Eva Narcisa Middleton (c. 1953 – March 25, 2018) was a Belizean disability rights activist. Middleton began her career working with non-governmental organizations promoting breastfeeding and later served as a polyclinic administrator. In 2010, she joined the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) where she played a key role in increasing membership and became the "voice and face of BAPDA." Middleton also started an organization to help the elderly, Living Independently in Full Existence (LIFE).
Eva Middleton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Eva Narcisa Middleton c.1953 |
| Died | March 25, 2018 (aged 65) |
| Resting place | Lord Ridge Cemetery |
| Occupation | disability rights activist |
| Known for | Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) |
| Notable work | co-founder, Breast is Best (BIB); helped create Living Independently in Full Existence (LIFE) |
Biography
editMiddleton was born in Punta Gorda.[1] She lived in Lake Independence and was involved in various community activities and was a co-founder of Breast is Best (BIB).[1][2] BIB helped promote breastfeeding with new mothers, provided information and breast pump rental.[3] She also worked in San Antonio, Cayo as a polyclinic administrator.[4]
Middleton returned to Belize City in 2010 and began to work as a disability rights activist.[5] Middleton became a leader and driving force behind the disability rights organization, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA).[6] Middleton turned BAPDA, a dormant organization, into one that had around 400 members.[5] She was considered the "voice and face of BAPDA," according to BAPDA president, Roxanne Anthony Marin.[6] As an advocate, she made multiple calls to Belize morning shows, sharing various activities carried out by BAPDA.[1] She was known for her lectures during Disability Week.[5] Middleton helped organize prosthesis clinics in Belize with BAPDA, partnering with Prosthetic Hope International Belize.[7] Middleton herself was an amputee and had a prosthetic leg.[7]
Later, Middleton co-founded create Living Independently in Full Existence (LIFE), an organization to aid the elderly in the country.[1] Today, LIFE is managed by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.[1]
Middleton died at age 65 on March 25, 2018, in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where she was being treated following a stroke.[1] She was buried in Lord Ridge Cemetery.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Eva Middleton, activist and manager for BAPDA, dies". Amandala. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 2020-07-26.
- ^ Steel, Adwoa; Huffman, Sandra L. (14 February 1992). "Breastfeeding Promotion in Belize: A Community Based Integrated Approach" (PDF). US Agency for International Development. S2CID 80588698.
- ^ Middleton, Eva; Griffey Brechin, Susan J. (Spring 1989). "Mothers' Support Group in Belize Increases the Duration of Breastfeeding" (PDF). Women's International Public Health Network News. 5: 5.
- ^ "Improving the Health of Children in the South". 7 News Belize. 30 November 2007. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
- ^ a b c "She Earned Her Wings". Belada (3): 12–17. March 2018 – via issuu.
- ^ a b "Advocate Eva Middleton Dies". Love FM. 27 March 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Prosthetic clinic held in Belize City". Breaking Belize News. 2015-06-10. Retrieved 2020-07-27.