CHEO's annual Butterfly Memorial remembers infants, children and youth lost

Team CHEO stands alongside and support all families who carry the pain of losing a child, during our annual memorial and each other day of the year. Our annual Butterfly Release is an opportunity to come together, reflect on and remember the lives of infants, children and youth lost too soon. This memorial is put together by CHEO, the CHEO Foundation and Roger Neilson House in collaboration with The Compassionate Friends.

This is our second year gathering virtually for this memorial. Though we can't be together in-person, our virtual memorial provides space for families, friends and CHEO staff and medical staff to come together in remembrance and celebration of life, regardless of when the loss took place. To all those who are coping with the loss of a child we wish you love, support and healing.

Listen to the story of why the butterfly was chosen to help us navigate transition and loss:

Butterfly activity sheet

Grief and loss can be expressed in many different ways. It’s often children who are able to express theirs beautifully through creative art. Perhaps your child, youth or other family members (of any age) would like to use this butterfly template to express themselves.

We've created this butterfly activity sheet for your family to use before, during or after the ceremony.

Here are a few prompts to help you get started:

Draw memories of your loved one in the butterfly

Write words that remind you of your loved on in the butterfly

Use colours that show how you are feeling

Resources and support

We know that this pain and loss is something you carry with you every day as parents, caregivers, family and friends. If you are looking for support or additional resources to help you and your family navigate this difficult time, please visit: