I gave this coin to my friend, Lisa, in celebration of Hope Days 2022. Lisa is grieving a loss that I deeply relate to. In addition, we recently realized her family already had a connection to the butterfly effect and so I immediately knew I needed to give her this coin!

My gift to Lisa was a small framed piece of wall art that acknowledges her loss and hopefully lets her know that I will be there for her and that her beloved is always nearby and watching over her.

This coin's journey may now begin!

I was honored to receive this coin from Emily who was not only a valued colleague, but now a treasured friend. I have had a wonderful experience at To Life! and have met incredible colleagues and breast cancer survivors and thrivers. As I move on in the next chapter of my life, I pass this coin to Sue with all best wishes. She welcomed me from day one and has been nothing but kind every day that we have worked together. Thank you, Sue. This coin is much deserved.
Warmly,
Melanie McCulley

This coin was given to Megan to help celebrate Hope Days 2021. Megan is a former coworker and friend who has a warm and loving heart. She embraces Hope Days, is raising very kind children, and has been a friend to me during my difficult times.

Right now, she is supporting a family friend battling pancreatic cancer. Having lost my own grandmother to the disease, I can empathize and am praying for the best for her friend. I was touched by the story, so I made a donation to Megan's fundraiser for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in her friend's honor. I also made a handmade birthday card to send to her friend who just reached another amazing milestone! Megan organized a little birthday celebration during the fundraiser, which I hope made her friend feel special! Now I'm sending the coin to Megan with a nice note so this coin's journey may begin!

This coin was purchased for Hope Days 2021. 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

Today, I am sending this coin to a friend I've known since I was 16 and is such an important part of my life. Thank you Judi for all your friendship and support over the years and for always demonstrating what kindness and love mean. I love you!

Just receive this beautiful coin in the mail from my dear friend, Holly, and am so touched. I really appreciate being part of its journey and will spend some time thinking about who I will release it to down the road.

I have to admit, this coin was so beautiful, that I kept it in my possession for a year. I purchased a large volume of coins in 2019 and released most of them, but I needed one to sit with me for a while. I looked at it on my nightstand each night before I went to bed.

Today, on the 5 year anniversary of my sister's passing, I am mailing this coin to my friend and former colleague, Heidi Daniels. She is such a great person and also loves to spread kindness! I want her to be a part of this coin's journey so she will know she is loved and thought of often.

With this coin, I sent her a package of handmade cards that she can use to continue to spread joy and hugs to those she cares about.

As always, I look forward to seeing where this coin journeys to!

I received this coin from my friend, Mary, who gave me a gift certificate for a hotel stay. It brought refreshment!
I gave this coin to a friend after I supported her in her service of decorating for a Christmas dinner for International students. I attended and contributed to the dinner, and provided her with transportation. The whole evening reflected the true spirit of Christmas!

This coin was passed to me by Kendra. She is a supportive member of our our Young Survivor Coalition community! Kendra wrote me a thoughtful note and gave me a beautiful Sunflower. My favorite flower! I passed the coin along to Michele along with four blank handmade Christmas cards. I hope Michele knows how special she is in our Young Survivor Coalition community!

This coin was passed along to me by Deb Macejka! I taught Deb's daughter years ago and Deb found me at a Breast Cancer Survivor event. She has paid forward to our community so many times. One of my favorite memories is her organizing an event at the Saratoga race track honoring survivors! I'm happy that Deb chose me to pass along the coin. I wanted to recognize an employee of To Life who works tirelessly behind the scenes. Of course Emily came to mind! I put together a nail polish care kit for Emily and made her a special butterfly card! Thank you Emily for all that you do!

I received this coin from my friend,Nancy who shared her knee walker with me as I contemplate foot surgery. I have given the coin to another friend, after I gave her a certificate for a free night and breakfast in a hotel for two in Saratoga Springs, this last Sept. I know they enjoyed their stay. Mary

This coin was given to me by Jessica Melchior, along with a lovely note! My act of kindness was buying my colleague Melanie McCulley coffee and sent her a not about how much I look up to her. She has the coin now and I know, she'll pay it forward!
-Emily Pratt

I received this beautiful butterfly coin today from my cousin Judith (Cookis) Rubens in remembrance of our cousin Hope Cookis Mccarthy, who was one of the most loving, beautiful, caring people I’ve ever met. She leaves behind two brilliant, exceptional children Erika & Thomas. Sweet Hope, you will NOT be forgotten!!

