It's in the MEMORIES!

It is a sad day int he CF community. On Saturday March 27th, 2010 a dear friend, and star of 65 Red Roses, Eva Markvoort passed away. She was a bright, beautiful and strong woman. She gave hope to millions who suffered with Cystic Fibrosis and the decision to take the next step in having transplant.

As many of you know, I have already made that choice, and I am feeling wonderful. But when I heard about Eva being sick, I wanted nothing more than to take her pain away. Just as I want nothing more than to take anyones pain away. CF is not a nice disease to have, it plays mind games, and treats you like a punching bag. It severs your train of thought, when you want to say "No I can't do this anymore." You end up saying, give that one drug another chance, it worked before maybe it will work again.

Eva's life was filled with laughter and pride. A strong heart and family and friends, helped to keep her spirits up. When she started having her complications, with the Chronic rejection and all I wanted to give her what I could, and I couldn't give he the one thing she needed the most... NEW LUNGS.

My husband has been gone this past week, and I have had time to reflect on my surgery and everything that it involved. All the doctors, and the nurses, and specialists. I can't imagine, or don't want to imagine what it's like to live on the other side of this earth. I do not want to know if there will be someone waiting for me, when I cross that line. I am not afraid of death, I have said this before and I will say it again, over and over... I am not afraid to die, I am afraid of leaving my family behind.

We take with us the things that make us happy, the things that bring a smile or small little laugh to our lips. But do we ever consider the things that made us stronger? The things that made us cry, made us hurt and made us lose control of our emotions. Why don't we think of those things. Is it because it is so painful... it's a part of who we are, and what we have become, so why deny it.

Eva, if you are looking over my shoulder tonight reading this, you are a courageous and gifted young lady. Who has taught so many people to be who they really are, and not a blank page of nothing. You encouraged Organ Donation and showed what it can do for you, and me, and everyone else. I will try to continue your legacy, and your determination in this matter.

To your family, who will read this, I am dedicating my Great Strides walk in your memory. You will live on forever int he documentary of your life, and your friends. May you always look into the mirror and see what we all see. Because it is a beautiful sight.

To find out more about Organ donation and the gift of life please visit:

www.giftoflife.ca

and for more information on Cystic Fibrosis, check out:

www.ccff.ca
www.cysticfibrosis.net

Peace to the world.

An article from the Vancouver Sun about Eva. We miss you beautiful girl!

http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/beautiful+girl+Markvoort+loses+fight+with+cystic+fibrosis/2737145/story.html

EVA WON THE SUMMERHAYES AWARD THIS YEAR 2010.
SEE THE VIDEO AT THE LINK BELOW,
IT WILL MAKE YOU CRY, SHE'S SO SPECIAL.

http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/Video+Markvoort+receives+2010+Summerhayes+Award/2737736/story.html