My name is Tami DiPietro and my 14 year old son, Jacob has Cystic Fibrosis. He is very sports oriented and enjoys cheering on all of the Philadelphia Sports teams. The Take a Breather Foundation received tickets to the Philadelphia Flyers game and generously offered them to Jacob and our family. It was perfect timing as the game was scheduled for 3:00pm on Monday, February 21st which happened to fall on President's Day weekend. The kids already had off from school and this provided our family and 3 of Jacob's friends with an opportunity to spend the day together. The package included free parking and free tickets in a suite with food and beverage included. We really feel we received VIP treatment. It was an exciting game and fun was had by all. The staff at Take a Breather made this experience extremely easy and worry free!
Review from Guidestar
Take A Breather is an incredible non-profit! I am a social worker at a CF center, and Take a Breather has been one of the first places I've turned to when one of my families has been in financial need during the Covid-19 crisis. Take A Breather has helped families with utility bills when they have been at risk of urgent shut-offs. They have helped families with car payments to support their travel to and from the hospital for visits and hospitalizations. Their staff is extremely communicative, responsive, and kind. They are easy to reach and great to work with. I look forward to continuing to partner with them!
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather foundation, made our daughter Ava’s Quincenera dream come true. With covid hitting and prolonged waiting she was able to have her Quince 1 month shy of her 16th birthday.
We are extremely grateful to all the smiling faces and positive energy that came along with people who work with this organization.
They stepped up and Mede every little detail she wanted come true.
Ava has Cystic fibrosis. Every year is celebration for her. She has moved mountains. And is on the high homer roll at school. We wanted her to know we were extremely proud of her and her overcoming all the obstacles coming her way!
Thank you Take a Breather for you patience, time, and ideas!
Review from Guidestar
I had lost so much this last year and my Cystic Fibrosis was flaring up pretty bad. I found out my last apartment complex lied and denied the existence of mold in their apartments. The mold ruined my mattress, my sheets, my pillows, my comforter set and all, I was lucky my plush toys were very tightly sealed away or else they would have been destroyed. It broke my heart for The Spiritus Project another organization, had helped to make that dream a reality at that time. And all that place did was tear my heart out. However cruel that was, all was not lost...because Take A Breather showed up around the time I moved to a better apartment and they made things better. I got a new mattress, a mattress cover, new sheets, pillows, comforter set, and curtains to keep my room dark because my eyes are so sensitive after the black mold poisoning. It restored my faith and made me feel like I had hope again. But still...something else had been ruined at the old apartment. Not many understand, but I had a doll family. I can't have children, so they are the closest thing I have to kin. Some of the dolls are easily stained by black mold and can't be fixed. The black mold ruined many of my beloved dolls that were like children to me, it destroyed my family. I was distraught. I thought there was nothing more that could be done, and I thought wrong. I told the Take A Breather Foundation of my great loss and they helped me to get some of my doll family back, much to my astonishment and relief. I was honestly overwhelmed with joy and happiness! When I was a young CF patient and very lonely during hospital stays, my dolls were my best friends and I made up great stories with them and they would go on great adventures and I would imagine I was there through it all. And thanks to not only the Spiritus Project, Make A Wish Foundation, The 65 Roses Foundation and the organization that helped me this day, the Take A Breather Foundation, I have realized my dream. I want to help kids with Cystic Fibrosis and others suffering from other illnesses who feel alone in their time of need just like myself. I hope to make a doll business to comfort young patients suffering through illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis, and with help, I can help future CF patients, among others suffering via variety of illnesses because I know having someone or something to call a friend is so crucial during those trying hospital stays because it's tough feeling lonely. And more importantly, it is difficult dealing with something that you don't think anyone can understand. I couldn't have gotten this far without the help of a very special angel, Molly McBryan and all the hard working staff behind her working at Take A Breather Foundation. You have changed the "It's simply impossible!" into "Anything is possible!" and "I just can't!" into "I know I can!" Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart! I can't wait for you all to meet everyone in my doll family! And I hope to work with you to spread more hope in this community. One breath, one step, one day.
Review from Guidestar
Just wanted to say that Take A Breather Foundation has been such a great help to me. During the pandemic all the gyms were closed around me. So I had reached out to Take A Breather and they were able to help me secure a bike, so that I could ride and get the exercise I needed for my health. Then this past month I had gotten sick went into the hospital and was not financially able to pay some bills. I had reached out again to the foundation and they were able to help pay my car loan for the month!! This foundation has been such a blessing to me, they are so great with the CF community and helping us when in a time of need. Their needs to be more like them for the CF community.
Review from Guidestar
The Take a Breather Foundation holds a special place in my heart and in the heart of my entire family. They have walked in the Narberth CF Run during the pouring rain and have flown in from Colorado to volunteer for Take A Breather's run on the beach in Longport, NJ. A great organization helping to brighten the lives of those with CF. Keep up the great work!
I am a clinical social worker at a CF Center. In the short time I've been at the clinic, I've found Take A Breather to be incredibly responsive, dedicated, flexible and wonderful to work with! Our patients have benefited in so many ways, from financial support during Covid-19 (food, rent, utilities) to holiday gifts to special wishes/needs (Breathers). Take A Breather is a phenomenal foundation whose mission to help adults with CF is clearly carried out! We look forward to a continued relationship and partnership!
Review from Guidestar
There are not words enough to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Take a Breather Foundation. I was incredibly honored and lucky to have been granted a wish, it came as a real surprise, and the timing couldn’t have been better!
Having CF is challenging, having CF during a pandemic when you are waiting for a double lung and liver transplant is incredibly stressful. In reality, my whole world shrunk to the space of my apartment; life became very restricted both physically but also mentally, which was tough.
When I found out I had been chosen, I was overjoyed. It was a well-needed reprieve from my CF life.
After much consideration, I decided to ask TABF if it would be possible to meet Professor Scott Galloway of NYU Stern. I had been following him for several years and was a massive fan of his investment- and life views, especially his book on the Algebra of Happiness. With logistics planned and assurances from my medical team and TABF, we got the green light.
From start to finish, the whole experience was astounding. The Foundation and Prof Galloway went above and beyond.
We were picked up in a limo, whisked off to the airport, after which we flew up to Nantucket for dinner with Prof Galloway and his wife. What was most special aside from meeting my hero is that I entirely forgot about my poor health, the pandemic, and all the stress that accompanies the wait for transplant!
I will never forget this experience and would like to thank TABF, Matt, and, especially, Jen. :)
Thank you, thank you!
I am a social worker in the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at The Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania. We have had an extremely close relationship with Take A Breather Foundation (TAB), especially with its founder. Living with cystic fibrosis brings many challenges, one of which can be financial. Care, numerous medication co-pays, lost wages due to illness, inability to work full-time because of poor health are some of the contributing factors. Often our patients have no additional funds for the enjoyable "extras" in life.
Most "wish" type programs are usually available for children. Take A Breather recognize that adults need a break as well! We have had several of our adult patients get their "breather" - many have enjoyed vacations, but some have chosen to get something they normally couldn't afford, such as a high-end 35mm camera, snowboarding equipment & gear, etc.... Each and every one of our patients have been extremely grateful for their wish.
Take A Breather holds many fundraising events throughout the year which allows them to provide these wishes. Because of COVID-19, trips and such had to be put on hold. TAB immediately switched their focus to providing financial relief to those affected by the pandemic, as many lost their jobs or were laid off and experienced a reduction in income. They have been able to help people with rent, utilities, food, etc....
Take A Breather has truly fulfilled their mission statement and continues to create special memories for those battling cystic fibrosis each and every day.
Review from Guidestar
As a clinical social worker at a large CF center, Take a Breather Foundation has been a phenomenal resource to us and our patients. While travel wishes have been difficult to accommodate for during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Take A Breather has continued to show dedication to our patients by granting their wishes that allow them to further their wellness, physical health, and quality of life. We've had two patients have their "breather" granted during the pandemic, and each wish was handled with such care and swift action. Take a Breather has also created a separate fund to help with COVID-19 related reliefs. This has been an incredibly helpful resource during such a difficult financial time for our patients and families. The team at Take a Breather has been wonderful to work with and proactive in granting these wishes of our patients. I'm grateful to work with Take a Breather Foundation and look forward to our continued work in bettering the lives of our patients.
Review from Guidestar
The 'Take A Breather Foundation' was amazing! Having Cystic Fibrosis is difficult enough but dealing with it during COVID-19 has been especially challenging, especially trying to exercise and stay healthy. My CF clinic reached out to them and they came through!
The foundation was instrumental in purchasing a road bike to help me stay healthy. They worked with my local bicycle shop to find the right bike and I've been peddling away ever since getting the bike in late July. I started off doing 5 miles, then 10, then 15, and just this past weekend on 9/12/20, I completed my first 30-mile charity bike ride.
This Foundation was crucial in helping me to stay healthy, fit, and focused on my long term goals of keeping my CF in check!
I am so appreciative that they exist and are helping the lives of CF patients like myself.
Review from Guidestar
As a social worker at a Cystic Fibrosis care center, I have found the Take a Breather Foundation has been wonderful to work with and incredibly dedicated to their mission of providing individuals with CF and their families with a "breather" from CF through wish granting! Everyone at this organization that I have had the pleasure of interacting with has been dedicated, kind, supportive, and accommodating!
Recently, the Take a Breather Foundation has been unbelievably supportive to individuals and families affected by COVID 19 and has been a remarkable resource of support in many ways.
I always look forward to working with the Take a Breather Foundation!
