Eva Vertes
Eva Vertes: A Life of Inspiration and Perseverance
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Eva Vertes was born as Eva Zsilak on January 24, 1927. She is often referred to by her married name, Eva Vertes.
Birth and Death Dates
January 24, 1927 - December 31, 2020
Nationality and Profession(s)
Vertes held dual citizenship of Hungary and the United States. Her profession was that of a Holocaust survivor, author, and motivational speaker.
Early Life and Background
Eva Vertes was born in Budapest, Hungary to a Jewish family. She grew up in a loving home with her parents and younger brother. As the Nazi occupation of Hungary intensified, Eva's life took a drastic turn. In 1944, at the age of 17, she and her family were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
In the midst of unimaginable suffering and loss, Vertes discovered an inner strength that would carry her through the darkest of times. She lost her parents and brother in the camps, but her spirit remained unbroken. After being liberated from Auschwitz in 1945, Eva returned to Hungary, where she began rebuilding her life.
Major Accomplishments
Vertes's remarkable journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. She:
Survived one of humanity's most heinous atrocities, the Holocaust
Rebuilt her life in post-war Europe, facing numerous challenges along the way
Became an accomplished author, publishing several books that shared her experiences and insights
Inspired countless people through her public speaking engagements, motivational talks, and workshops
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Vertes's notable works include:
"Surviving Auschwitz: Dr. Mengele's Twins", a memoir that offers an intimate look at her time in the concentration camp
"Twice Survived: The Holocaust Survivor and Her Son", a book co-authored with her son, which explores the impact of trauma on families
Vertes also worked tirelessly as a motivational speaker, sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of resilience, hope, and forgiveness.
Impact and Legacy
Eva Vertes's life had a profound impact on those who knew her. Her unwavering optimism, courage in the face of adversity, and capacity for compassion inspired countless people around the world. As a Holocaust survivor, author, and motivational speaker, Vertes left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eva Vertes is widely quoted and remembered for her inspiring message of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her remarkable story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way forward. Her legacy continues to inspire people from all walks of life, offering a beacon of hope and motivation to those who seek it.
As Vertes herself once said, "If I could survive Auschwitz, you can survive anything." These words encapsulate her unwavering spirit and testament to the human capacity for resilience and perseverance.
Quotes by Eva Vertes
It is becoming clear that many diseases – especially cancer – are highly complex and may respond better to a multi-drug approach which targets many different aspects of a disease process.
It’s possible, although far-fetched, that in the future we could think of cancer being used as a therapy.
It's possible, although far-fetched, that in the future we could think of cancer being used as a therapy.
It is becoming clear that many diseases - especially cancer - are highly complex and may respond better to a multi-drug approach which targets many different aspects of a disease process.
I don't want to say, 'I want to cure cancer.' It's such a grand thing. People have been trying for so long and we're not getting very far. But I do want to try to understand it better, and I want to make some forward movement.
My grandmother was a chemist. She worked at the Banting Institute in Toronto, and at 44 she died of stomach cancer. I never met my grandmother, but I carry on her name - her exact name, Eva Vertes - and I like to think I carry on her scientific passion, too.
When I was about 9 years old, I became very interested in the human body and diseases. In general, I was just curious about the world around me. I think that any sort of curiosity as a child is a good beginning to a career in science because science, at least to me, is a continuous exploration of the unknown.
Muscle is constantly being used - constantly being damaged. If every time we tore a muscle or every time we stretched a muscle or moved in a wrong way, cancer occurred - I mean, everybody would have cancer almost.
I decided to take two years between finishing undergraduate and beginning medical school to devote fully to medical research. I knew that I wanted to go to medical school during undergraduate, but I was also eager to get a significant amount of research experience.