The Gift of Hope Program was established in 2015 by the non-profit organization Pink Soles in Motion (PSIM).  Since its inception through June 30, 2025, the Gift of Hope has helped 78 recipients through grants totaling $51,200. In 2020, the program was renamed Michele’s Gift of Hope in honor of Michele Bertone-Buck, former chair of the program.

Michele’s Gift of Hope provides support in response to the medical, financial, and emotional burdens that accompany a cancer diagnosis.  The program distributes funds to people who are fighting the cancer fight.  It also distributes funds to people and organizations helping those who are fighting.

Members of the PSIM team nominate potential recipients to the Michele’s Gift of Hope Committee. The committee then evaluates the nominations based on:

• • Fit with the mission of the program
  • Magnitude of need

Nominations approved by the committee are submitted to the PSIM Board for approval.

SCHOLARSHIPS RECIPIENT
Pink Soles in Motion along with Michele’s Gift of Hope

Terri Stage 1 Breast Cancer

Pink Soles in Motion has gained an angel but lost Michele Bertone-Buck, our chairperson for the Gift of Hope. The Gift of Hope was always very important to Michele as she had a true passion for helping others. She felt that by providing a gift to cancer patients and their families, to assist with medical bills and other expenses, it would help them focus on their fight to beat cancer.

In Michele’s memory, the Gift of Hope has been renamed “Michele’s Gift of Hope.” In gratitude of all she did for the cause and to remember her strength in the battle, a logo has also been created and will be used in all communications for Michele’s Gift of Hope program.

The blue butterfly in the logo was chosen as they had strong meaning to Michele. To her they represented her friends who had become angels before her. And while they are rare to see in person, just the glimpse of one in print told her a friend was near. However, that was not the only reason, the butterfly symbolizes a person’s essence or soul and the color blue in a butterfly is often thought to symbolize joy. Not only did blue butterflies hold a special meaning for Michele but they also represent her beautiful, joyful soul.

Pink Soles in Motion will continue to build and grow Michele’s Gift of Hope program in her memory to help cancer patients and their families. The grant will give them hope and joy to assist them through difficult times.

Michele’s Gift of Hope program information is available at www.pinksolesinmotion.org. Please visit the website to find out how Pink Soles in Motion team members can nominate cancer patients and families for a grant.