Noblesville Mom of the Year, Elizabeth Theisen

Writer / Kara Reibel

Photographer  /  Brian Brosmer

If you meet Elizabeth Theisen while out running errands, you would have no idea what she deals with on a daily basis, given her laid-back demeanor and composure. Elizabeth has a rare capacity for dealing with adversity that many appreciate. It is said that you aren’t given more than what you can handle, and this can certainly be said for the Theisen family.

Chris and Elizabeth Theisen have three children. Michael, 16, is a sophomore at Noblesville High School, and Jonathon, 7, is a first grader at White River Elementary School. The boys are active; between Michael’s part-time job and Jonathon’s sports schedule, life is pretty busy after school and on the weekends. Their youngest, Emily, is 2 1/2 years old. “Emme,” as she is called, is a gorgeous little girl who was born prematurely, and then they discovered shortly thereafter that something wasn’t quite right.

“Emily wasn’t meeting her milestones, and given that she was a preemie, she wasn’t diagnosed until later,” says Elizabeth. After initial testing, it was discovered that Emily had chronic pancreatitis and a rare metabolic disorder. Extensive testing over spring break with specialists in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia may pinpoint a more detailed diagnosis.

“We have Emily’s DNA being studied strand by strand to find the exact disease and mutation. We’ve been battling the unknown for two years, and it has progressed,” shares Elizabeth.

“Liz is Superwoman,” says Chris. “Taking care of a healthy 2-year-old is a challenge, let alone a sick [2-year-old]. Liz handles Emily’s needs and those of the boys with grace. Juggling our daughter’s daily therapy appointments, making special formula for her and updating the three to four medical specialists, all the while dealing with a sick child who wants to be loved, held and hugged all day as well as managing the boys is beyond a full-time job. Liz is simply amazing with everything she does. This is why I nominated her for Mom of the Year.”

The Theisen family has a wonderful support system. Both sides of the family, friends and Chris’ employer, Flextac, are tremendously supportive.

“The love and support our family provides us is incredible,” says Elizabeth. “If I have to take Emily to Riley at 1 a.m., my dad is here to help with the boys in a matter of minutes when I call.”

Elizabeth’s parents moved up to Noblesville from the southeast side to be closer to their grandchildren, and Elizabeth and Chris are grateful for their proximal location. Chris’ parents come from out of state every few weeks to lend their love and support.

As if caring for her children isn’t enough, Liz also runs a side business which is called Get Wreath It. She has over 16,000 “Likes” on Facebook. The business started on a whim by breathing new life into antiques and old furniture. “I would strip, sand down and refinish something and post a photo, and people started going nuts,” says Liz, who has a specialty with wreaths made from all sorts of interesting repurposed items. She ships her goods all over the country, taking on commissioned work when time allows.

With enough to keep an army busy, Liz stays focused on what she loves. With Emily’s health as a priority, Liz says, “Every day is a new day.”

“Liz is our rock,” says Chris. “She gracefully keeps the family together.”

Please visit Elizabeth’s Facebook page:
Get Wreath It.

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