[Holly, typing for Eleanor who doesn't use computers.]

I am sending this coin to my friend, Kathy, in gratitude for all that she has done for me and my family. Kathy and her husband Ron, were a godsend, first helping my daughter, Hope, during her illness. Then, regularly cooking meals for and getting involved in the lives of my grandchildren. She was there for all the big moments their mother could not be, like prom, graduation, awards ceremonies, etc. She helped my other daughter, Holly during her cancer journey, especially by becoming a caregiver for me, taking me on outings, to the doctor, and becoming my friend. Now that she has moved south, I miss her dearly, but wanted her to know how much she is thought of.

This coin was given to Eleanor, Hope's mother, at the urn committal ceremony held in North Adams, MA on April 20, 2019. It's journey will now begin!

This coin was purchased for Hope Days 2019. Hope Days was founded on May 1, 2015 to celebrate what would be Hope Cookis-McCarthy’s last birthday. She was turning 49 and was nearing the end of a two year battle with stage IV colon cancer. Her tribe of family and friends wanted to show her she was cherished and to bolster her courage to continue the fight as long as she could. Hope’s entire life was based on kindness and empathy for people and animals, always taking care of others and adopting strays from the time she was a child. She put others above herself.

Between May 1-13, we invite you to spread kindness. This can be anything YOU are comfortable doing, for ANYONE you wish to do it for. You are invited to pay it forward and make the world a nicer place in memory of Hope.

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HopeDays13/ or @HopeDays13