This beautiful coin will be making its way to Marty -- Judith and Holly's cousin on the Cookis/Freelander side. Like her cousin, Hope, Marty is always thinking of others and trying to lend a hand.

After receiving this coin from Jen I passed it on to a coworker and friend, Mary. I had a knee walker that I used following foot surgery and it made the getting around so much easier than crutches. My friend is anticipating foot surgery herself. I passed along the knee walker to her so that her recovery will hopefully be a little easier. ...Nancy

I was honored to receive this coin from Charmaine. She and I were in college together at UMass Amherst and have been soulmates. I held this coin until I could pass it to Maggie (also a friend since UMass).

I received this coin from Shawn Wheeler. Before I personally knew her, I admired her from afar. Now that we are friends who happen to be fighting cancer, it’s brought us closer. I was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of gynecological cancer you can get on my birthday in 2016 and the dr said, well you have to remember your 40 now🤬 I fight everyday & I believe that every morning I wake up, it’s God saying ...... Get up, you have more to do. It’s not your time. So everyday I wake up is amazing. God bless those who need it❤️

I gave this coin to my sister, Victoria Elabd, who has been my champion, my hero, and my source of truth my entire life. I gave it to her on June 1, 2019, as we were embarking on a special Sisters' Day, shopping, lunching, and taking in a craft fair. There's no way I can ever repay her for all she's done for me, but I'm blessed to be able to thank her and for our sisterhood to be part of this coin's story.

I received this coin today, 7/23/19, thoughtfully chosen by Jean Marie Trick, and my heart is swelling with humbleness, hope and love. This is the first I’m hearing of this mission and am inspired myself! What a sweet gesture. I was diagnosed with a rare terminal liver cancer in 2014 and have been receiving treatment since. My two daughters were 8 & 11 years old at the time and I knew immediately what my purpose was. I figured no matter what was to happen with my health, what mattered most was my girls and what they gained out of this experience. How will they be affected? Everything I do here on out will influence and mold them in some way. I have to be strong, real and honest. Keeping hope alive in their souls is my motivation. On more than one occasion I was told this was the end of the journey and we adjusted accordingly, but never accepted it. My motto has been “you’re here until you’re not” and I finish that with a different ending every time. So “go do your homework” or pick you’re chin up and help yourself”. There is no excuse not to love, do your homework, be patient, kind, do your chores or ever lose hope. Therefore giving up is not an option and the end isn’t here... yet, so no excuses allowed!! This coin makes me feel a part of something bigger and I’m feeling blessed to be thought of in such a special way. I will wholeheartedly pass it on with pride and hope. Sometimes the person that needs to find hope the most is the person who gives it to everyone else. I will send this to Tara Early, who’s always positive and sharing her strength in the midst of her own unpredictable journey. Thank you Jean Marie!!!! #sparrowstrong

I was able to hold the lovely coin that Maria gave me for two months. It sat on my desk, reminding me that friendship is a gift and that I should mindful and thankful of the friends in my life. Maria is one of those friends. Although I have not known her long, she has made a profound impact on my life. Her energy, positive thinking, and wisdom are the things I value the most, and her willingness to SHOW UP in life. Given who I am, the work I do (social justice speaking and writing, and recent health needs, having someone who shows up-without question and without judgement, is so important. Maria is one of those rare people in my life.

