5K Walk/Run
Every fall, in honor of Pediatric Awareness Month we organize a 5K walk/run. Hundreds of people from all over the United States gather to support children fighting a battle with cancer & remember those who have passed away from this horrible disease. All proceeds raised from the event benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation.
Blog & Podcast Coming Soon
We are so excited to start a blog and podcast discussing Lizzy and our families journey through cancer. We hope these blog posts and podcasts will help families who may be going through a similar trial. We know the hardships that come with having a family member with cancer and while we may not personally know you and your story, we hope our blog will lift your spirits in a time of darkness. Check back soon for more information.
