About Us

we aim to improve the lives of families affected by cancer by ensuring no one feels alone in their fight.

Our mission is 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.

Learn more by reading our latest Annual Report 23-24.

our programs and services

Financial Support

Cancer is “one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the United States.” When coping with cancer, families are at their most vulnerable, and necessities like food, shelter, clothing, and maintaining a normal home life for children are often at risk. BRF reduces financial toxicity by addressing the families most immediate financial need at the time of referral. This can include payment of a utility bill to avoid shut-off, groceries, gas to get to treatments, or a partial rent payment.

Breaking Barriers

Through our partnership with hospital social workers, we recognized that transportation to treatment is the number one barrier to care for many cancer patient in the Philadelphia area. Often an individual has to make the difficult choice to forgo treatment due to the lack of reliable, safe, and affordable transportation. To address this, BRF established its Breaking Barriers Program. This program, offered in addition to our other support services, offers transportation support, specific to the individualized needs of each patient referred. Although limited, depending on funding, it directly impacts the patient’s ability to move forward with treatment and to keep an uninterrupted treatment plan without causing additional financial hardship and stress on the family.

Children’s Programs

The children’s wellbeing becomes a main concern when a family member is diagnosed with cancer. We concentrate a large portion of our efforts on ensuring the children impacted by cancer, through their own diagnosis or that of a family member, continue to have positive childhood experiences. We offer annual programs that provide Spring/Easter baskets, Holiday gifts, uncooked Thanksgiving dinners, personalized school supplies and other child-focused support throughout the year.

Comfort Program

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 but often includes deliveries of home-cooked meals and groceries, comfort items, medical supplies and equipment, diapers and wipes, and snacks for the children, BRF ensures all of this support is accompanied by personal touches, including greeting cards, phone calls, and other communication to check in on families throughout their cancer journey–all designed to ensure no one feels alone in their fight against cancer

Who We Serve

We keep our service area limited so that we can provide individualized, hands-on support to families living with cancer so that they feel the love and support of BRF and the entire community that supports us. View our list of service areas here.

check if we serve your area:

Demographic

45%

Black or African American

45%

Caucasian

Hispanic

Asian

Native American

Other

Counties Served

12%

Delaware

12%

Buck

65%

Philadelphia

Chester

10%

Montgomery

89%

Low income families

Veterans

577

Children

52%

Senior Citizens

59%

Female

41%

Male

Testimonials

“
At this most difficult time of my life, you have brought me an array of sunshine. Your kindness goes unmeasured. Thank you.
”

– Geoffrey

“
Thank you for being an amazing partner in caring for our patients. BRF is a real game-changer in the cancer support space and I’ll be excited to see how it continues to evolve and shape the Philly region’s health systems.
”

– Erin, social worker

“
I felt grateful that someone could provide a glimmer of hope to my two grandchildren during a dark time in our lives. Between COVID and my diagnosis, the kids and I felt isolated. The fact that BRF had generous volunteers to go out and shop for us was very uplifting and heartwarming.
”

– Elizabeth, colon cancer

“
I thank you so much for what you have blessed my family with. We are so thankful. I truly appreciate you blessing my children with Easter baskets. It’s one less stressor. I am so thankful for your help.
”

– Miranda, Hodgkins lymphoma, mom of four children

“
I cannot tell you how much your letter meant to me at that particular moment. I can’t even express how much it meant and means to me that anybody would have the heart to reach out like that. it was really wonderful. Thank you so much.
”

– Roberta

“
Please let the Breathing Room Foundation know we are so grateful for picking our family during this difficult time. We appreciate your foundation and all the thoughtful things they have done for our family and are humbled by your kindness.
”

– Dedra, Ronald, and Andrew

Our History

Established in February of 1997, the Breathing Room Foundation was founded by Bernard and Diane Fitzgerald as a response to the overwhelming support received from their family, friends and the community that surrounded them during Diane’s six year battle with cancer.

“As my wife waged her six year battle with cancer, I witnessed first hand the destruction of this disease. During that same time, I witnessed first hand the comfort of care. With each diagnosis, as cancer attacked her breast, lymph nodes, lungs, spine, and brain, there were the gifts. Diane, our children, and I were the recipients of so many gifts. With each gift we heard the words ‘I care.’ At one of our darkest moments, we received a visit from a friend who offered us great comfort. It was at that time, Diane confided in me, ‘…sometimes I think I’m going to be cured, and this cancer will go away. That may not happen, but I think I’m being cured in other ways.’

“I have thanked so many people for such gifts that I wonder if a thank you from me means anything. The words as I say them sound insincere. The best way I can show my gratitude is to do similar things for others as were done for us. When our foundation helps someone renovate their home or send someone on vacation or offers presents to children we hear ‘thank you.’ With each opportunity to help others, I am saying thank you.