So, to honor Maria, I passed the butterfly onto one of my oldest friends this past weekend. Mari Jon and I have known each other for over forty years. I could say a lot about what we've done in those forty years, but I'd need a ton more room. Instead, I'll say that MJ has always shown up-literally and figuratively in those four decades. We have been young together, challenged together, silly together, mothers together, and now graciously aging (somewhat on the aging) women together. At a critical point in my younger life, she helped me journey through a difficult relationship and was there the moment I said "come and get me", as I finally gathered the strength to leave. I can tell her anything and know that she will respond, if needed, out of love, caring, and grace. And, she knows when to just listen and honor my experience.
Like Maria, MJ was a very early and constant supporter when I recovered from knee replacement surgery. Maria and MJ both held my hand during PT sessions (where I cried and cried out), sat and kept me company, and brought me food and gifts that helped me recover. MJ lives about 90 minutes away. I call seeing her "therapy", because she always gives me energy, courage, and perspective needed to move forward. We laugh a lot together. We've cried, but less often. I know MJ will be there until the end, and for that I am thankful.
This past weekend I met MJ at one of our favorite coffee shops in her town. As we ordered and admired the FABULOUS cakes and baked goods in the case, I discreetly added a gift certificate to my check. MJ can now enjoy coffee and treats this summer. I look forward to having her in my life as we enter the fall of our years.

I received this coin with a beautiful note from my friend and former colleague, Bev and was taken back by her perception of me and my battle with breast cancer. After reading that note, I knew this coin needed to make it to someone special who always gives hope to others but who sure could use a little hope of her own.
I hope that Shawn shares her story here with all of you because it is so powerful and I hope that this coin brings her a little bit of love and a lot of hope.

I was so touched to receive the coin from Holly. Sharing the moments we've shared over the years has placed her in a very special place in my heart. It was a blessing to me to be able to console and support Holly during a difficult time in her life, having been through similar circumstances myself. The coin was sent on to Lisa, who also has a special place in my heart, having been a dear friend over many years as well. She was there for me when I began my cancer journey, traveling many miles to come and stay with me during my initial diagnosis and following my surgery. I'll always be grateful to her for her love and support.

After receiving my coin from Lynn Bice, I passed my coin to Ann Marie Lizzi. Ann Marie is a member of our Passion, Purpose and Legacy group. A group of women sharing the experience of having been diagnosed with cancer. Ann Marie is a great example of courage, resilience, faith and kindness. She has a smile that brightens any room and is always a loving support to other women. Ann Marie is celebrating her daughters First Holy Communion, so I passed on a Mother Mary medal to her daughter to add to the memories of her special day. Mother Mary is a source of love and comfort to many, and quite frankly so is Ann Marie. ❤️🙏

Blessings, Ann Marie.

Thank you, Holly, for kicking off this butterfly effect! ❤️ You are one of a “ kind”.

Carole Heaney

After receiving this coin from Holly, I decided to pass it on to my fellow science teacher and friend, Nancy. I had made a pair of DNA earrings earlier in the year that she admired, so I got out the beads and made a pair for her to go along with the coin.

Today my coin found its way to Charmaine, a dear friend of mine. Charmaine and I originally met in spin class at our local YMCA here in Bethlehem,NY. We have known each other for only a couple years now but she has become such a good friend it seems like I’ve known her for a lifetime!
We later found out we shared the same mutual friend -Georgia. We began spending more time together getting to know one another better. The three of us would often find ourselves at our favorite local coffee shop enjoying each other’s company. Needless to say Charmaine has become a very special person in my life.
Charmaine is a woman on the go!
She lives an active lifestyle, you can find her most days at spin class or doing resistance training at the YMCA. Charmaine also enjoys long walks with her dog. Whenever I see Charmaine she is always so upbeat and positive! She most recently underwent total knee replacement surgery this past fall. Here is where it became even more apparent to me the type of person Charmaine was.
My husband and I recently moved, we closed on our new home 12/31/18. Charmaine was one of our friends who not only volunteered to help with the move(still recovering from knee surgery) but after our move she made sure to bring us some delicious home cooking as she knew we had our hands full trying to unpack our lives of 20yrs into our new home. Charmaine would often check in offering help in any way!
After being in our new home for a few months I underwent ankle surgery, it set me back a bit.
There was Charmaine again offering her help again. Within days she was at our home for a visit bringing with her delicious baked goods😀
Today as I stopped over her home to drop off the Butterfly Coin she was of course baking muffins and cakes for her family and friends.
Charmaine never stops thinking of others despite having a rigorous work and physical therapy schedule.
Charmaine has a very full and busy life yet still manages to make time to check in on her friends, meet up for a coffee or lunch and oftentimes have friends over for dinner. She is also an amazing wife and mother of two college age children which also keeps her pretty busy.
Today I decided it would be nice to surprise Charmaine with a gift card to her favorite local coffee place and some flowers to remind us spring is finally here! The Butterfly coin again has spread it kindness landing with Charmaine today, she is one amazing woman who I have the privilege of calling my friend❤️
I can’t wait to see where it flys off to next!
Thank you Holly for gifting us with your Kindness❤️

