It all started as an epic Polar Vortex and the winter storms, Uri and Viola, approached Texas. The worldwide Covid-19 pandemic had just marked its first anniversary in the U.S. Eve went in for some tests to determine the cause of tiredness, weight loss, and a speech change. Stroke was the first concern. Doctors remarked that she appeared to be a healthy 60 year old rather than her true 79. But one final MRI revealed a tumor on her brain and several in her abdomen.

As the costliest natural disaster in Texas history raged, and brought blizzards, left millions without power and water, Eve was admitted to St. David's North Austin. She became stranded at the hospital and at one point, the National Guard offered to get her home. She received 3 rounds of chemotherapy in 3 days and was forced to stay in the hospital an extra week as snow and ice crippled transportation. During her time there, she endured water rations, power outages, and exhausted health care workers. Weather aside, family was not allowed to visit due to Covid-19 protocols.

During the first signs of thaw, she returned home, where power and water had been restored only hours before, to recover from her ordeal, and the effects of chemotherapy. She was determined to see her next round of treatment which would include radiation. However, as she continued to rapidly lose weight, her doctor finally conceded that the cancer was simply too aggressive, even remarking that her good health masked symptoms that would have sent the average person her age to the doctor sooner. She fought courageously as her strength faded. Her intelligence and sense of humor never failed right up to the last hours when she was unable to speak. One month and 16 days from being diagnosed, she passed away peacefully with family by her side.

Eve had a routine colonoscopy examination scheduled a year before, but was cancelled as "nonessential procedures" were cut due to Covid-19. Her doctor is unsure if it would have changed the outcome, but we will never know. Or perhaps the compressed time frame is a blessing in disguise.

Thank you so much for everyone's love and support during this difficult time. Losing Eve has been very difficult, but it's been made a little easier by this community of people.

In leu of flowers, please see the Eve Vickers Memorial Fund information.