About the CancerFree KIDS Butterfly Walk
This year marks the 18th Annual CancerFree KIDS' Butterfly Walk, presented by Interlink Cloud Advisors. On Saturday, May 18th, we will gather at the Cincinnati Zoo to celebrate, honor and remember those who have battled childhood cancer.
The Butterfly Walk Story
Hanna Paribello is the child who inspired The Butterfly Walk. Her battle with Neuroblastoma ended on June 18, 2006, and like so many children battling cancer, Hanna's life was filled with so much love and support. Hanna's parents, Mike and Amy Paribello, founded the Butterfly Walk in 2007 to honor her memory. Today, Hanna's spirit lives on in all of us who come together, on this day in May, and give support to children continuing to fight cancer, and to families and friends who have lost a child dear to them.
What happens at the event?
There are plenty of activities to entertain your whole family at the Butterfly Walk!
Get Moving! The day includes an Inspirational Walk around the zoo for all ages and abilities.
Fundraise! At the event we recognize those teams who have gone above and beyond to raise money to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.
Honor Champions! The Champion Ceremony recognizes all participants who have battled childhood cancer and we remember those for whom a cure did not come soon enough.
Have Fun! Join us back in the picnic shelters after the Inspirational Walk for a waffle breakfast, face painting and animal encounters. After the event, spend the day enjoying the animals and gardens at the Cincinnati Zoo.
The Butterfly Walk will happen rain or shine.
How do I register?
Register here and create your own team or join an existing team. If you don't know what team to join, select "Team CancerFree KIDS".
All registrations include: early admission to the zoo and admittance to the Butterfly Walk private event space. The Champion Ceremony will be held in this space and following the Inspirational Walk we will return to enjoy a waffle breakfast , activities, animal encounters, and swag bags for all children 12 and under.
All participants 3 and older: will receive an event t-shirt (if registered by April 29th).
Please note, your Cincinnati Zoo pass will not provide you entrance to the Butterfly Walk. Registration closes on May 3, 2024 at noon OR earlier if we reach maximum capacity.
Registration Costs:
Adults (13+): $40/each - admissions as listed above, an event t-shirt, and parking pass for the zoo
Youth (3-12): $25/each - admissions as listed above and an event t-shirt
2 and Under - Free admission
Champions - No Registration Fee, we invite all Childhood Cancer Champions (any person who has or is battling childhood cancer) to attend the event with no registration cost (event t-shirt included).
Immediate Family of a Champion 18 or Under - No Registration Fee, we also invite Immediate family of an 18 OR UNDER Champion or of a Champion for whom a cure did not come soon enough to attend the event with no registration cost (event t-shirt included). This registration type includes parents/guardians (limit 2 per champion) and siblings (18 & under). Please register as an adult if you are family of a Champion over 18 or are a sibling over 18.
Fundraiser only: $15/each- Can't join us for the butterfly walk but still want to fundraise to support CancerFree KIDS to fund childhood cancer research? Register as fundraiser only to support our mission.