Distinguished Service
Elizabeth (Liz) Wood is a surgical nurse who has a huge heart. She organized a monumental effort to save the life a a child, Billy Ponto, who was very ill and faced certain death. Liz arranged for the doctors, hospital, housing and even raised the money to cover all the expenses. Liz is someone who sees a need and then just finds a way to gather resources and partnerships to meet the need.
It was an honor to recognize Liz, for her heart and amazing tenacity. International Friends of Compassion presented the first Distinguished Service Award to Liz on October 14th. She was surprised and in the expected response, she minimized her part in the effort to save Billy. We all know, she did all the heavy lifting and deserves the honor.
Peter Scarborough wrote, “There are a few things that really stand out with Liz. Her compassion for people and her ability to get help for them. We have seen this particularly in the cases of Billy and Tison. Liz has seen the needs and moves mountains to respond to the needs. We here in Indonesia, want to thank Liz so much for all the amazing help she has provided, she is dependable and well worthy of the honor bestowed upon her.” There are so many who love and respect Liz. Epen Akay, our friend and translator, said this, ” You (Liz) are an amazing woman, with such an incredible compassionate heart. All your efforts and spirit, that you gave to save Billy Ponto’s life is such an encouragement to me. It is a privilege to be able to know you. You are an inspiration!” We all agree Liz is an inspiration and deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.