In memoriam: Eva Markvoort

Twenty-five-year-old graduate from the Department of Theatre Eva Markvoort succumbed to a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis on March 28. Eva’s indomitable spirit and energy were inspiring to everyone who learned of her struggles. Her blog, “65_RedRoses”, chronicled her experiences with the disease and advocated support for cystic fibrosis and the importance of organ donation. As an acting student, Eva performed in four mainstage productions at the Phoenix Theatre. Her professors remember her as a talented actor and a person who fearlessly embraced every opportunity. In 2007, Eva became too ill to continue her education. Later that year, she received a double lung transplant, which went into chronic rejection last summer. This past February, although she was short two credits, UVic fast-tracked her degree, which was delivered to her hospital room in Vancouver. Eva’s story gained an international presence through a documentary film, also named “65_RedRoses”, which won awards at the 2009 Hot Docs festival in Toronto and the Vancouver International Film Festival. In 2010, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recognized her commitment and advocacy work with the prestigious Summerhayes Award. Eva leaves an inspirational legacy—not only of her tireless efforts for the causes that impassioned her, but also one of strength, love, courage, dignity and hope that has motivated thousands around the world. Donations can be made in Markvoort’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cfvancouver.ca and more information about organ transplants can be found at www.transplant.bc.ca.

Contributed by her friends and professors in the Department of Theatre.