Larisa's Legacy

With Larisa's example before us, this book was created to honor compassion for the human condition, to illustrate the timelessness of human connections, and to inspire others to face death and the dying process courageously.

Larisa Caldwell (1978 - 1997)

On November 14, 1978, Glenda Brooks gave birth to a daughter, Larisa. Cherished by those around her, Larisa grew into a uniquely accepting adolescent. She always opened her heart and mind to others and understood diversity as life's way of making the world more meaningful. She committed herself to human social service and was outspoken about HIV/AIDS peer education throughout her high school years. As a young adult, she learned that self-examination is important for personal growth and never allowed the adversities she encountered to control her life.

April 1997 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for Larisa and those who loved her. Within a two-week period of time, Larisa was accepted to the University of Oregon honors program, was awarded a presidential scholarship, and was selected as a summer intern with the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. She was also diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer.

She accepted these opposing circumstances as neither negative nor positive and was determined to remain focused on connecting with those she loved. Whether discussing her fears of death or asking people to share meaningful life stories, Larisa proved that one can triumph over physical frailty and create eternal intimacy with others.

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