Butterfly Boxes rise to support Kidney Cancer Patients

Following her own personal experiences of kidney cancer, our Community Champion, Mary Stopher is bringing brightness to other patients through butterfly boxes. Read Mary’s idea behind the Butterfly Box and what they are…

‘This is my personal project that I am funding myself in the hope that I can bring a little brightness to fellow cancer patients during their most turbulent days.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It rocked my world and shook my family to the core. The effects of such a diagnosis remain to this day in the different ways that it has changed our lives.
At my diagnosis I unfortunately discovered there was limited support/ awareness of this type of cancer, and found that difficult. However I’ve always believed that some good should be derived from the bad experiences in life, and am now  fortunate enough to find myself in remission, and I am intent on changing the experience of others.
To that end, I’m wishing to give each patient in my local area diagnosed with kidney cancer, and , who are embarking on a course of treatment, a butterfly box. 🦋

Each box will contain a few essential items, as listed below, and the much-needed information provided by Kidney Cancer UK, during such difficult times for patients within the Colchester, Cambridge and Chelmsford areas.

My hope is to reduce the isolation that can be caused by this illness, mainly due to the limited awareness and understanding for this type of cancer. They are called butterfly boxes because at the most poignant times during my illness, I had several encounters with a butterfly, at times when leaving the house for treatment, and other  stressful moments, which strangely provided some comfort.
Each Butterfly Box *contains a variety of the below items (*all subject to change without notice), and each box has the invaluable information regarding support etc from Kidney Cancer UK.
* Small toiletries;  shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion
* Dry shampoo
* Hand cream
* Lip balms
* Peppermint teabags ( ideally boxes of  individual packets )
* Anti-nausea remedies
* Packets of tissues
* Eye masks
* Small packets of flavoured boiled sweets or mints
* Small scented candles
* Small relaxation products such as sleep spray
* Comfy bed socks
* Pocket size Sudoku, quiz, or crossword books
* Pens
* Small notebooks
I have been lucky to receive donations from some local stores, kind monetary donations , and fundraising events are being planned to help keep the project running.
You can also watch my progress on instagram, my profile is butterfly.kc
Thank you for reading
Mary Stopher’

Kidney Cancer UK are working closely with Mary by providing facts and figures on kidney cancer diagnoses, helping access hospital units such as Addenbrookes in Cambridge and by sourcing donations to go in the Butterfly Boxes.
If you feel that you can support this worthy cause, please consider donating via our website here or you can purchase specific items for the butterfly boxes via Mary’s Amazon List here
If you would like to be kept up to date with the boxes and learn more, as we work with Mary, or would you like to help distribute the boxes further afield? If so, please email Alice at fundraising@kcuk.org.uk
Thank you for your support!