Crane Ceremony

The Crane Ceremony at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School was a heartwarming display of compassion and support for Meagan and her family. It all began with Margaret, a student who drew inspiration from the touching story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. In Japanese legend, anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish.  Paper cranes have come to be a symbol of hope. Margaret quietly started folding cranes, and soon the entire school community joined in.

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Their dedication paid off, and they surpassed their initial goal. On a beautiful spring day in May of 2001, students gathered around Meagan, forming circles of hope, and one by one, they presented her with their colourful cranes, each carrying personal messages of hope and love.

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The origami crane, a symbol of hope, now holds a special significance for Meagan Bebenek Foundation, which hosts the annual Crane Ceremony. During this event, students from schools across the GTA come together to present thousands of handmade origami cranes to Meagan's HUG Heroes—children and young people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. This thoughtful gesture serves as a powerful reminder to the Heroes and their families that they are not alone in their journey.