Eva Markvoort

Eva Markvoort

"an intro?". That's how Eva Markvoort started her live-journal blog in 2006. Eva was a Student at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada. She was diagnosed with a deadly and incurable genetic disorder known as Cystic Fibrocis. CF causes thick mucus to line the digestive and respiratory tracts. The most serious effect is difficulty breathing, though it has other side effects as well. Her story has touched people all over the world and has raised awareness for her plight. Because of her bravery and strength, she has become a huge hero in the world of medical research and awareness.

Eva was born in New Westminster on March 31st, 1984. In 2006, Eva started a blog about her experiences with Cystic Fibrosis. She named it 65_redroses because "65 roses" is a malapropism for Cystic Fibrosis, and red was her favourite colour. In 2007, Eva had a seemingly successful double lung transplant. However, not long after, she was diagnosed with chronic rejection. Her body was not accepting the new lungs. She died on March 27th, 2010 at the Vancouver General Hospital. Eva blogged about her life, family and experiences for four years before succumbing to Cystic Fibrosis. She has inspired many, not only locally, but all around the world.

Eva had courage. She was brave enough to sacrifice her privacy for others who have been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. It may seem like a small thing to do, but because of this, she has been able to emotionally help and raise awareness for people diagnosed with everything from CF to cancer. Throughout her many surgeries and trips to the hospital, she never stopped posting on her blog. She never stopped helping others through their problems.

Eva at the hospital

Inner strength is not a trait that is particularly common, but it certainly was present in Eva's heart. To many people, she became a beacon of strength in a world of suffering. Living with CF is never easy but Eva wasn't only fighting for herself, she was fighting for people she knew she could help. She knew that even in a time of pain for her, if she could provide support for people in need, she should.

Eva's goodbye video received over 150 000 views in under 24 hours. Her blog has spurred a revolution of young people who now can help people like her. There has been an astonishing amount of events that have continued to raise funds and awareness after Eva has passed away. There has even been a film made about Eva's amazing journey and how she has made an impact around the globe. The world is just overflowing with compassion and kindness towards people with CF. Eva's life has made a spark for something that I hope can now become a wildfire.