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Title: In memory of Linda Evans Post by: Dan Hebert on January 15, 2009, 10:49:41 AM Linda Evans has been a paddler with Eye of the Dragon since 1994. On January 3, 2009 she lost a long battle with cancer and will be missed by all who knew her including her teammates.
Linda worked for the CNIB for 30 years as a Rehabilitation Teacher and provided continuous care and support for the visually impaired community. She took great pleasure in volunteering her time at the Bowen Island camp for the visually impaired and the Vancouver Folk Festival Society. She is survived by her brother Brian who still paddles with the team and several other family members in BC. A celebration of Linda's life will be held on Saturday January 17, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. at the CNIB Auditorium, 100 - 5055 Joyce Street, Vancouver. (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j309/danhebert/Linda%20Evans/IMG_0415_5_q001.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j309/danhebert/Linda%20Evans/LizLinda.jpg) Profile of Linda Evans, written September 2008 I have been blind from birth from retinopathy of prematurity. For about a 10-year period, it was thought that high concentrations of oxygen in the incubator would allow babies to survive and thrive. Many babies lost their sight because extra blood vessels grew in the back of the eye causing the retina to detach. Now the level of oxygen is carefully monitored but at the time the medical profession was doing what was thought to be right. My parents worked hard to make sure that I would grow up to be independent and lead a productive life. They had to teach me how to do many things that sighted children learn by watching what is going on around them. I was lucky to have my grandfather living with us when I was a baby and toddler, and he took an interest in my development. I was slow to crawl and walk; I did not see things around me that I wanted to go after, as sighted babies do. My grandfather taught me to crawl when I was a year old by placing me in the right position, then pushing my legs up so that I would have to move my arms ahead. When I was two, he taught me to walk by having me push a doll buggy filled with rocks. I was a timid child who didn’t like to go too far from home by myself for fear of getting lost. I didn’t like to run around, because I so often fell or ran into poles, trees etc., getting hurt. I was not an active child; there were not many opportunities for wholesome physical activity. In my twenties I joined the Sons of Norway program Ski for Light, providing cross-country skiing for blind and visually impaired skiers, which gave me a chance to become active in the outdoors. But the Eye of the Dragon was an even better opportunity for me to become physically active, because we practice twice a week for more than six months. Paddling made me feel strong, gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment and enabled me to be part of a team. I have enjoyed the camaraderie with teammates, travel, increased fitness level, and a chance to do some public education regarding the abilities of the visually impaired. I joined the team in its first year, so had many years to both reap the rewards and contribute to a team which has meant so much to me. I miss dragon boating. Linda We miss you Linda EOTD Title: Re: In memory of Linda Evans Post by: mandachan on January 15, 2009, 04:57:58 PM This hits extremely close to home, as I am losing my mother to cancer as we speak. She is in the hospital right now.
I can't tell you how much I feel for Linda's family and friends. Even though I have never met Linda personally, she is someone I feel like I know. Please know you have all my respect. |