Ukraine Celebrates First-ever Butterfly Day: A Symbolic Event Supporting Palliative Children
On September 22nd, Ukraine marked an unprecedented and significant occasion — the All-Ukrainian Butterfly Day, dedicated to one of the most vulnerable groups of children who require special medical care and ongoing support.
This new date was established by the charitable organization ‘City of Good’ to raise public awareness about children battling severe illnesses and living with chronic conditions until the end.
The central symbol of the day is a butterfly — an emblem of fragility, strength, and hope, embodying the mission of the ‘House of Butterflies’ facility operated by the foundation.
The butterfly holds a deep personal meaning: it was chosen in memory of one of the first hospice patients — a girl named Marichka, who fought brainstem cancer.
Marichka adored butterflies and requested her loved ones to draw them for her, a wish that eventually spread across the globe from Japan to the United States, symbolizing worldwide solidarity and compassion.
Martha Levchenko, the founder of ‘City of Good,’ recalls that during her illness, Marichka told her: ‘We’re not going to a hospital — we’re going to the real House of Butterflies,’ symbolizing hope amid hardship.
Unfortunately, society often misunderstands palliative care for children, associating it with endings and farewells, even though in reality, it is about preserving dignity, joy, and love for children with life-limiting conditions.
Many such children remain ‘invisible’ to the system, especially those without families or those whose relatives cannot provide adequate care.
Experts emphasize that children with palliative needs can live fulfilling lives, and it depends on us to ensure their days are filled with love, warmth, and respect.
This day prompts Ukrainians to support these children by wearing butterfly symbols, sharing messages online with dedicated hashtags, and encouraging organizations to update their logos with butterfly imagery as a mark of solidarity.
Creative contributions, including drawings on butterflies or pediatric palliative themes, are welcomed to be included in exhibitions.
One of the best artworks next year may even become the official logo of Butterfly Day.
Artworks can be sent via Nova Poshta or Ukrposhta, addressed to Martha Levchenko in Chernivtsi, postal code 58008.
Fundraising campaigns continue to support the ‘House of Butterflies’ palliative department, helping many children and their families.
This day also included a special festival called ‘Butterfly Fest’ at the ‘City of Good’ shelter, where children could undergo medical examinations and receive consultations from specialists, along with psychological support for parents, medical staff, and volunteers.
Children participated in creative workshops, sports, and wellness activities, emphasizing that palliative care is not about giving up but about protecting their right to a joyful childhood, smile, and love—even in illness.
Experts are also working on establishing a ‘Family for Every Child’ award to recognize individuals, organizations, and communities dedicated to reforming child care and enhancing family-based support for vulnerable children.
The aim is to foster a society that truly values children’s rights and ensures every child has access to a safe, nurturing, and loving environment.