Greater Cincinnati is remembering the legacy of longtime Local 12 medical reporter Liz Bonis.
Bonis, who was also a registered dietician, died at her home on April 30 after a three-year-long battle with colon cancer, the station reported. Since her diagnosis in April 2023, Bonis had undergone five surgeries and six clinical trials.
Bonis’ death stunned the Greater Cincinnati region, as Local 12 stated, “she told no one about her fight.” Instead, she “reported vigorously on new medical technology and cancer treatments even as her options dwindled.”
Even in her last days, Bonis was at her desk and reported on new medical technology and cancer treatments, the station said. She began working at Local 12 in 2002.
Following her death, viewers and those who’ve known Bonis took to social media to honor her legacy.
‘I am alive and well because of her’
Sherry Patterson met Bonis in 2021 when she did a story on her health. Patterson was in need of a life-saving liver transplant, and she says she “would not be here without Liz.”
“Liz connected me with the doctor who got me my liver,” she said, adding that the two ended up becoming friends. “She literally saved my life.”
Patterson said Bonis connected her with a doctor who was able to get her a liver in three days. She underwent the transplant Oct. 30, 2021.
“I am alive and well because of her,” she said. Patterson is just one of the many people who shared loving messages following Bonis’ death.
Greater Cincinnati honors the legacy of Local 12 reporter Liz Bonis
From local businesses to colleagues and Local 12 viewers, it’s clear Bonis touched and inspired the lives of many. Here are some of the social media posts sending love to the longtime reporter.
Take a look at some of the ways Bonis is being remembered:
Memorial service of Liz Bonis
Bonis was preceded in death by James Harrison, her work-husband photojournalist at Local 12, who died in February, as well as her mother, Esther J. Bonis, father Col. Austin J. Bonis and brother Peter, according to Local 12.
Her family requests privacy as arrangements for her and her mother’s burial in Washington D.C. are finished.
Details on Bonis’ obituary and memorial service will be shared through Local 12 in the near future.
(This story was updated to add new information and a photo.)
The Enquirer’s Gillian Stawiszynski contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Greater Cincinnati honors Local 12 reporter Liz Bonis on social media
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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