1976~2012
A hero has left us.
Lindsay Burns came into this world May 16, 1976 and forever changed the lives of everyone she met. Lindsay was born with a body that did not work. But she had an extraordinary mind that worked overtime to overcome the obstacles in her path. She died Saturday August 25th from complications of a lifelong battle with cystinosis, a rare disease that she shared with her older and beloved brother Paul. She was 36.
Lindsay had an acute awareness of the preciousness of life, having spent a life in and out of the hospital. It’s not a coincidence her name was Lindsay Burns- she burned with a passion for living. Her friends affectionately, and rightly, called her a warrior.
Lindsay Burns lived courageously, with a spectacular feisty wit, self- deprecation and humility, and immense generosity. She never complained. She never judged. She never uttered an ungenerous word against anybody. She was always there for her friends, even when she was fighting deep moments of her own illness. Lindsay’s infectious laugh stirred others into shared fits of laughter and eased everyone’s heart.
Her nickname was “Scrappy Burns.” To her dad Ron, she was “Trooper” and she loved it when he called her that. To her mom and best friend Cheryl, she was lovingly “Linds”.
When Lindsay was blessed with a successful kidney transplant, she named her new organ “Jonny B.Good.” And he was. With new freedom, she joyfully attended and graduated Wilfrid Laurier University (’99), followed by the Ryerson School of Public Health for her post graduate studies (’01). She loved her summer practicum in Brockville, Ontario and the friends she made, and quickly excelled to become a passionate, firm and feisty Public Health inspector in the region of Waterloo. She took tremendous pride in her work. During this time she was liberated by her new independence from medical machines and hospital life. She took every opportunity to celebrate life- never missing a friend’s wedding, a party invite, or a night on the dance floor. A committed letter writer, she composed beautiful letters for her friends apprising them of all that she was living and feeling.
As health complications and setbacks inevitably returned, she chose to courageously face them head on, determined to overcome. When her brother Paul died ahead of her in 2004, she tattooed a pair of boxing gloves with his name on her leg, a reminder of his fighting spirit, and her own.
When she was forced to have her leg amputated, she determinedly set to strengthening her body and her mind. She became a champion to all in her wheelchair, delighting to show everyone her new maneuvers. She was committed that it would not slow down her experience of life. And when she was told that she would have to lose her second leg, she made the choice, like she did with everything in her life. With a promise to not be defeated.
Lindsay’s final challenge was to say good-bye to this world and everyone she knew in it. She loved life. She didn’t sleepwalk through it like most of us. She embraced it.
In her last days, she quietly asked for insight and help into what dying and death would be like. She chose to courageously ask the hardest questions. In all her time’ she never let this option in.
Helped by the guiding words of her mom, Lindsay focused her mind on the beauty of what was next. She committed. And moments after this conversation, she let go. She joined her brother Paul, and her grandmother and grandfather. No longer tied to her body, she is free to soar.
The life Lindsay was given was far from perfect; but she taught us how to live. Perfectly.
Lindsay leaves behind her mom Cheryl, her dad Ron and stepmom Terri and her cat Squeaks. As well as a multitude of friends forever changed by her presence and example.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for their tireless care and loving hearts of the Credit Valley Hospital ICU unit, Dialysis Unit and 2B. And for the round the clock help Lindsay received from friends and family, especially during the last several weeks.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Lindsay’s name to Credit Valley Hospital, North Bramalea United Church or the charity of your choice.
An honoring of Lindsay’s life will be held on Friday September 7th, 2012. Visitation at 12 noon followed by a service at 1:00pm at North Bramalea United Church (363 Howden Blvd; Brampton Ontario, L6S 4L3)
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5