Over 1,500 Butterflies Released in Remembrance of Loved Ones

During the month of August, our hospice agencies hosted three beautiful butterfly releases in memoriam of those who have gone before us. Concordia-IRMC VNA’s annual Hope Takes Flight release was held at Mack Park in Indiana, PA., on Aug. 4; Good Samaritan Hospice welcomed attendees to Cranberry Township Community Park on Aug. 14; and, on Aug. 27, Concordia Hospice of Washington held its release at the Barn at Ike’s Place in Amity, PA.

The butterfly has long been a symbol of hope for people around the world. The caterpillar disappears into a cocoon, appearing dead to all around. Later, it emerges, having transformed into something more beautiful and powerful than it was. Early Christians adopted the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection, of Easter joy. The creature reminds us of its Creator, who sent His Son into unassuming human flesh, who died and was buried in a tomb, who rose again, and who promises life to all who trust in Him. The butterfly is a natural testimony to us of Jesus’ words, “Because I live, you shall also live.” (John 14:19b)

Our annual butterfly releases represent some of the many bereavement support services our hospice agencies have designed to guide the patient’s family and friends through the challenges of grief as they adjust to loss. In addition to the release of the butterflies, attendees of the events found comfort in inspirational music, children’s activities, readings and prayers from our leadership and spiritual care teams, and dedications to those memorialized. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended or assisted in making all of the releases special and memorable. Special thanks go out to our volunteers, who make every event that much more welcoming. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors for their generous support:

Concordia-IRMC VNA Butterfly Release Sponsors
Partner Sponsor: Concordia Community Support Services
Event Sponsor: Indiana Regional Medical Center
Angel Wing Sponsor: The Reschini Group
T-shirt Sponsor: Diamond Medical Supply
Monarch Sponsors: Norma Harmon and Mary Lewandowski
Red Admiral Sponsors: Indiana Moose Lodge 174, Dr. & Mrs. Alex B Juhasz, Tony  & Judy Kuzneski, Marion Nugent Cowan, Oak Grove Realty and Mark Arbuckle Nissan

Good Samaritan Hospice Butterfly Release Sponsors
Butterfly Sponsor: Martik Brothers, Inc.
Patron Sponsors: D’Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd, Simons Funeral Home and Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd
Registration Sponsor: Heritage Valley Health System
· Refreshment Sponsors: Monteverde’s and Marburger Farm Diary

Concordia Hospice of Washington Butterfly Release Sponsors
Gold Sponsors: Concordia Community Support Services and Washington Health System
Event Sponsor: The Barn at Ike’s Place
Silver Sponsor: St. Clair Health
Bronze Sponsors: McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home, Next Evolution Healthcare, Inc., Range Resources and ECB Contracting LLC
Patron Sponsors: Washington Financial Bank and Washington Co. District Attorney, Jason M. Walsh

Check out the photos in the gallery below (click to enlarge), and if you have any pictures from the event, share them with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! For more information about what’s happening at Concordia, visit the Events page of our website!

Featured image photo credit: Julia Brookhart