On Saturday, June 25th, Mount Diablo Solano Oncology Group/Vallejo Cancer Care (MDSOG) presents their Wings of Hope Butterflies and Kites Event. It is held at Blue Rock Springs Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a family event suitable for all ages with a ceremonial butterfly release, kite flying, and other fun activities. It is a time of reflection as participants honor those who have been touched by cancer and remember those who have been lost by the disease.
Chip Carter who attends the event every year says, “The Butterfly Event is an event the whole family can enjoy. I lost my son Brian to cancer 5 years ago and he left behind 2 little boys and a wife so I always attend the Butterfly Event and release a Butterfly in his memory. This year, I am bringing along my grandsons, so that they can release butterflies in their dad’s memory. Our Vallejo Executive Lions Club donated money to sponsor the event and our car club, Boyz Under The Hood, will display about a dozen of our classic cars again this year.”
Beau DeFehr, Administrative Director at Mount Diablo Solano Oncology Group/Vallejo Cancer Care says, “We are dedicated to making a positive impact here in Vallejo. A few years ago, we teamed up with local non-profit, Cancer Support Community, to see what could be done in here in Vallejo. We agreed that there are much needed resources missing for our cancer patients and their families in our community and we needed to take action.”
In order to make this happen, local businesspeople stepped forward to sponsor this event and its vision. Their dreams became a reality when they began offering the free Healing Yoga for Cancer class every Tuesday morning at Dan Foley Cultural Center at 10 a.m. Tiana Duvachelle, the class instructor says, “It’s truly an honor to be a part of this community of patients, survivors and supporters. To be able to share my love of yoga to a group that can benefit on a physical, mental and emotional level is a beautiful thing. From simple breathing techniques, to standing postures and guided meditations, together we conquer anxiety, boost mood, and increase strength. And you ask what is most empowering? The love and support that fills the room of all my newfound friends.”
The ceremonial butterfly release is a time when cancer patients and survivors come forward together and release beautiful monarch butterflies. It is a sight not to be missed.
“This event is special as it celebrates the continued fight against cancer and the symbolic moment as the butterfly opens its wings in the warmth of the sun and takes flight, is both beautiful and very personal in every sense of those words,” states Tom Phillips from Recology, the event’s Butterfly sponsor.
To RSVP or for more information about the event, please email butterflyvallejo@gmail.com or call (707) 847-5723.
