>> edwards was seen as smart, strong, dignified. loving mother of four. wade edwards, her oldest child died in a car accident in 1996 when he was 16. her daughter kate went on to study law. elizabeth edwards had her third child emma claire when she was 48 and son jack at age 50. in 2004, edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer. she discovered a lump while campaigning for her husband. in 2007 after treatment, she announced the cancer returned and her husband's campaign would continue. >> john said last week people asked how i'm doing and he said she's cancer-free. that turned out not to be true. >> john edwards ended the campaign in 2008. late they're year he admitted to having an affair. elizabeth edwards was a woman of conviction and champion of causes, staunch supporter of gay marriage and healthcare reform and wrote two books chronicling her life. the first saving graces