On a local level, we urge you to participate in activities to create awareness about ependymoma in your local community.
 
To help you with the cause, the CERN Foundation has developed an Ependymoma Awareness Day Kit that includes information on the butterfly release and a sample proclamation and sample letter asking your officials to recognize Ependymoma Awareness Day!
 
You may want to personalize the letter so that it has more impact and tells your experience with ependymoma. Some locations require 6 weeks prior to the event to submit a proclamation. The proclamations must be renewed each year and many can be simply e-mailed. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
 

Butterfly Release

The delicate and beautiful butterfly was chosen to represent ependymoma as it symbolizes hope through change. Participants in Ependymoma Awareness Day are encouraged to purchase a butterfly to memorialize a loved one, or simply to demonstrate the need to create greater awareness of this poorly understood disease.

The CERN Foundation will commemorate Ependymoma Awareness Day with a mass butterfly release that will take place on May 2 at 5:00 p.m. during the Head to the Hill activities. If interested in attending the butterfly release, we ask that you RSVP to administrator@cern-foundation.org. Registration for Head to the Hill will close on April 4, 2016. Register now to ensure you can join us on May 2 & 3!
 

Organize Your Own Event or Release

Interested in releasing live butterflies where you live? No problem! Our suppliers will express mail live or wind-up butterflies directly to you!  

• Live Butterflies: Butterflies will be delivered to you or your event location the day before your release along with any displays and accessories. Complete instructions accompany your order with tips for release, display, photo ops, etc. A minimum order applies so please call Kathy at Vibrant Wings (vibrantwings.com) for details at 832-671-4755.
   
• Wind-up Butterflies: Wind-up butterflies will be delivered to you and instructions on how to use. For more information, contact Steve at Flying Butterfly (flyingbutterfly.com) for specific details at 321-258-8132.
   
• Butterfly Balloons: Another easy way to participate is to release white balloons that have the CERN awareness butterfly printed on them. You can order balloons in bulk as part of your own fundraiser, or simply to release on Ependymoma Awareness Day to remember a loved one or to show your support.