April 28, 2016 — October 12, 2016

In Memory of
Amara Mia Zeb

Tiny soul. Infinite love. Lasting legacy.

Born a micro-preemie, Amara lived only 5½ months — but in those months, she gave us resilience, unconditional love, and a purpose that will never fade. Butterflies became her symbol: appearing in the most unexpected ways, bringing comfort, hope, and a reminder that she is always near.

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Amara Mia Zeb

A Soul That Changed Everything

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Born a Micro-Preemie Amara entered this world incredibly small — but with a spirit and strength that filled every room she was in.
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134 Days in the NICU Followed by 30 days in the PICU. Through it all, her mother Gee never left her side.
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5½ Months of Pure Love Every breath, every touch, every milestone — no matter how small — was everything.
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Forever a Butterfly Butterflies appear in the most unexpected ways — a reminder that Amara is always near, always watching over.
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Kadir's Twin Amara is the twin sister of Kadir, and big sister to Amir and Navia. She is loved and missed by all of them.
Her Story

She Taught Us How to Love

Amara Mia Zeb was born a micro-preemie — tiny, but with a spirit so fierce it redefined everything her family knew about strength and love. For 5½ months, she fought with a grace that left everyone who knew her forever changed.

"Amara taught us resilience, unconditional love, and the depth of a bond that continues beyond this world."

Her mother, Gee, spent 134 days by her side in the NICU and 30 more in the PICU. During that time, the Ronald McDonald Family Room became Gee's sanctuary — a place to rest, eat, shower, and recharge so she never had to leave Amara alone.

When Amara passed on October 12, 2016, that love did not end. It transformed. It became a foundation. It became a mission. It became Amara's Butterflies — so that every family walking through the doors of a children's hospital could feel what Gee felt: that they are not alone.

Today, Amara's legacy lives in every family supported, every meal provided, every moment of comfort given to parents who are scared and exhausted and need someone to say: we are here.

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Our Mission

Bringing Smiles, Comfort & Support
to Families in Need

Amara's Butterflies Foundation exists to ensure that no family facing a child's hospitalization feels alone. Through ongoing contributions and acts of kindness, we support NICU and PICU families so they can stay present, stay strong, and feel the warmth of community during the hardest moments of their lives.

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Hospital Support

Direct contributions to Stony Brook Children's Hospital and Cohen's Children's Medical Center, supporting families right where they need it most.

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Ronald McDonald House

Supporting Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms so parents can rest, recharge, and remain by their child's side without ever having to leave.

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Community & Kindness

Fostering love, compassion, and connection through ongoing acts of generosity — because even the smallest gesture can send ripples of hope.

Our Impact

9+ Years of Love in Action

What started as a mother's grief became a movement of generosity that has touched thousands of families across Long Island and beyond.

9+
Years of Service
$100K+
Raised at 2025 Gala Alone
150+
Guests at Annual Gala
1000s
Families Impacted
Our Partners & Supporters
Stony Brook Children's Hospital Cohen's Children's Medical Center Ronald McDonald House LI Ronald McDonald House New Hyde Park Northwell Health NY Cancer & Blood Specialists Liberty Coca-Cola PSEG Walgreens
Watch

Amara's Story,
in Gee's Own Words

Hear how Amara's Butterflies Foundation was born, and how it has helped so many families and children along the way.

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Gee Antapli-Zeb
Founder & Amara's Mom

Amara was born on April 28, 2016 — and from the very first moment I held her, I knew she was something extraordinary. She was so small, but she was so mighty. Every single day in that NICU was a gift I will treasure forever.

When I lost her on October 12, 2016, I didn't know how to breathe. But then the butterflies started appearing. In the most unexpected places. And I knew — she wasn't gone. She had just transformed.

That's when Amara's Butterflies was born. Because I had experienced firsthand what it meant to have support — a place to rest, a meal, a moment of peace — and I wanted every parent in that hospital to feel that same grace. No one should walk through those halls alone.

My guiding belief is that even the smallest act of kindness can send ripples of hope, love, and healing into the lives of others. Keeping Amara's legacy alive is what drives me to do everything that I do.

She is with me always. 🦋

Upcoming Events

8th Annual Fall Celebration Gala

Join us for an enchanting evening benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro — presented by Amara's Butterflies Foundation in loving memory of Amara Mia Zeb.

Fall Celebration Gala
Fall Celebration Gala Details
🎟️ Get Tickets — 00 Sponsorship Opportunities
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