Cassidy Cooper, 22, of Port Coquitlam, has received the prestigious national Eva Markvoort Award for her volunteer leadership with Cystic Fibrosis Canada. The award was presented by Eva’s father, Bill Markvoort.
Eva Markvoort was a young woman from New Westminster who passed away from cystic fibrosis at the age of 25. She blogged about her life, family and experiences, including undergoing a lung transplant and her subsequent transplant rejection that was also part of a documentary film about her life called "65_Redroses." She left a legacy of love and made a difference in the lives of thousands of people both in her personal life and in her online community.
The Eva Markvoort Leadership Award recognises an individual between the ages of 20 and 35 years of age who has displayed outstanding leadership and made an exceptional, inspirational and motivational contribution to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
“I was struck by some of the common characteristics shared by both Cassidy and Eva,” said Bill. “Both started volunteering early on. And both had the exceptional ability to pull others into their orbit to assist in the CF cause. Whether it was helping at the Gala, event organizing at the CF office, joining in the CF walk, Christmas carolling for CF or later on in organizing Lawn Summer Nights, both young women showed an unwavering sense of purpose.”
“Eva and Cassidy were both drawn to the visual arts. Eva attended and graduated in the theatre program at UVic culminating in her documentary role in 65_Red Roses about her journey through transplant, and Cassidy is graduating this year from Capilano College having produced and directed a film about CF.”
Cooper was one of 14 volunteers and groups recognised for their voluntary efforts to raise awareness and essential funds for cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy.
