Dorothy Liu-Bottary

Dearest friends, family, and potential donors, we welcome you with open arms as Dorothy would. Thank you for considering a donation toward a cause that is near and dear to our hearts.    

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Dorothy had a typical childhood. The youngest of three, she emulated her siblings, played sports and hung out with friends. She had the unique ability to find enjoyment and humor in any situation. Behind her sweet and low-key personality was someone with extraordinary courage and resolve. She committed her life to taking care of others while waging her own battle with HHT.

Dorothy’s love for life science coupled with her caring nature led her to pursue a career in medicine. After college, she served for Teach for America as a high school math teacher in Providence, RI. She then went to medical school at Brown University before her surgery residency at UMass Memorial Hospital and trauma fellowship at Temple University. Dorothy worked as a trauma surgeon at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where she lived her professional dream for four short but meaningful months.

Her early symptoms of HHT were misdiagnosed as asthma. Her symptoms gradually worsened and, towards the end of her second year of medical school, a trip to the emergency room revealed the true cause of her breathing difficulty: HHT. At the time of her diagnosis, she had already developed another rare disease -- Pulmonary Hypertension.

Dorothy realized early on that her path to becoming a physician would be challenging but she never complained, never burdened others with her suffering, never wanted to miss a shift even when she was experiencing heart failure. Her zest for life, quiet resolve, and unwavering dedication to caring for others kept her going even as she managed her own complicated medical condition.      

She didn’t slow down as her health deteriorated, doing everything she could to be a good physician, teammate, friend, and daughter/sister/wife. Dorothy was an amazingly supportive and committed partner. She had just as much dedication to her life outside of medicine as she did in the operating room. She didn't let her condition limit her lofty dreams or dampen her kind and loving spirit.

Dorothy passed suddenly of a blood clot at the young age of 35. She was brought to the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital emergency department, where she was surrounded by her loved ones and colleagues.  

We have set up this fund to carry on Dorothy’s legacy of dedication and courage. Thank you for your thoughts, words, and support. Dorothy will forever be missed and never forgotten.