65_RedRoses now playing in BC high schools!
BC Transplant has given a big gift to BC Teachers! 65_RedRoses is now playing in BC high schools!
Our #4Eva Volunteer Coordinator David Ng recently spoke to Maureen Mooney from BC Transplant about using the film as an educational tool, and here’s what she had to say:
HCW: Why is 65_RedRoses a tool for BC Teacher’s to use to teach students about issues around transplant?
BCT: The story of Eva Markvoort’s personal and touching journey of battling cystic fibrosis (CF) – a fatal genetic disease affecting the lungs and digestive system is documented in 65_Red Roses while she waits for a double lung transplant. This incredible film takes an unflinching look into the lives of Eva and her two online friends who are all battling CF. Students will identify with how these friends communicate on line and how the girls have become each other’s lifelines through the Internet, providing unconditional love, support and understanding long after visiting hours are over.
Our greatest hope for this documentary is that when people watch it, they feel compelled to register to be an organ donor. Several studies have suggested the timeliness of discussing organ donation with teenagers as they are attempting to obtain their drivers license. The research demonstrates evidence based practise that adolescent classroom education may increase public support for donation as the teenagers discuss organ donation with their peers and at home. Eva was on the waiting list for a second transplant when she passed away, and while everyone would have wished more years on this earth for her, Eva’s legacy is the love and inspiration she left behind.
HCW: How can teachers use 65_RedRoses in schools?
BCT: The Teacher’s Guide is to be used by educators as a tool to facilitate classroom discussions on the film 65_RedRoses. This guide provides educators with discussion questions and a wide range of activities that make use of teachable moments in the movie. This guide is aimed at the Senior Secondary level and can be used to explore subject themes in a variety of courses including but not limited to: Biology 12, English 11, English 12, Social Studies 11, Planning 10, Science & Technology 11, Family Studies 10 – 12, Communications 11, Communications 12, Writing 11&12, and Marketing 11. Prescribed Learning Outcomes specific to each course are provided in this guide.
How is the film being made available for BC teachers for free?
BCT: BC Transplant (BCT) worked with Hello Cool World (the Canadian distributer of the film) to develop this education package to further Eva’s legacy of promoting organ donation and transplantation. We have purchased the licensing rights to allow all high schools in BC to use this film and have distributed the DVD and teacher’s guide package to every high school in British Columbia.
What are the future plans that BC Transplant has for the film 65_RedRoses?
BCT: BCT is pleased to provide this copy of 65_Red Roses and Study Guide and we would be happy to assist teachers in arranging guest speakers who have been involved in organ donation to speak in class or in any educational activity that teachers think is appropriate for their school or classroom. We are also available for presentations at Professional Development Days.
What do you hope will happen with the use of the film in schools?
BCT: BC Transplant’s goal in supporting 65_Red Roses is to engage our youth early in reflecting on organ donation and to demonstrate the importance of registering their decision with the Organ Donor Registry. Studies have shown that adolescent classroom education is a promising strategy to improve knowledge about deceased organ donation and appears to increase public support for donation.
HCW: Thank you to BC Transplant for being such a big supporter of the campaign and the film!
If you are a high school teacher in BC and want your own educational copy of 65_RedRoses, please visit our store to purchase. Email us if you would like information on getting buttons, tee shirts and posters for your classroom at discounted rates.
