issued the following announcement on June 15
Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU will hold its 13th Annual Butterfly Release at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, in the Thomas Garden of Hope, Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU, 315 W. Carpenter St., Springfield. The public is invited to the free event. Seating is limited, and social distancing and use of masks will be used according to CDC Guidelines.
“It’s wonderful to watch the butterflies flutter through the garden after they are released. To me a butterfly symbolizes renewal of life, freedom and happiness. Just looking at them makes people smile. This event is a tribute to anyone experiencing these challenges and a celebration of support for those who have walked with them on this journey,” said Evelyn Thomas, the honorary chair of the event. Thomas donated funds for the creation and upkeep of the garden in memory of her late husband, Gordon, who died in 2003 of lung cancer.
The Butterfly Release ceremony will include the public reading of the names of those being honored and/or remembered, music, inspirational readings and the release of butterflies. Butterfly sponsorships are available for $25 by calling 217-545-2955 or online at siuf.org/events. To receive additional information regarding other sponsorship opportunities, call Patsy Wappel, Development Officer at SIU Foundation, at 217-545-0395.
Funds raised benefit cancer research at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine and stay in this region.
The mission of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU is to serve the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer needs through education, research, patient care and community service. Its website is siumed.edu/cancer.
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