Woman Gives Friend a Secret Santa Gift with a Special Message from Her Late Mother: 'I'll Treasure It Forever' (Exclusive)

Mary Kate and Giuliana recently celebrated Secret Santa with their close-knit group of friends, whom they’ve had since high school. This year, the occasion took on a deeper meaning for Giuliana, who lost her mother to ovarian cancer earlier in the year. In a viral TikTok, Mary Kate documented her gift to Giuliana — a custom purse with butterflies, which symbolizes her relationship with her late mom.

“Giuliana's had a rough year losing her mom,” Mary Kate exclusively tells PEOPLE. “When I do Secret Santa, I really like to be intentional and thoughtful. The butterflies have always been a special thing with Giuliana.”

“I thought this would be great because Giuliana is such an amazing friend,” Mary Kate continues. “I wanted to give her something that was personal and had touches of her mom that she could carry with her everywhere.”

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The purse also had a heartfelt note from Giuliana's mother sewed into the flap. “I was just shocked in general,” Giuliana recalls exclusively to PEOPLE about her thoughts, before knowing Mary Kate was behind the gift. “Someone took the time to really think about this gift. The most thoughtful gift I've ever received. I'm so grateful for it. I’ll treasure it forever.”

Giuliana shares the significance of butterflies: she and mother often referred to each other as “butterflies” since a butterfly landed on her mother’s stomach during her pregnancy.

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When she realized it was Mary Kate who was the mastermind behind the gift, it meant even more, as she was Giuliana's first friend in high school before their close-knit group was formed. The emotional moment the gift was opened was captured on TikTok, where it quickly went viral. Many who commented on the video noted how special their friendship was. “To be loved is to be seen,” Mary Kate reflects on her gift. "Just recognizing what someone means to you and having that in a gift is powerful.”

“This just really showed how meaningful our friendship is,” Giuliana remarks, with Mary Kate adding, “We already have a very solid friendship ... We have really hit the jackpot.”

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Their friendship expanded into advocating for Giuliana's mom following her diagnosis. In honor of her mother, Giuliana organized a walk in Chicago this year that drew around 100 participants in an effort to bring awareness to ovarian cancer.

“Ovarian cancer is one of the lesser known cancers,” Giuliana shares. “Its not researched enough but my mom really trusted her gut and knew something was wrong.” Mary Kate chimes in, “Just seeing her strength and courage really inspired all of us.”

The Secret Santa exchange between the two friends not only highlighted the strength of a lasting friendship but their unique bond and the importance of the love and support they have for one another when navigating through challenges in life.

Read the original article on People