Petaloudes

Phoenix is just 11 years old now. He was 9 when his Mom, Olympia, died in February of 2008. He was her one true treasure in life... she adored him and he adored her. Before Olympia was diagnosed with leukemia she had a good career and was climbing the ladder of success one rung at a time. Married to her best friend and raising their only son together in a devout Greek upbringing in the Bronx, they were happy.

When the devastating news came into their lives their world quite simply fell apart. After spending many months in the hospital, away from Phoenix who was then only 5, Olympia lost her job and subsequently the health insurance that covered her family. Without her income the rent was hard to meet and the bills began to pile up... the hospital bills hadn't even been received yet. They managed to make their way through for a little while and Olympia, being the fighter she was and bearing the strong force of love for her son, went into remission. They moved in with her parents to help make ends meet.

She remained in remission for only 4 short years... she called those years a gift from God - a chance to be with her son and watch him grow some more. As she entered the hospital again in September 2007 she eased her sons’ fears by reminding him that she came out healthy before and she will do it again but then turned to her best friend and cried. She was afraid. She knew this 2nd round would be far worse. She worried about how her husband and child would make it through if she didn't.

Just one month later the doctors confirmed her fears... she had only a few months to live. Yet, you walked into a hospital room that was filled with hope that shined from the smile she displayed day and night. She had her moments where she would break down and confide her fears to those close to her but her courage and her strength was an amazing sight to see. She wanted to live past Christmas so Phoenix and her family could share in the happy spirit it is known for. She did. Just before Christmas she spoke to me about her wishes... special gifts she wanted her Mom and Dad to receive from her... a song for her husband to be given to him after she died as one final message of hope... and my help in making sure her husband and her son would make it through the heartache and the agony. Her wish was that her son would grow up happy and one day attends college. She was sorrowful over all the time she had spent in the hospital, both the first time and now... time that eluded them. She hated not being there to make sure he brushed his teeth each night, tuck him into bed.... read him a story.

Phoenix was a steadfast trooper. At his Mothers wake he clung to her little leopard stuffed animal before placing on her chest to keep her company when everyone went home. Then at the funeral, before they closed her coffin, he asked for it back. He needed its comfort and she would want nothing more now.

Olympia's husband and Phoenix both remain living with Olympia's parents. Financial burdens along with the heartache have devastated them all... Olympia and I were best friends. I am the one that made the promise to her to make sure her family will make it through this. I set up the Phoenix Feldman fund to help her wish in his attending college. Please donate and help this fine young boy become a fine young man who will go on to succeed in his Mother's memory.

Thank you.

- Tracy Mignone

There is a place in Greece, on the Island of Rhodes, called Petaloudes... the Valley of the Butterflies. Some call it the closest thing to Heaven here on earth as the valley is one of the nature’s most beautiful gifts. Drawn to the island by the scent of vanilla from the storax tree each spring thousands of butterflies emerge from their cocoons and cover the island in the most spectacular sight. There are those who believe that the butterfly is the chariot for souls who have passed. They ride upon their wings to heaven, and back when we are in need of their spirit for comfort.

Olympia Manolis Feldman loved her family, the color pink, motorcycles, anything leopard print and she loved butterflies. Her only concern before passing away from leukemia on February 16, 2008 at the age of 41 was that her family would be okay, that her 10 year old son, Phoenix would still go after his dreams. I promised her I would do everything in my power to make sure of that. In her honor, the honor of the strength she exuded and the honor of a promise made, Windows of Opportunity has created Petaloudes - The Olympia Feldman Foundation, to help those left behind move forward after tragedy strikes.

There are families that have relied on 2 incomes to insure their future and the future of their children... to buy their first home with a backyard for the kids, pay the mortgage, save for their children’s college education or simply just put food on the table. Suddenly left alone and without that 2nd income those goals may seem unreachable. We want to keep their dreams alive. Petaloudes is set up so that you may create an account for a family or a specific family member to receive direct donations.

How It Works

To create an account, please e-mail us your story and who you want to open an account for. A short excerpt from the story given will be posted on this page for anyone to view. Once your link is created, it’s your turn to start promoting! Your job is to get the word out to your family, friends, co-workers, and more to check out your page and donate. Your balance will remain private. You will receive a monthly balance statement. Please e-mail all submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .