Relay for Life hosts butterfly release to honor HCA Receptionist

After their butterfly release was postponed on Tuesday, Christian County Relay for Life members joined the staff and students of Heritage Christian Academy on Thursday and hosted the release to remember Receptionist Joy Bullock and other cancer victims.

Relay for life is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local individuals with cancer and their families during the treatment and recovery process.

The organization originally planned to host its butterfly release on Tuesday at the Christian County Justice Center, but the butterflies were not delivered in time. The butterflies arrived on Wednesday, and Relay for Life members decided to host the release at HCA to remember longtime staff member Joy Bullock who passed away at the age of 60 on August 16 from cancer.

Before the butterflies were released, Headmaster John Walsh says he’s known Bullock for a while because their daughters were involved in the same activities. He says those that met her were captivated by her smile and motivated by her gracious spirit.

Following Walsh’s remarks and a prayer, Christian County Fiscal Court Magistrate Russ Guffey read a proclamation declaring August 20 as Relay for Life Day in Christian County.

Afterward, the attendees released their butterflies and watched them take flight. Some of Bullock’s family members were in attendance including her daughters Abbi Bullock and Libbi Ross. Bullock says the butterfly release showed how many people at the school cared for her mother. Ross says she received messages from people she had not talked to in 10 years sending their condolences because Mrs. Joy was often the first person they saw in the mornings at HCA.  

On Friday, Relay for Life will host its fundraising ceremony at the Hopkinsville Sportsplex starting at 5 p.m. The nonprofit’s fundraising goal is $80,000.