In 2004 Elizabeth Edwards became a household name, thanks to John Kerry placing her husband on the presidential ticket. In the six years the country got to know her, Elizabeth endured sadness and strife. Here is a timeline: » Nov. 4, 2004 — A day after her husband, John, and running mate John Kerry lose the election, news outlets report that Elizabeth Edwards has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
» Dec. 26, 2006 — John Edwards announces his intention to run for president again.
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» March 22, 2007 — John and Elizabeth Edwards hold a news conference announcing that Elizabeth’s cancer has returned. John Edwards remains in the race. He drops out in January 2008, leaving Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to battle it out.
» July 21, 2008 — John Edwards is caught by the National Enquirer visiting his mistress Rielle Hunter and their love child at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Before this story, most of the reports alleging the affair have flown under the radar.
» May 2009 — Elizabeth Edwards’ book “Resilience” is released; in it she discusses how she survived her husband’s affair.
» Dec. 7, 2010 — Elizabeth Edwards passes away. President Obama and Vice President Biden release statements almost immediately, praising Elizabeth. “In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain,” Obama says. “Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up. But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration.”
