Eva Markvoort commemorative plaque to be installed in the Queen’s Park Rose Garden

New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has been working with the Brine Markvoort family to finalize details for a commemorative plaque to be installed to honour Eva Markvoort in the Queen’s Park Rose Garden.

“Eva Markvoort was an articulate bright young woman who embodied tremendous courage, determination, and hope,” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “This memorial plaque will serve as a reminder of her strength and ability to inspire untold numbers of people.”

Eva grew up in New Westminster and championed organ donation and cystic fibrosis awareness.  She was featured in an award winning Canadian documentary 65_RedRoses which chronicled her wait for a double lung transplant. Eva blogged candidly about her experience with a chronic disease under the profile name 65redroses. The profile name was chosen because young children often find cystic fibrosis difficult to pronounce, instead calling the disease 65 roses.  For this reason, the Queen’s Park Rose Garden has been chosen as the most fitting location in the City to place a plaque remembering Eva’s legacy. After receiving a double lung transplant in late 2007, Eva Markvoort died March 27, 2010 of cystic fibrosis, aged 25.

“Eva lived passionately and with purpose, leaving a legacy of love and making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in her personal life and in her online community,” said Bill Markvoort, Eva’s father. “She was defined by her challenges related to cystic fibrosis, yet soared above the limitations the disease imposed.”

The idea for the commemorative plaque originated with a neighbourhood friend of the Brine Markvoort’s, and with the help of New Westminster City Council this tribute has become a reality.

The public are invited to attend the unveiling of the plaque in the Queen’s Park Rose Garden on Friday, June 3 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

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For further information please contact:
Rob McCullough
Manager Museums & Heritage Services
or 604-527-4639