“We were in a battle between care and disease. This battle did not start with us. Others before us waged such a battle, and it does not end with us. I ask you to join me with this foundation because I assure you I am not done fighting. ”

– Bernie Fitzgerald, Co-Founder

Our Partners

We are fortunate to have incredibly generous corporate sponsors and partners who continue to make our mission a reality, as well as allow both our fundraising events and outreach programs to flourish. Along with our volunteers, they are the driving force behind our work.

25th Anniversary Community Partners

Difference Makers

Interested in getting your organization involved?
Click here to reach out.

Board of Directors

view a list of former board members

Dr. Sramila Aithal

Medical Oncologist, Alliance Cancer Specialists

Dr. Adam Binder

Medical Oncologist, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Greg Clifton

Manager, Organizational Development, Day & Zimmermann

Matthew Cullison

Vice President – Sr. Director, Newmark

Diana Eidenshink

President, ACE Mentor Program

Ryan Galvin

President - Chief Talent Officer, Stradley Ronon

Vincent Hegarty

Treasurer - Senior Compliance Analyst, SIG

Thomas Maahs

Vice President - Risk Management and Insurance Advisor, Johnson, Kendall & Johnson

Bill News

Education Consultant, LexisNexis

Jodi Sandos

Senior Oncology Social Worker, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Barbara Shaw

Secretary – Senior Client Advocate, ECBM

Ken Zylstra

Senior Vice President, Rust Consulting, Inc.

Foundation Staff

Mary Ellen Fitzgerald

Executive Director

Mary Ellen Fitzgerald is the Director of the Breathing Room Foundation. She has been involved with the foundation since its inception in 1997, first as a founding member of the board of directors and currently as the Executive Director.

Mary Ellen says, “I am honored to be able to help carry out my sister’s legacy. I could not be more proud of the work of the Breathing Room Foundation and am grateful every day for having the opportunity to be a part of it. The words of gratitude that I hear from the families that we serve are a true testament to the life that my sister lived. She lived her life to serve others and with BRF she continues to do that even after her passing. Although I miss Diane everyday, I feel her presence with each recipient who is touched by the mission of BRF. I know she would be proud.”

When not working at BRF, Mary Ellen enjoys spending time with her growing family. She is the mother of 4 adult children and “Emme” to 5 (almost 6) Grandchildren. She enjoys sunshine, fitness, and the Phillies.

Jaci Hartnett

Volunteer Coordinator

As the Volunteer Coordinator for the Breathing Room Foundation, Jaci is dedicated to mobilizing compassionate individuals to support families navigating active cancer treatment. With a passion for community service and a commitment to making a meaningful impact, she works to recruit, train, and organize volunteers who provide essential care and support to our recipient families.

With a background in Operations Management and Event Coordination, Jaci has been working hard creating a welcoming and efficient volunteer program. She believes that merging simplicity with structure to create effective strategies while fostering strong relationships will maximize the foundation’s ability to serve those in need. Through building relationships with volunteers, and community partners, she aims to ensure that every act of kindness translates into real relief for those facing the challenges of cancer treatment.

When not working on our volunteer program, Jaci enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and reading a good book, but she is always seeking ways to bring people together for a greater cause.

Colleen Knoble

Director of Development

Colleen Knoble is the newest member of our team, joining the Breathing Room in March of 2022 as our Director of Development. Colleen has been an active participant in the programs at BRF for many years, and is excited to join the team in a professional capacity.

Colleen is a natural “people person” who is passionate about making a difference in her community. She is thrilled to combine that passion with her experience in sales and business development to help usher in the next 25 years of success for the Breathing Room Foundation.

Colleen lives in Elkins Park with her husband and 2 children. She loves to garden and thrift shop for vintage treasures. Colleen also is very active in local kids sports organizations, and enjoys coaching local soccer and softball teams.

Aginah Dingle

Office Administrator

Aginah joined BRF in 2023 with a background in Healthcare Management. She brings a passion for connecting people, serving the community, and
working in a team environment. Aginah’s personal experience with cancer in her own family inspires her work everyday and keeps her motivated providing support to families in need. Aginah’s home life managing five kids (and a bonus kid!) helps to keep her organized at home and in the office. She loves that working at BRF gives her a chance to still give back in a focused and tangible sense while connecting with families.

Jen Schiffelbein

Director of Marketing

Jen brings nearly two decades of nonprofit management experience to BRF. Combining creativity and marketing cohesively for Breathing Room allows her to share the stories and work of this tremendous organization. Her passion for highlighting the beautiful experiences that BRF provides to recipients, volunteers, and donors represents the shared community effort of BRF and our supporters.

Tricia Tysiak

Transportation Coordinator

Tricia joined BRF in 2022 to sustain and advance the Breaking Barriers Program. Tricia was hired to coordinate services. Tricia was an oncology nurse for over 30 years and brings an unmatched depth of knowledge to conversations about recipients needs and community resources.