This coin was given to Jan to wrap up Hope Days 2019. Jan has been a dear friend to me during my own cancer journey, flying in from Oklahoma to care for me after my first surgery. She offered endless advice and support from her own personal experience.

I made her a set of handmade cards that she can use to brighten a few other people's lives. I also wrote her a heartfelt note to show my sincere appreciation. This coin's journey may 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

This coin was given to Candy to wrap up Hope Days 2019. Candy has been a dear friend to me during my own cancer journey, driving from Ohio to care for me after my first surgery. She offered endless advice and support from her own personal experience.

I made her a set of handmade cards that she can use to brighten a few other people's lives. I also wrote her a heartfelt note to show my sincere appreciation. This coin's journey may now begin!

This coin was given to Maria, a friend and former neighbor, on Mother's Day to wrap up Hope Days 2019. I visited her and Alon at their new home and brought them a blueberry muffin cake to celebrate Mother's Day with their whole family in town.

They were both with me when I got the first phone call alerting me to the fact that my sister might be sick, trying to offer reassurance. And they were there at her funeral. You are such good friends!

Maria is such an amazing caregiver to her own Mother, ensuring she gets expert care! Even when Maria was undergoing her own surgery. She is so dedicated to her momma!

This coin's journey can 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

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

This coin was purchased for my mother, Eleanor, as a cherished keepsake of both of her young daughters that have passed away. Her first daughter, Lynn, passed away in 1991 and we immediately started to see monarch butterflies everywhere we went. Since May 1991, the monarch has been our sign from Heaven to let us know that Lynn Marie is still with us.

My other sister, Hope, has also passed away. We do an annual event called "Hope Days". It 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.

This year, we gave out butterfly coins to help initiate the butterfly effect of kindness! This one though, it not in service. It is for my mom to have and hold through her grief.

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

This coin was given to Kendra, a new friend and fellow survivor, to kick off Hope Days 2019. We met up in Troy, at the "A Toast to Life!" event.

Kendra is participating in her first Hope Days and embraced it with such enthusiasm!! I have recently been teaching Kendra to stamp, so I gave her a package of my handmade cards (that she can use during Hope Days), along with this coin, to show my friendship and support. She can use the cards to spread some kindness to people she knows. I am hoping the coin will travel through our special secret sisterhood and offer love and support along its journey. Our sisterhood has been a great source of strength to me! This coin's journey may now begin!

This coin was given to Diane, a friend and co-worker of my sister Hope, to celebrate Hope Days 2019. Diane was the person who came up with the original idea for Hope Days to celebrate Hope's last birthday in 2015.

We gave Diane a package of handmade cards (that she can use during Hope Days), some seeds to plant my sister's favorite flowers, and this coin to thank her for this beautiful idea. She can use the cards to spread some kindness to people she knows.

True to form, Diane spent all of last evening helping me to find the homes of my sister's friends and co-workers so we could spread some kindness to them through our Seeds of Hope project.

This coin's journey may now begin!

[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.

I was fortunate enough to receive this coin from my dear friend, Holly. Holly and I met a few years ago and I'm in awe of her strength and courage and blessed to be a part of Hope Days! Yesterday, I passed my coin, reluctantly because it is so beautiful, to our dear friend, Carole.

