65 Red Roses: Eva Markvoort Blogs On Her Life, Love & Death
Posted by Maria Khan | Posted in News, Profiles | Posted on 04-05-2010
Tags: Activism, blogging, Cystic Fibrosis
Comments
On March 27, 2010, Eva Markvoort, 25, former Miss New Westminster and University of Victoria theatre student lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis.
While she was battling with the rare genetic disease that causes mucus to accumulate in the lungs, Markvoort fearlessly took up blogging to share her last few days with the world.
“Hello to the world at large…To my blog, to my friends, to everyone. I have some news today. It’s kinda tough to hear, but I can say it with a smile…My life is ending.” (Death at 25: Blogging the end of a life, CNN).
cynthiana “This is the end of my life, but it’s not the end of my love,” from Eva Markvoort’s blog near the end of her life. Amazing quote. JohnAkerson http://bit.ly/crc5Gu Sad passing of Eva Markvoort. So many people with so much LIFE … live such short lives. R.I.P. Rai_Samit Blogging the end of a life http://bit.ly/ay8jod She made the most of the hand she was dealt R.I.P. #Eva #Markvoort BIAbooks “My life is ending.” Eva Markvoort’s blog detailed her struggle w/cystic fibrosis. Remarkable, valiant, moving, sad. http://bit.ly/95WpH6 jrvfaldas Eva Markvoort a.k.a. 65_RedRoses. Her funeral is today. Saw her documentary. Such Courage. There are 65 red roses waiting for her in heaven. Julianna2221 Just read such an inspiring story about a woman named Eva Markvoort. Look it up on U tube. Never take anything for granted ! RIP ANGEL jennifersteck Eva Markvoort died two days ago from cystic fibrosis. Have you signed your organ donation card yet? http://65redroses.livejournal.com/ beccasaurusroar I work at the theatre that held Eva Markvoort’s memorial. What an inspiring and beautiful soul. I’ve never cried so much at work. 10thToTheFraser Eva Markvoort’s courage in the face of death inspires 65 Red Roses artist fundraiser http://bit.ly/9tlkho
Markvoort had an unsuccessful double lung transplant in 2007, when her body rejected the donated organs. She passed away, awaiting a second donation. Through her blog, 65_REDROSES, Markvoort became a cystic fibrosis campaigner, encouraging organ donors to support others like her.
Her blog won many hearts, including the 2010 Summerhayes award presented to her on behalf of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the Vancouver General Hospital.
The blog’s name 65_REDROSES was influenced by her childhood memories, where she used to mispronounce “cystic fibrosis” as “65 roses”.
Her documentary, 65_RedRoses directed by Vancouver filmmakers Nimisha Mukerji and Philip Lyall won three awards at the 2009 Vancouver International Film Festival.
Two weeks before she died, Markvoort was awarded a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria.
She believed in love and celebrated it for as long as she could.
Eva Markvoort lives today in the hearts of her supporters who continue to gain strength from her work, and her words.
Markvoort blog post, more than finite, January 10, 2010:
“There are moments when i can step back from myself,
evaluate and realize that i am so blissfully happy,
so full of love and sheer goodness, the good times far outweighing the bad these days.”



