In July 2004, IBBA member Dennis Scholl received the following request:

Dear monarchs alive,

My name is Caitlin and I have a very special friend. Sean was diagnosed with leukemia almost two years ago. Since then he has courageously fought the disease at Philadelphia's children hospital but unfortunately he has no chance of a bone marrow transplant. He is only seven years old and doctors have given him only a few weeks to live.

As a special gift to his parents and younger brother Sean would like to create a living memorial garden in his backyard. Unfortunately with the hospital and medication bills Sean and his family are unable to afford the materials needed for this garden. I have gotten a few people to donate flowers and butterfly bushes, but Sean would love to have butterflies. I cannot tell you how much it would mean to this little boy to have them in his garden.

Thank you,
Caitlin
July 26, 2003

Dennis decided to organise a special butterfly release for Sean, and asked IBBA members to donate butterflies for the release. Over 160 butterflies were donated.

To: IBBA Mailing List
From: Dennis Scholl schoolie@rcn.com
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003
Subject: Sean Beatty's release

Hi,

I should tell you that Sean Beatty passed away today, less than 24 hours after children who were his friends released more than 160 butterflies provided by members of the International Butterfly Breeder's Association.

Sean's release last evening at 7 o'clock was attended by approximately 75 family friends of all ages. Sean was too weak and in pain to come down from his second floor bedroom, where he died today.

I am very sorry to pass along this news to you, but as Sean himself knew, it was expected. I am personally glad that he was alive for the release even though he did not see it. He knew it was going on, and I'm sure his mind was creating the same image that was taking place in his small backyard.

A large colorful banner proclaiming "Sean's Butterfly Release" was attached to the backyard fence. Two gentleman played the guitar and led everyone in children's songs. When it was time to release the butterflies, about a half dozen children including Sean's little brother lifted the lids and the butterflies went up in ones, twos and threes until they were all out. Since it was 7:15 p.m. and the sun was beginning to set, a lot of them roosted in the tall arbovitaes that border the Beatty's backyard. I hope they were there today to help usher Sean into Heaven.

I want to personally thank everyone who took part in this moving experience. There are times when our membership discusses "codes of ethics" in heated tones and argues about other subjects that influence our business, but there is never any bickering when the call goes out to help someone in need. Sean needed help, and I am honored to be a colleague of the people who answered the call. Congratulations to you. You helped a little boy leave this Earth of ours with a smile on his face.

Sincerely,
Dennis Scholl