CHAMBERSBURG – On a warm September morning, the East Lawn of WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital became a place of reflection, remembrance and healing. More than 175 community members gathered on Saturday, Sept. 13, for the third annual “Butterfly to Remember” event honoring patients who passed away at the hospital over the last year.
The event, which began in 2020 as a tribute to those who died in the hospital’s unit during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now grown to encompass all patient deaths at the hospital. This event showcases the hospital’s commitment to honoring every life and helps support grieving families in their journey toward healing.
At the heart of the ceremony was the release of 175 butterflies, each one representing a tribute to a life lived, a legacy remembered and a community united in grief and hope. As the butterflies took flight, families and staff stood together in quiet reverence, watching the delicate wings carry memories skyward. “The butterfly release is more than just a visual moment,” said Brittany Thorson, an advanced practice provider at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital. “It’s a shared experience that brings comfort and connection to families who have lost loved ones. It reminds us that even in loss, there is beauty and renewal.”
The event featured heartfelt remarks, quiet moments of reflection and opportunities for attendees to connect with hospital team members and one another. Many families expressed gratitude for the space to honor their loved ones in such a meaningful way.
As the butterflies disappeared into the sky, the message was clear: remembrance is a powerful act of love, and healing is a journey best taken together.
Looking ahead, the “Butterfly to Remember” event will continue as an annual tradition to honor the community at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.
To donate in honor or in memory of a loved one to the Summit Health Foundation for the next annual event, please visit www.WellSpan.org/SHFDonate. Simply select “other” in the drop-down menu and designate your gift to the A Butterfly to Remember Event.
If you have questions or require further assistance, please contact the Summit Health Foundation by calling 717-267-7794.
