The Gift of Hope Program was established in 2015 by the non-profit organization Pink Soles in Motion (PSIM).  Since its inception through December 2021, the Gift of Hope has helped 47 recipients through awards totaling $27,750. 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.

Michele’s Gift of Hope is a program within the Pink Soles in Motion organization that provides support in response to the medical, financial, and emotional burdens that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Members of the PSIM team are encouraged to nominate potential recipients to the Michele’s Gift of Hope committee by applying at Michele’s Gift of Hope.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, the program supported one recipient:                                                                                           

 Breast Cancer – LaShonna was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. In February of 2022, she had a mastectomy with Lymph nodes removed. She developed an infection and cannot start radiation till infection is cleared. Her husband is disabled, and she has 2 children. She can no longer work, and they are living in a relative’s home. We hope our Grant will help her family with expenses and our prayers help to comfort.

As you can see our efforts of raising money continues to allow us to make a difference in the lives of others.  Since the beginning of this program, we have given out 53 gifts totaling $33,450.

Please keep our recipients in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for your continued support. Michele’s Gift of Hope continues to provide help and hope.

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 gift 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 gift. .