65_RedRoses in Vancouver, BC

This one speaks for itself.
Eva with the directors of 65_RedRoses.

Me, Eva, and T. One our friends is in the hospital and her birthday was the day of the movie so we got this shot for her.

This sign was outside of the restaurant and brewery where we had lunch on Saturday. T had some yummy lobster ravioli and I had tasty fish and chips!

A view from the water front.

What an amazing weekend! My friend T invited me last month to the premier of 65_RedRose ( http://www.65redroses.com/ ), a documentary about her friend Eva and her journey through transplant. I of course said I would go! I got my passport, a new dress, and was ready to go!

We went to BC on Friday. She picked me up on her way from Eugene, OR. We got asked about a million questions at the border. I'm still trying to figure out what T working or not working has to do with us going to Canada. Same for Eva. So they finally let us through and we headed for Vancouver! We found our hotel, wresteled our luggage up on a luggage cart. You'd be suprised how much crap a CFer requires for a 2 night stay. Once we got some what settled in the room we hopped online and into the chat room. Many of the CFers that go to chat regularly were quite jealous that T and I got to be there. Pretty soon we went in search of dinner. We quickley discovered that the only things available in that neighborhood at that time was sushi and pizza. So we picked a sushi place that looked good and stuffed ourselves.

We slept in on Saturday and took our time getting ready to head out and explore the city. We did a little shopping, I added to my shot glass collection! After lunch we headed back to the hotel so that we could rest up a bit before we headed to the movie and then the after party. We were both so excited to get dressed up. And I was so looking forward to meeting Eva!

FINALLY it was time to get ready and head out. The theater was only a few blocks from the hotel so we walked. Unfortunately I was having issues with my shoes. The strap wanted to come off of me heal. But eventually we made it. We were a little early and they weren't seating for out showing yet so we waited in line. Then they started seating and I was SO excited.

I don't want to reveal too much about the film but I will say that I thought it was wonderful! I laughed, and I cried quite a bit. The directors didn't hide anything. They showed the moments when Eva was hurting, sick, frustrated, and angry. They didn't portray transplant as cure, because its not. The film was raw and honest and that's what I loved about it. Eva is such a beautiful person and so full of life. Her and her family are letting strangers into their lives with this film and I thank them for that. Anything that raises awareness for CF and organ transplantation is a good thing. Eva is an amazing woman and an inspiration and I personally would like to thank her and her family for their willingness to do this project.

A BC transplant organization was there to register people to become donors. As T and I were leaving the theater we saw so many people filling out the donor cards. It really touched us. This film inspired all these people to literally give themselves to others should they die. One day they may save someone's life and that is such an amazing thing. Please support organ donation, tell your family that you want to donate your organs. Something good really can come from a tragedy.

After the movie was a party at a bar across the street. I was honored to be able to speak with Eva and her family. I was able to thank the directors for making the film. I met some of Eva's friends who are just as in awe of her as I am. She really is full of life. She was suprised at how many people came to see the film and then wanted to talk to her. I have to say that I had a fabulous time.

We were getting tired around midnight and decided to take a cab back to the hotel. We relaxed a bit, got on our computers, but before too long we were asleep. This morning we packed up all of our stuff and headed home. Thanks to T for inviting me, I had a great time!