Central Florida woman dies of cancer before marriage to partner, birth of their son

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Written by: Steve Rothaus

A Central Florida woman died Nov. 3 of cancer before she could marry her partner and just before the birth of their son, Equality Florida announced Thursday. “Marriage equality will come too late for one Florida family. Liz Molina, 35, passed away on Monday,” Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith wrote to supporters.

More from the mailing:

“Liz and Joan Rodriguez wanted to get married in Florida, and together, raise the child due to be born any day now. But the state of Florida blocked their path to marriage and an aggressive cancer took Liz's life,” Smith said.

“The lack of protections marriage would have provided Joan and Liz has left the family financially fragile and unable to pay for Liz's church ceremony and celebration of life or fully prepare for the birth of their son. We can't allow this additional tragedy,” Smith said. Equality Florida is seeking to raise $10,000 to cover immediate costs for the Molina-Rodriquez family.

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