Eva ... love and light

Eva Basler Demirjian

Love and Light! Eva needs us.

Who doesn’t love Eva? John and I are passionate about this gofundme for our friend. Mostly on her own, Eva has raised and supported four beautiful children who bring her great joy. She is putting 2 of them through college right now. Medical bills are pilling up and doctors say there is a long road ahead. She is a warrior but definitely needs our help!

In early March Eva had pain in her back and chest. After a CT scan she was told she had a large tumor behind her heart (aorta) that was ‘likely cancer’. She had her first of 3 bronchoscopies, and with each one her body weakened from the inflammation it produced. The tumor was in one lung and protruded well into her windpipe and her slightest movement made it nearly impossible to take in air. She was functioning on one lung. She waited at home with a tentative start date for chemo and immunotherapy and within 10 days it was nearly impossible to get and down the stairs and she quickly developed a fever. It’s important to note that during this insanely stressful time, Eva was determined to keep working from home for the job and people she adores at CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful where she is the Public Relations Coordinator for the past 13 years.

Eva was finally cleared for the clinical trial last week and went to the hospital to begin treatment. The same day they discovered she had a collapsed lung from the needle biopsy and her oxygen levels had dropped dangerously low which meant the clinical trial was out. Eva insisted they go ahead with the chemo but her dangerously low oxygen level would not let that happen. May 6th she was moved to the ICU for treatment and to diagnose why she kept getting winded at the slightest movement. They put a tube in her chest to re-inflate her lung. Ever looking for the light, Eva texted us, “This is amazing as my goal is to be self-sufficient at home and get back to the office a couple days a week..and to go to the market myself! Lol”

Last Sunday they did another bronchoscopy, trying to put a stent in the left lung to hold back the tumor so she could breath. Her oxygen was still too low. On that Monday the doctors put her on a ventilator. This is a risky procedure for Eva because she only has the use of one lung. She is currently sedated, in a medically induced coma until her lung function returns. Rest and treatment will follow. She is critical but stable.

Eva told her doctors before she was vented that she “wants everything done to fight!!” Her will is strong and her children are her world. She’s that rare person you meet in your lifetime who embodies all that is love and light, generosity and loyalty. Eva’s 4 children; she refers to them as Blessing #1 (Ryan), Blessing #2 (Erik), Blessing #3 (Jake) and Blessing #4 (Emma) as well as Eva’s beloved sister Amy surround her around the clock.

Her condition is changing as I write this and although she is still critical there are definite signs of improvement. Eva’s kids are asking for all your thoughts and prayers. Radiation and chemo is the next step and with continued improvement getting her off the ventilator.

Give generously! And spread the word!

Laurette and John McCook