A young author's lifelong dream has turned into a legacy for other kids with the same gift.
Eva Forde's passion for books was kindled at just three years old when the little Vancouverite started crafting picture books. Over time, her literary projects turned into comic books and short stories, and she would often get lost in worlds of fantasy, murder mystery, and historical fiction, whether that be Harry Potter or Keepers of the Lost Cities.
Eva passed away recently from osteosarcoma, the same type of cancer that Terry Fox had, at only 12 years old.
"She was braver and stronger in heart beyond any character in a book with a humour and spirit that brought so much light into our world," her parents, Peter and Daniela Forde, share with V.I.A.
The young author had achieved her lifelong dream of publishing a book just two months prior to passing - a collection of short stories she titled The Dragon's Library.
To honour Eva and her remarkable and inspiring passion for writing, her parents started an initiative to encourage other young, budding authors to publish their own stories, too.
"Seeing Eva's words printed in her book brought her a huge sense of pride and accomplishment that I'm sure she would want others to feel too," they share.
The Dragon's Library Collection will be an anthology series comprised of stories from school-age aspiring writers in Vancouver, which will then be published into a physical book.
"For some, it will light the fire and provide the springboard into their creative futures; for some, it will improve confidence in literacy and for others simply being involved in a community project will bring the satisfaction of being part of a greater world," share Eva's parents.
To kick-start the initiative and the first edition, The Dragon's Library: Volume 1 - Courage, the Forde family started a fundraiser to help cover costs for printing and distributing the books, including providing each participating author with their own copy.
As of June 28, the fundraiser has reached nearly $18,000 with any surplus donated to the Terry Fox Foundation. While the fundraiser is now closed, those wishing to contribute to Eva's legacy can donate to her Wall of Tribute page in support of the BC Children's Hospital and the Forde's Terry Fox Run team called Lil' Green Hearts.
The first edition, which is now available for purchase online, took submissions from students at Eva's school, Charles Dickens Elementary, but, for future books, submissions will be open to students from other Vancouver schools.
Students can submit their stories for the second edition online.
