Telling our Story in 18 Holes

Our annual golf outing was held April 7, 2025 – a cold and rainy Monday that nonetheless saw more than 300 golfers and nearly 100 volunteers come out in support of the Breathing Room. The pervasive spirit of camaraderie, community, and care for others infused the day, making what could have been a gloomy golf day yet another incredible day of joy-filled fundraising for Breathing Room families.

At the outing, each tee box contained a sign thanking sponsors and highlighting an element of the Breathing Room’s history or current work. Several long-time supporters realized that they were unaware of the full scope of what BRF does. They were profoundly moved by the depth of the work we do, and excited to further engage in our efforts. We want to share these 18 points with you and thank you for your support in making this work possible.

The Breathing Room Foundation (BRF) was founded in 1997 and served three recipients in its first year.

BRF was founded by Diane and Bernie Fitzgerald, to pay forward the support and care they received from their community during Diane’s six-year battle with cancer.

BRF reduces financial toxicity by addressing a family’s most immediate financial need at the time of referral.

Grassroots funding from events like The Backyard Fair has grown to three major events each year, with the BRF Golf Classic serving continually as the largest fundraiser.

One of BRF’s major areas of focus is ensuring that children impacted by cancer, through their own diagnosis or that of a family member, continue to have positive childhood experiences.

BRF’s annual programs provide Spring baskets, Holiday gifts, Thanksgiving meals, personalized school supplies and other child-focused support throughout the year.

Once a family is referred to BRF, they are eligible to receive support for an entire year. This support is individualized to each family’s specific needs.

BRF support includes deliveries of home-cooked meals and groceries, comfort items, medical supplies and equipment, nutritional supplements, diapers and wipes, and snacks for the children.

BRF’s Breaking Barriers Program assists in removing barriers to cancer care with transportation to cancer treatment and nutritional supplements.

BRF has a low-barrier approach to support eligibility. To be eligible to receive BRF support, recipients need to be referred by a social worker or other healthcare professional and must be in active cancer treatment.

BRF is the ONLY foundation in the Philadelphia area that is able to respond to a need the same day an individual is referred.

The Breathing Room provided support to more than 15,000 recipients in its first 25 years.

Every family supported by BRF receives personal outreach via phone calls, cards, and check-ins so that no one feels alone in their fight.

Every recipient is recognized with a letter applauding their bravery in their fight against cancer.

BRF has grown from a small non-profit organization, known for helping with lawncare and house cleaning, to a leader in cancer care for the Philadelphia area, driving systemic change in the fight for equitable access to care.

BRF has kept the focus on supporting individuals and families by meeting them where they need support, listening to their challenges, and responding with the outstretched hand of a caring friend represented in our logo.

The BRF mission remains the same today as it was in 1997: to provide individualized care and support to families affected by cancer by addressing their most critical needs so that they can concentrate their efforts on regaining their physical health.

In 2024, BRF surpassed 20,000 recipients served. Thank you for making this work possible.

Together, we’ve come so far. From just three recipients in 1997 to over 20,000 lives touched today, the Breathing Room has grown by leaps and bounds. This incredible journey wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of donors, volunteers, and friends like you.

Thanks to your generosity, families in the Philadelphia area facing cancer have found comfort, compassion, and community – proof that no one has to fight cancer alone. As the number of those in need continues to grow, so does our commitment to support them. Please consider making a gift today to help us meet this rising need and continue being a lifeline for those navigating one of life’s hardest battles.

Your support makes the difference.