Carole is the group leader of Passion, Purpose, and Legacy, Chapter 2 and has become a crucial part of my 'new normal' as a cancer survivor. I could not think of a better person to receive this coin!!

Today I will be making a donation to help find a cure to Colorectal Cancer in memory of Hope and in honor of Carole.

I can't wait to follow the coin's travels! Love you both!

This coin was given to Martha on the occasion of her retirement and to kick off Hope Days 2019. Martha was a source of great strength for me during some of my darkest hours during my own cancer journey. I made her a set of handmade cards that she can use during Hope Days to brighten a few other people's lives and I wrote her a heartfelt note about what she means to me. This coin's journey may now begin!

This coin was given to Jill, a fellow Stampin Up demonstrator to kick off Hope Days 2019. Jill first introduced me to the idea of Butterfly Coins and I couldn't be more grateful.

I gave her a package of handmade Stampin Up cards, including a special card with a dragonfly, (which I know is very special to Jill and helps her remember her daughter). I shipped a heartfelt note from me, the pack of cards, and the beautiful coin to send my love across the miles.

Jill has been an invaluable mentor to me in my journey with Stampin Up. She isn't even my upline, but she answers so many questions! Stamping is my happy time, and I love sharing handmade cards and gifts with others.

Jill can use her cards to spread some kindness to people she knows during Hope Days! I am hoping the coin arrives soon so this coin's journey may begin! I would love to see this coin travel through the ranks of Stampin Up demonstrators everywhere, since they are the type of people that like to say it best with a beautiful handmade card and I think they will love the idea of passing the butterfly coin through the group!

This coin was given to Bev, a dear friend and former co-worker, to kick off Hope Days 2019. Bev has embraced Hope Days with enthusiasm and is currently recovering from her own surgery. She also knows loss too intimately. I gave her a package of my handmade cards (that she can use during Hope Days), along with this coin, to send my love across the miles. She can use the cards to spread some kindness to people she knows. I am hoping the coin arrives today, May 1 so this coin's journey may begin!

This coin was given to Jessica, a dear friend and former co-worker, to kick off Hope Days 2019. Jessica has embraced Hope Days with enthusiasm!! She willingly gives advice whenever needed. I gave her a package of my handmade cards (that she can use during Hope Days), along with this coin, to send my love across the miles. She can use the cards to spread some kindness to people she knows. I am hoping the coin arrives today, May 1 so this coin's journey may begin!

This coin was given to Kristin, a dear friend and co-worker, to kick off Hope Days 2019. Kristin has embraced Hope Days with such enthusiasm!! She is my sounding board and trusted advisor.

Kristin was also a key support to me during my own cancer journey. A gift I can never repay.

I made her some handmade cards so she can brighten a few people's lives during Hope Days and sent her a heartfelt note to send my love across the miles. I am hoping the coin arrives today, May 1 so this coin's journey may begin!

This coin was given to Judith, Hope's cousin, to kick off Hope Days 2019. Judith is as thoughtful and kind as her cousin, Hope! I gave her a package of my handmade cards (that she can use during Hope Days), along with this coin, to send my love across the miles. She can use the cards to spread some kindness to people she knows. I am hoping the coin arrives today, May 1 so this coin's journey may begin!

This coin was given to Jennifer to kick off Hope Days 2019. Jen has been a dear friend to me during my own cancer journey, and an invaluable volunteer to help me prepare for Hope Days 2019. Her expertise and efficiency are unparalled and we couldn't have done it without her help to prep for this year! I made her some handmade cards (that she can use during Hope Days) and gave her this coin, to show my sincere appreciation. This coin's journey may now begin!

This coin was given to Lynn to kick off Hope Days 2019. Lynn has been a dear friend to me during my own cancer journey, and an invaluable volunteer to help me prepare for Hope Days 2019. She has been stamping and helping me prep for a week with such enthusiasm! I truly could not have pulled off the lovely seed project without her.

I made her a set of handmade cards that she can use during Hope Days to brighten a few other people's lives. I also wrote her a heartfelt note to show my sincere appreciation. This coin's journey may now begin!

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

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