A BUTTERFLY HAS BEEN RELEASED
A death-positive documentary by Jason Zamer and Barry Koch, from TGBeyond
Join a remarkable journey in "A Butterfly Has Been Released," as hospice nurse Allyson spends her last 39 days, living and dying with brain cancer.
With unfiltered honesty, authenticity, and humor, Allyson invites her family, friends and hospice coworkers into her dying experience. As time runs short, her community gathers to celebrate her life with a "living funeral," which Allyson hosts, and afterwards her natural, green burial.
Throughout, Allyson confronts her own mortality and continues to create meaning and legacy, as her death approaches and beyond.
Sharing Allyson's Message
We met hospice nurse Allyson after her diagnosis. She told us her dying wish: document her death and use it to help others know what it's really like—and to help us all on our own journeys.
A Butterfly Has Been Released is the result of that conversation, and we're honored to share it with you.
72-Hour Rental
In partnership with Hospice Foundation of America, the film is available to rent anytime. Watch on your own schedule and share it with the people who matter to you.
Continuing Education Credit
For healthcare professionals, Hospice Foundation of America is offering a CE program featuring the documentary and an expert panel discussion: From Caregiver to Patient: Hospice Nurse Allyson's Final 39 Days. Launching January 2026.
However you choose to watch, you're helping fulfill Allyson's wish—and maybe starting a conversation that's been waiting to happen.
A Butterfly Has Been Released Effect
Allyson's dying wish was to show us that we have choice and control at end of life.
Through the film, Allyson inspires us to explore the options that matter most to us and our families.
Now her message is spreading – from kitchen tables to coffee shops, as people are talking about the things that really matter and what they really want.