Carlsbad CA- Hospice of the North Coast’s (HNC’s) annual Butterfly Release Memorial has become a welcome harbinger of hope for bereaved families throughout North County. On May 18, 2014, those in need of solace are invited to gather at event sponsor Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation’s Discovery Center, 1580 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, for an uplifting afternoon; 2-4 p.m.
The memorial is free. Donations are appreciated. To ensure a sufficient number of butterflies, guests should pre-register by calling 760-431-4100 or visiting the website registration [Link.] People also can email their name, number of guests and loved one’s name to be remembered to butterfly@hospicenorthcoast.org.
The Gumpert Foundation is the main 2014 sponsor of HNC’s Hope Bereavement Center, which coordinates the Butterfly Release Memorial. Carlsbad-based Nana Keeks Gourmet Cookies and Scones, and the Oceanside Chick-Fil-A will donate refreshments for event-goers.
Last year’s event drew more than 300 multigenerational guests to a picture-perfect memorial overlooking the lagoon. Amid sunshine, smiles, music, laughter and tears, Hope Bereavement Center Director Ti Johnson explained that although people experience grief and pain in different ways, loss and healing are universal. “The flight of the butterfly symbolizes life’s transformation,” she said, as each guest was given a butterfly in a packet. Upon the simultaneous release, some butterflies flew immediately to the sky while others lingered; perhaps bidding a final goodbye.
Looking at the monarch comfortably perched upon her collar, Marjorie Camp confided, “I am here in memory of my son, Richard David Camp III, who died in 2006. Today is his birthday.”
For more information about HNC’s ongoing bereavement programs, open at no cost to community members, please contact tjohnson@hospicenorthcoast.org.
About Hospice of North Coast
Nonprofit Hospice of the North Coast was established in 1980 to fill the need for comprehensive, compassionate hospice care in North County San Diego. Since its inception, it has grown in services, staff and clients. It currently provides a full spectrum of programs to terminally ill clients and their families, including anticipatory and post-death bereavement support, as well as a Pathways Program for those with a declining chronic disease. To fulfill its goal of maintaining dignity, comfort and highest quality of life for those it serves, regardless of ability to pay, HNC hosts fundraising events, operates a family support camp and resale shop, and maintains a cadre of volunteers. HNC’s new Pacifica House in-patient residential facility in Carlsbad, which opened to patients in December 2013, is the first such freestanding facility in North County. HNC and Scripps Health have entered into an exclusive agreement to discuss an affiliation between HNC and Scripps that would benefit both organizations’ hospice programs, their clients and the community as a whole.