The Butterfly Awards
Honoring Compassion, Inspiring Hope
What is a Butterfly Award?
A Butterfly Award is Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center’s way of honoring individuals who go above and beyond in supporting those affected by cancer.
Just as a butterfly symbolizes resilience, transformation, and the ripple effect of kindness, our award recipients embody these qualities, they help others navigate change with courage, create moments of care that extend beyond a single interaction, and inspire hope and growth even in difficult times.
The Butterfly Awards celebrate the everyday acts of compassion that make Michelle’s Place a true sanctuary of support.
Who is eligible to receive a Butterfly Award?
Butterfly Awards can be presented to any dedicated staff, facilitators, or volunteers of Michelle’s Place who go above and beyond in serving individuals and families facing cancer. Recipients demonstrate compassion, commitment, and a meaningful impact on those we support.
Whether it’s a staff member who walked alongside you during a difficult season, a volunteer who made you feel seen and supported, or a facilitator who created a safe space to share and heal, we want to hear about them.
The Nomination and Award Process
Anyone can submit a nomination for a Butterfly Award, including clients, caregivers, volunteers, staff, and members of the community. To recognize someone who has made a meaningful impact, simply complete the nomination form here: (Nomination Form).
Each quarter, submissions are reviewed anonymously by the Butterfly Award Nomination Committee to ensure a fair and impartial process.
One award recipient is selected and announced for the quarter, and every nominee is recognized for the compassion and care they bring to Michelle’s Place.
Our Past Honorees
Casper of Old Town Barbers was honored with a Butterfly Award for his exceptional care and compassion. Through the simple yet profound act of shaving our clients’ hair, he transforms an emotional milestone into a moment of comfort, dignity, and respect.
For many, the decision to shave the remaining strands after watching their hair fall out, or to do so in anticipation of that loss, is deeply personal and often painful. Casper, along with his team of professional barbers, serves clients during this vulnerable time with patience, tenderness, and understanding. He creates a space where courage is honored, emotions are met with compassion, and every individual feels truly seen.
Hear from Casper
Tom Villanueva leads the Scouts of Troop 309 with steady strength, genuine kindness, and a heart ready to serve. He models compassion in action, teaching the young people he leads what it truly means to show up for others. His scouts reflect that example in the way they care, encourage, and step forward when someone needs support.
At our 2025 Walk of Hope, that leadership was on full display. As one of our clients made her way along the course, struggling but determined to reach the finish line, Tom’s scouts surrounded her. They held her hand, cheered her on, and matched her pace step for step. The crowd looked on through tears as she crossed the finish line, lifted by their encouragement and the simple, powerful act of not letting her walk alone.
“We always appreciate the service our front desk volunteers provide. Today was a particularly challenging day. Several clients walked in during lunch hour right as Alda arrived. Alda handled the situation with grace. She gave 3 new clients the attention they deserved. She wasn’t rushed and the new clients had no idea they had walked into chaos. Alda helped one lady receive a much needed prosthesis. The family was so grateful and kept saying their thank yous on the way out the door. This is a great example of “rises to challenges.” Alda made a difficult situation look easy. Our Michelle’s Place clients were treated with compassion and care.”
Hear from Alda
