William Childs Hospice House Unveils Butterfly Garden

By  //  March 13, 2014

RENOVATED GARDEN ADDS TRANQUILITY

From left to right: Jeanne Andre, Ed Andre and June Sims attend show their support for the newly renovated Butterfly Garden at the William Childs Hospice House.
Jeanne Andre, left, Ed Andre, center, and June Sims attend show their support for the newly renovated Butterfly Garden at the William Childs Hospice House. (Images By Cyndi Byars, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living)

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA –  Live butterflies were set free at the dedication ceremony for the Janis Bjork Osman Butterfly Garden at Health First’s William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay. 

Rob Perers and Susan Vallette of the Health First Foundation release butterflies into the renovated Bjork Osman Butterfly Garden in Palm Bay.
Rob Perers and Susan Vallette of the Health First Foundation release butterflies into the renovated Bjork Osman Butterfly Garden in Palm Bay.

The newly renovated Butterfly Garden surrounds the entrance to Health First’s William Childs Hospice House, which is an end-of-life hospice care facility located on the campus of Palm Bay Hospital located at 381 Medplex Parkway.

More than 50 supporters of the Hospice House attended the dedication ceremony of the serene gardens, which are decorated with ceramic pots and planters, and a paver walkway.  Host plants and nectar plants were sowed to support and attract butterflies, and the walkway includes pavers etched with names of supporters of the butterfly garden.

As the crowd looked on, Health First Foundation committee members Susan Vallette and Rob Perers released the butterflies, which are known for symbolizing both beauty and life transitions. “May this garden bring much light to any element that darkens our days,” said Father Bruckart.

Rob Perers gave opening remarks at the dedication, followed a prayer led by Father Robert Bruckart.

Sandy Grutta of the Health First Foundation with Father Robert Bruckart.
Sandy Grutta of the Health First Foundation with Father Robert Bruckart.

“May this garden bring much light to any element that darkens our days,” said Father Bruckart.

As the crowd looked on, Health First Foundation committee members Susan Vallette and Rob Perers released the butterflies, which are known for symbolizing both beauty and life transitions.

For more information log on to Health-First.org/Foundation or call 321-434-7353.

From left to right: David Brock, Jane McCallum and Lesli Dooley attend the dedication ceremony of the renovated Butterfly Garden.
From left to right: David Brock, Jane McCallum and Lesli Dooley attend the dedication ceremony of the renovated Butterfly Garden.
Judy Kraftchick greets Joseph Grutta at the Butterfly Garden dedication.
Judy Kraftchick greets Joseph Grutta at the Butterfly Garden dedication.
Sandy Grutta, Pam Gatto and Jeanene Donilon attend the dedication ceremony for the renovated Butterfly Garden.
Sandy Grutta, Pam Gatto and Jeanene Donilon attend the dedication ceremony for the renovated Butterfly Garden.
Ornamental butterfly figurines grace the grounds of the renovated Janis Bjork Osman Butterfly Garden.
Ornamental butterfly figurines grace the grounds of the renovated Janis Bjork Osman Butterfly Garden.
Sandra and Ray Bush attend the dedication of the Butterfly Garden.
Sandra and Ray Bush attend the dedication of the Butterfly Garden.
Supporters look on as Susan Vallette and Rob Perers release butterflies into the newly renovated Bjork Osman Butterfly Garden at the entrance of the William Childs Hospice House.
Supporters look on as Susan Vallette and Rob Perers release butterflies into the newly renovated Bjork Osman Butterfly Garden at the entrance of the William Childs Hospice House.