Is is people like 83 year old Elizabeth Laird that become staples in our military communities because of their heart.
In central Texas, Elizabeth is known by her nickname, the “Hug Lady.” She’s called this because she travels to Fort Hood in order give departing troops a hug before they are deployed.
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Elizabeth has been doing this since 2003 and given out over 500,000 hugs!
Her warmth is felt by thousands a year as her hugs are a beautiful gesture of warmth and caring. And when troops return home – you guessed it – she’s there welcoming them home to our great United States with open arms.
But one day, Elizabeth was absent. No one has known this but Elizabeth has spent the past 11 years fighting breast cancer and was put into the hospital.
When the troops noticed, and they did notice, they found out about her illness and the troops began visiting her in the hospital!
Staff Sargent Jarvez Wilkes told NBC News;
“It would be my honor to give her a hug in her time of need. I made it my business to get down here and show her a little love because she’s shown me plenty of love.”
The soldiers started a GoFundMe page in order to help cover Elizabeth’s medical expenses, and have since raised over $85,000.
Elizabeth’s son, Richard Dewees, said;
“The outpouring of people, the comments coming in, it’s amazing. She’s touched this many people in that way with just a simple hug.”
To contribute to Elizabeth GoFundMe Page go here.
Do you know anyone as amazing as Elizabeth? Let us know in the comments below!
