In lieu of gifts, Joanne and Kyle give back!

For Joanne Castner, growing up in Jenkintown meant growing up with the Breathing Room. Her personal influence from BRF began when her mom was diagnosed with cancer. She remembers being so appreciative of the additional support for her parents while her mom battled cancer. “It helps in ways that aren’t necessarily obvious and you might think you don’t really need the help, but it gives the time back to your family that you didn’t know you needed or were missing,” she shared. “Knowing that there were other people helping our family gave me the reassurance that my parents were getting that extra support they needed at the time.”

After her mom, Patty, passed, the Breathing Room remained in her family’s hearts. When Joanne and her new husband, Kyle, planned their wedding, they agreed that their celebration needed to include giving back to others.

“We got married on Veterans Day, and we knew we wanted to give in honor of Veterans Day, but also in general to causes that are important to us,” Joanne said. “We chose a local dog rescue where we adopted our puppies from, a local veterans charity, and the Breathing Room.”

Joanne and Kyle’s wedding favor to guests were gifts to the local veterans charity, and requested that in lieu of gifts, guests “spread more love by donating to one of the charities linked below.” Those two charities? Last Hope K9, and the Breathing Room Foundation, described by Joanne and Kyle as: “A non-profit close to Joanne’s heart, this organization started by a family in Jenkintown, PA, supported her family through her mom’s battle with cancer. In her memory, we invite you to make a donation to this organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of families who are dealing with cancer.”

“This was part of my way to honor my mom at my wedding,” Joanne shared. “We had a chair reserved for her during the ceremony, and a memorial table at the reception for family members who have passed, but getting to give back to an organization that did truly make a difference in our lives was really meaningful to me. The Breathing Room just made things easier for my mom, especially toward the end of her cancer battle. Giving back in this way is a small way of saying thank you.”

Joanne and Kyle’s commitment to spreading the love while celebrating their own love is such a generous way to share the Breathing Room’s message. The gifts that have come in from their wedding guests will serve other families like Joanne and her mom – thank you for spreading the love, Joanne and Kyle (and congratulations on your wedding!).