Tragically, 65_RedRoses' Eva Markvoort posts a goodbye video

by Craig Takeuchi on Feb 15, 2010 at 1:26 pm

Tragic and heartbreaking news.

Inspirational 25-year-old  Eva Markvoort from New Westminster, whose struggle with cystic fibrosis was the subject of the documentary 65_RedRoses, posted a goodbye video on her blog a few days ago to announce that she is losing her valiant battle.

Although she managed to get a double-lung  transplant in 2007, she continued to struggle with chronic rejection, which is the failure of  a recipient's  body to accept transplanted organs.

This past weekend, the documentary opened the Available Light Film Festival in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Filmmakers Philip Lyall and Nimisha Mukerji had informed me that after several screenings at the Vancouver International Film Festival (which was brought back by popular demand), numerous viewers had been inspired by her story to become organ donors.

I had the honour of meeting Eva at the Vancouver International Film Festival last year. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious, and her resilient spirit was truly admirable.

I am deeply saddened by this news, and am at a loss for words. My thoughts are with her and her family right now.

Please visit her blog to leave messages for Eva, and also to learn more about her story.

To learn more about the film or how to become an organ donor, please visit the film's Web site.

Comments (14) Add New Comment
I.Olearnik
Feb 18, 2010 at 7:37 am
Dear Eva,

I was amazed by your vitality and love of life when I waatched your video the other day. You truly are a remarkable person and I will pray for you every day .

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Irene Olearnik
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me
Feb 25, 2010 at 1:08 am
is Eva still with us?
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ela
Feb 25, 2010 at 5:13 pm


May God bless you and keep you safe.

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L.Peters
Mar 18, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Everyone who does, please pray for Eva right now as you read this, please. Thanks.
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Leaf
Mar 27, 2010 at 11:54 am
Eva passed away this morning at 930am.
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Kitty Chavarie
Mar 27, 2010 at 10:26 pm
SO sad for Eva's family, happy that Eva doesn't have to struggle to breathe anymore. My heart is heavy. I have pledged to help cure this awful curse by riding my bike with a group of worthy riders from Vancouver to Banff...raise as much money as possible and pedal our butts off for you and others like you Eva. We love you too
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Joy Whipple
Apr 2, 2010 at 5:50 am
I had never heard of Eva before today...WOW how she has touched my heart. I don't know much about being an organ donor but years ago had agreed to it just thinking it would be a good thing to do...Now I have a heart felt reason THANK YOU EVA!!!! My condolences to her family and how proud they must be of her...
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Bob Trowell
Apr 2, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Thank you for allowing your story to be told Eva. I heard there's been an increase in people signing donor cards. You've left a wonderful legacy. Thank you and may God keep you safe.
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Helen Gabriel
Jul 27, 2010 at 12:09 am
Eva may have only lived a short 25 years but look at the lives she touched! She seemed to live every day to the fullest. I didn't know who Eva was till tonight when I saw her story on CBC's Passionate Eye and she sure did touch my heart and she's been gone now for 4 months. What a brave girl! To Eva's family, I'm sorry you had to loose such a beautiful daughter and sister. As I watched, I hoped for a different ending. She touched more people and encourage more people in her 25 years than most do in a full lifetime. God Bless you!
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curefinder4cf
Mar 27, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Its been a year since this world became less shiny, less "red", yet love abounds. You are missed. I was re-watching your video blog and saw how hard you cried when told that 35 years from now, people will know who you are. I know now, that you thought that amazing because you wouldn't be here. Today you are as fresh as ever on my mind and in my heart. We are raising money always for a cure, hoping and praying for one to come soon. Much love to your amazingly courageous family. Blessings, Gareth's mom
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mandy grows on
Jan 30, 2012 at 8:53 pm
I can truly say that this young, amazing girl has changed my life forever. I am an addict, in recovering and seeing her film has inspiried me to be a better person, to make the most out of life and to live for love and be loved. Life is too short and she lived her to the fullest. RIP you beautiful, amazing lady
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Ryan Sapach
Apr 6, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Love is the greatest thing to learn and to be loved in return. Eva , There is place in the human heart that only Love can touch. That only Love can know, that only Love can understand, you have touched it with your life. You have shown what it is to live life and love. You have a special place in many people's abiding love and hearts including mine, and how to let it bloom. People need to love as you have loved. the world would be a better place. You have made the world a better place Eva
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Julia you
May 3, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Eva 65 red roses is everything to me now and every time I see red rose I think of you !!!God bless you and RIP!!!!!!
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Red for Eva
May 3, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Just saw your story on "OWN". Even to this day you are saving tens of thousands of Lives. You are an Angel. God bless.
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