All About Eve

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Synopsis

This documentary tells the heart-wrenching story of Eve van Grafhorst, who contracted HIV from a blood transfusion after she was born three months premature. 1980s' attitudes to HIV saw Eve banned from her pre-school in Australia, leading her family to settle in NZ, where Eve became a high profile poster child for AIDS awareness. This award-winning film chronicles Eve’s medical struggles, her HIV AIDS awareness work, and her astonishing bravery in the face of illness and death. Eve died peacefully in her mother’s arms in 1993 at the age of 11.

Credits (4)

Monique Oomen
Director

Vincent Burke
Producer

Wayne Vinten
Camera

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Comments (13)

Sandy karasek

Posted at 05.39PM - 16.04.2013

All these years later I still feel the sadness that eve had to endure because of bureaucrats with control but no heart. I often remember with sadness the way Australia handled this case. Reading in that's life magazine today issue 15 2013 about Deanne Beggs secret and how far this lady has come I sadly think back to eve the pure child. God bless to her loving family and I do hope you all found peace

john

Posted at 05.44AM - 08.03.2013

People like Eve & Ryan White were angels in every sense of the word they were God's medium because they had to learn, forgive, love, & most of deal with mortality at such a young age that many people take for granted.

fiona

Posted at 10.38PM - 18.02.2013

I am trying to find eves mum she won't remehmber me but i remember her well i had a brother whopass away from cancer in 1997 i would to get in touch with her she did so much for my family face book me fiona syme if you get his

sheryl Clarke

Posted at 11.56PM - 20.11.2012

I remember when she came and spoke to us at school she was amazing brave little girl .

Janette Fillery

Posted at 08.35PM - 20.11.2012

Thanks Heather, I remember this little girl coming to New Zealand and I thought it was the people of Hastings who welcomed her and her family. Love to her family and the folk who welcomed them. God Bless you all.

Amy

Posted at 11.50AM - 12.05.2012

such a beautiful story about a brave little girl. RIP darling - hope you are enjoying your angel wings, as you truely deserve them.

Chris

Posted at 03.54PM - 11.05.2012

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=736675944

Vicki mitchell - try this. I read a comment from her sister today one the Campbell Live FB page. Hope you both have or do get back in touch.

Janene

Posted at 08.09PM - 10.05.2012

What a beautiful, sweet girl with a beautiful heart. So wise beyond her years and an example to us all. Shame on those people who were cruel and heartless to her. Eve and her family are nothing short of amazing!

Christopher Wingate

Posted at 07.28PM - 10.05.2012

In 1985 Eve, Gloria and her family came to our church St Matthews in Manly Sydney. After we went for dinner and in hearing about Eve being forced to stay home my wife and I gave money to help make Eve's bedroom a nice place to spend her days. Years later after Eve passed away I was asked to be the chairman of the Angel Eve Trust whose funds were used for the same thing- making the lives of those with terminal illnesses better. In all the years I have known Eve's family I have been endlessly overwhelmed with their love and dedication to giving and caring for others despite so major obstacles. Perhaps the lesson I learnt from seeing that was realising love is worth more than money. Those of us can give financially but the grater gift is giving oneself. Rest in Peace Eve- you were a beautiful person who gave so much and you will forever be in our hearts xxx

Vicki mitchell

Posted at 08.26PM - 09.04.2012

I had the pleasure of knowing eve by being best friends with her sister Dana when they lived in Berkeley vale. I was only about 12 at the time but remember some fun times with the family and having a lot of fun with my best friend. Their move was so quick and I never got to say bye to them. I would love to say hi to my old friend Dana. I am glad that their family was welcomed to new Zealand. They where a wonderful family with two wonderful daughters. They where kind to me and I was always welcome in their home. Dana, if you get this message I would love to catch up. I have thought about you over the years and have always wondered how your life turned out. I have included my email. Hope we can catch up. Vicki Mitchell

Sheree Yates

Posted at 12.08PM - 08.06.2011

Such a heart-wrenching story. i only managed to catch the last 20 mins last night on sky TVs Heartlands (channel 17) and i could not believe how beautiful and brave she was considering her illness. Rest in peace beautiful. xx

wendy

Posted at 04.50AM - 16.12.2010

I was living near Kincumber in 1985 when Eve's story broke and remember the disgusting manner in which people of the area behaved - it was nothing short of shameful. It was understandable that people were concerned and unsure about the risk Eve posed, but many people went out of their way to be vile towards the family. I even saw Mrs van Grafhorst in Gosford with little Eve outside a shop and Eve was playing on a coin-operated ride...a passer-by spat at Mrs van Grafhorst then walked on. RIP Eve, you were worth far more than those who ran you out of town.

Margaret McInroy

Posted at 08.26PM - 10.07.2010

We did not hear much about Eve after she left Aus and have just found out when she passed away. A very brave little girl who made a great many people aware that you cannot catch HIV/AIDS just by touching someone. I would like at some time to watch the whole of the programme rather than just this short bit that I have.

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