May 21, 2009

SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute to Hold Butterfly Release Fundraiser

The SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine will hold its inaugural Butterfly Release at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, in Springfield.  The release of butterflies native to the area will be held in the Thomas Garden of Hope at the Institute, which is at the corner of Rutledge and Miller Streets.

The Butterfly Release will commemorate the lives of cancer survivors and pay tribute to individuals who lost their battle with cancer.  The ceremony will include a public reading of the names of those being celebrated and honored as well as music and inspirational readings.

Butterfly sponsorships are available for $40 and proceeds go to SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute for research.   Registration prior to the event is strongly encouraged, either on-line at www.siumed.edu/cancer or by calling the SIU Foundation at 217-545-2955 weekdays.  A limited number of butterflies/ registrations will be available the day of the event for $50.

The SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at SIU is focusing the medical school’s efforts in cancer research, physician and public education, and treatment for patients from across central and southern Illinois.  Its new three-story building will consolidate SIU’s multi-disciplinary cancer clinics along with research and outreach service programs.  The Institute’s Web site is www.siumed.edu/cancer and its phone number is 217-545-6000.

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