Butterfly Blog
We invite you to get to know more about Lucy's Love Bus through the stories of our staff, board members, supporters, integrative therapists, caregivers, and children.
Lucy's Love Bus is proud to announce the expansing of the Ilene’s Caregivers program to all parents and caregivers of children with cancer across New England.
"The music therapy makes a world of difference for Bryan and Katelynn. They’re able to channel their energy into something positive, and it gives them a sense of control when everything else feels uncertain."
- Marta, Bryan & Katelynn's mom
Erdem Kaya, owner of Virtue Jewelers and Monarch-Level Sponsor, shares what connects him to the Love Bus mission and why giving annually to Lucy's Love Bus is a "no-brainer."
“Any opportunity for parents to see their kids happy and engaged, and not thinking about their burdens, even for a little while, is amazing, and that’s exactly what Lucy’s Love Bus gives us.”
- Amanda, Aiden & William's mom
"I wouldn’t have the means to provide my son with the activities he needs to build his social skills—the experiences every child deserves– without Lucy’s Love Bus. You have no idea how much this support means to us!"
- Nytasha, Elyahs' mom
“I’ve always been a firm believer that everyone can benefit from therapy; it’s just about finding the right match, whatever that type of therapy looks like for each individual, and this is why we were so excited to find Lucy’s Love Bus. It allowed both of my girls to find the individual outlets they needed during this time.”
- Courtney, Brinley & Camryn's mom
"After chemotherapy ends, you’re left without the medical team or hospital support. It can be isolating. Lucy's Love Bus stands by you every step of the way. Your work is incredibly important, and I’m immensely grateful. It’s vital that more people recognize the significance of what you do."
- Jessica, Cam & Evan's mom
“Having a child with cancer can bring with it dark days, but Lucy’s Love Bus helps to shine a light on me and my family during these times. It’s such a unique organization in that it treats the whole family. It brings families together to make memories, enjoy special experiences, and to create joy among all of us.” - Shannon, Finn & Mack's mom
“In the midst of dealing with these new physical impairments, Sajni found strength and solace in horseback riding. Through riding, she could transcend her limitations and have something that was all hers.” -Vanessa, Sajni's mom
We are absolutely delighted to introduce our four new members of the Board of Directors!
"Lucy's Love Bus recognizes the importance of finding joy, finding the things that make you feel better, and finding things to look forward to in this lifetime– while there's no cure. This unique mindset and approach sets Lucy's Love Bus apart, making it an invaluable source of support for families like mine." - Angela, Alexa and Aida's mom
As we come to the end of 2023, I look back humbled by this incredible year of growth, and I’m excited to share our vision for 2024!
"Knowing that we'll forever be a part of the Love Bus family, with their support always by our side, is what makes Love Bus truly exceptional." - Rachel, Nolan's mom
For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to introduce you to Sam. Sam helps us shed light on the often-overlooked aspect of childhood cancer treatment: its impact on future fertility. Despite her struggles, Sam remains hopeful about becoming a mother, thanks to support from Lucy's Love Bus.
A childhood cancer diagnosis is a seismic event that sends shockwaves throughout the family. Learn the ways in which siblings and caregivers are affected, and how Lucy's Love Bus ensures that the entire family of a child with cancer receives the support, hope, and healing that they deserve.
Childhood cancer isn't over when treatment ends. Treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and transplants, may have lasting consequences known as late effects, which can significantly impact the lives of childhood cancer survivors.
We are often asked, “But what do you do?” followed by, “So, what are integrative therapies?” This September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to take a moment to answer these two important questions.
The story of Lucy’s Love Bus starts with Lucy, and her wisdom and lived experience are still at the center of each decision the organization makes today. Read Lucy's story to learn more about Love Bus' innovative, young co-founder.
In the childhood cancer community, there is no competition– only collaboration. We're excited to share a few examples of the new partnerships we have formed to make magic happen!
Even in the face of all the unknowns that came in 2022, our community’s dedication to Love Bus has never faltered. Because of your dedication, we have been able to say “YES!” to each family who turned to Love Bus for support, while also creating two brand new programs in direct response to long unmet needs in the childhood cancer community.
It’s the holiday season, and we want to help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones! Thanks to our generous partners, we have a specially curated list of promotions to help give you inspiration for everyone on your shopping list, all while benefiting the children and families of Lucy’s Love Bus! It’s a give-win-give! Cheers to the giving season!
The integrative therapies that our girls have been able to access through Love Bus have helped Tilly with the side effects of chemo, but they’ve also helped all of us with the emotional side effects of this long journey that we’re all on– especially Josephine. We are not going anywhere, and it’s an amazing feeling to know that there is an organization and a community behind us that is not going anywhere either.
Lucy's Love Bus Co-Founder, Beecher Grogan, reflects on a time when she was gifted respite during her daughter's cancer treatment. It's a gift that Love Bus can now pass on to the Love Bus children's parents and caregivers.
"Lucy’s Love Bus provides opportunities for families like us that make my kids feel normal. They help remind us that the best days are still ahead!” - Nar, Mia's mom
In honor of all of those who let their inner light shine on others, and who put the needs of someone else above their own, Lucy’s Love Bus is excited to launch Marigolds for Mamas!
Meet Gabriel, Elijah, and Jonathan! Our June Butterfly Buddies went through a traumatic four years, after Elijah was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two. But, all the boys are doing well in school and have an amazing support system of friends and family! Read more about the boys journey!
Meet our dog-loving, waffle-eating, fearless leader: Jackie Walker! Her dedication to preserving Lucy’s original vision, with an eye toward innovation and inclusion, makes her the perfect person to take on the role of Executive Director! We're lucky to have her...even if she does have questionable football fan loyalties!
For #NCSD2022 we want to highlight the fact that the effects of cancer don’t end when treatment does. Cancer survivors face ongoing, often long-lasting, hardships because of their disease. We also want to spotlight that there is life after cancer, and that is something to celebrate. We'd like to introduce you to Alice, another beautiful friend who has lived through childhood cancer.
Life after cancer can be complicated and chaotic. But it can also be beautiful, meaningful, triumphant, defiant, ordinary, and extraordinary. In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day, coming up on June 5th, we wanted to share the stories of some of our beautiful friends who have lived through childhood cancer.
Meet Alex, your April Butterfly Buddy! Alex is now cancer free, and very recently came off chemotherapy treatments. Her experience with Annette, a Lucy's Love Bus integrative therapist, inspired Alex, and she is now a contracted massage therapist for Lucy’s Love Bus - providing the same comfort and care to sick children that she once received herself!