UPMC Family Hospice staff and program volunteers hosted a remembrance event for community members to honor loved ones who have passed. About 250 people attended the fourth annual butterfly release celebration at Callie’s Garden, James Short Park, Loyalsock.

“Even with the rain, there was so much hope in the air,” said Ashley Stensland, educator, Bereavement and Peer Support, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Grief doesn’t pause for the weather, and neither did this community. Seeing so many people come together in remembrance despite the gray skies was incredibly moving. The butterflies, as always, were a beautiful symbol of healing and new beginnings.”

In addition to the butterfly release ceremony, event attendees were treated to live music, a drum circle, therapy dogs, children’s activities, and sweet treats.

To learn more about UPMC Family Hospice, visit UPMC.com/HomeCareHospiceNCPA.