Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. It was a struggle keeping life "normal" for my two children, then 11 and 12 years old, while I went through treatment and surgery; struggled financially and emotionally; and was consumed with cancer.
Not long after I was nominated for the BRF’s assistance, I received a call saying I could expect a gift card to Old Navy and a BP gas card. This was such a blessing as summer approached and my kids needed clothing for the season. And the gas card – Imagine the relief of a gas gift card that would help cover the expense of hour and a half round-trip for treatment. Little did I know, that was simply the beginning of the support the BRF would provide for my family.
When spring arrived, we came home from running errands to a case filled with a variety of Girl Scout cookies. The BRF even provided my children with Easter baskets, filled with all of their favorite things from candy to McDonalds & Rita Water Ice gift cards and movie certificates. When summer arrived, we were given a load of summer fun, packaged in an envelope - Bowling tickets for Thunderbird lanes which included pizza, beverages and shoe rental; Dorney Park passes, and certificates to our favorite movie theater. We were even offered yard work which consisted of grass cutting, raking, bush trimming and sweeping.
The BRF also sent my children back-to-school supplies – book bags, note books, flash drives, folders, pens, pencils…everything on their back-to-school list. And when the holidays approached we received a Thanksgiving food basket, complete with everything from the Turkey to dessert. As Christmas approached, I recall lamenting over how I would keep the holiday normal for my children. And once again, I heard from the BRF asking if they could fulfill our Christmas wish list. When the gifts were delivered, they extended beyond the branches of our Christmas tree and the beautifully handmade cards to our family adorned our entire coffee and end tables.
The foundation also invited us to several events such as Celebration of Life where we could briefly escape cancer and enjoy being a family in great company, with good food and wonderful entertainment.
As you can see, from the impact the BRF has had on my family’s life, you all will be supporting an extraordinarily unique organization. There are many organizations raising money for research and community events. Yes, these do prove to be great support to the cancer community but there is great need for the family dealing with financial, emotional, spiritual and physical struggles? This unique organization steps in, knows exactly what a family needs and provides in abundance.
Review from Guidestar