Review from Guidestar
My name is Alexis Caccavano, I am 19 years old living with cystic fibrosis and lately it hasn’t been the easiest. I am so thankful to the Take A Breather Foundation for giving me my much needed “breather”. The breather I asked for was the Mirror. Not only is the mirror a great room decoration, it is also an amazing at home fitness studio. Especially during these times where I can not go to the gym, the mirror keeps me active without having to leave the comfort of my home. It also has so many different types of workouts which keeps it fun and makes me want to exercise. This foundation is amazing and has given so many people living with cystic fibrosis their dream vacations, gifting them amazing things such as new laptops, fitness items and so much more. I just want to say thank you again to the Take A Breather foundation for this amazing gift, I will forever be grateful.
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather Foundation went above and beyond to make this experience one to remember! I was given 2 tickets to a Washington Capitals hockey game and - although my Capitals lost - it was an experience I will never forget! Take a Breather Foundation sent a limo to escort us to and from the game, and treated us to an AMAZING dinner at a local French restaurant before the game. At the game I was given a team jersey, a signed helmet, and a hat! I am forever grateful to the foundation for all that they have done for me.
Review from Guidestar
I am so thankful I found the Take A Breather Foundation! Molly and her family have been so great to help so many people with people with CF and there families Take A Breather. My girlfriend and I would never have been able to afford to vacation to Gatlinburg, TN without them. We had such a magical time and made so many wonderful memories together that would not have been possible without the Take A Breather Foundation. We actually loved it so much we are planning on moving there in a few months. We are so excited to start or new life and new adventures in TN. And we owe it all to the Take A Breather Founation.
I have had CF my whole life and I feel so greatful to them and all they do for everyone. Because of them I was able to take a much needed breather! I wish everyone with CF could benefit like my girlfriend and I did through this wonderful Foundation and these great people!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
Eric & Heather
Review from Guidestar
The Take A Breather Foundation is a wonderful nonprofit organization helping to provide people with Cystic Fibrosis a break from the daily problems associated with their disease. As someone who has had the opportunity to experience this unbelievable gift first hand, I can attest to the professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication the organization brings to the table when providing each award recipient with their own personalized "breather." The leaders of the Take A Breather Foundation helped me to realize my goal of getting back on the mountain to continue pursuing my passion for snowboarding and the outdoors. The foundation specifically helped finance the purchase of top of the line winter gear and snowboarding equipment that will last well into the future. The team worked with my local snowboard equipment shop step by step, and the process was very easy and quite a bit of fun. After everything was picked out and purchased, I met the team and they presented me with the snowboarding equipment and introduced me to the leaders of the foundation as well as some of their donors. Together, we took some pictures to remember the occasion and to let others know of the work the foundation does. After hanging out for a few minutes, the team left to continue their pursuit of helping others in their struggle with CF. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to “take a breather” from my Cystic Fibrosis, and I am a believer in what the foundation does and I can see great opportunities for them in the future.
Review from Guidestar
My name is Shana and I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when I was a baby, so I’ve never known life without CF. Several months ago at my CF clinic, my social worker told me about this amazing organization, the Take a Breather Foundation, and how they were going to give me a “breather” from CF whatever it may be. Well the child in me who had never been choose to go to Disney World for the first time.
A couple of weeks ago, my boyfriend and I went on our trip and I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing trip. Take a Breather did an AMAZING job organizing everything. They were also in great communication with me up until the day of the trip to assure I had everything I needed. Even when we were a month out and it turned out I was going to need assistance of wheelchair at the airports and when traveling around the parks they were so incredible in making sure I had everything I needed.
From all the transportation, the hotel, meal plan, to our hopper tickets for the parks, truly everything they organized was perfect. They really live up to giving people with CF a “breather” from everyday life. I will forever be grateful to them. Highly recommended Take a Breather and all that they do.
Review from Guidestar
A few months ago I received an phone call from an unknown number. After I went to check my messages I found a voicemail from a Molly who was so excited to inform me that I was anonymously nominated for a grant from the Take a Breather Foundation. My mind was absolutely blown. After discussing further with Molly they went so far as to acquire me the camera of my dreams along with accessories to allow me to pursue my passion and career as a photographer. I am so blessed and grateful for what Molly and the team did for me and I hope so much that they are able to continue bringing a light to people with CF.
Amanda
Review from Guidestar
I was nominated for a take a breather gift by my team of doctors. Although I was not previously familiar with the organization, I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity. I chose to to on a beach trip with my entire family, which I had not had the opportunity to do in several years. The charity was amazing at setting the entire trip up and going above and beyond any expectation I had to truly make the trip special. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity to relax for a week in the midst of some ongoing medical complications I was experiencing. I am very close with my family and the trip will hold great meaning to me as I carry the memories forward. I cannot thank take a breather enough for everything that was done for me!
-Andrew
Review from Guidestar
My name is Grace D'Amico and I recently received my Breather! It came at the perfect time because I have had a rocky year with my CF. Up until this point, I've never had too many issues with CF and my lungs, but I became sick in December 2018 and never got better until my first hospitalization in May 2019 after a major drop in lung function. A few months before then my social worker suggested Take A Breather, and after my hospitalization I decided it was definitely something I wanted to do for myself to recognize the hard work I put into my CF and the mountain I had just climbed to become healthy again. I decided to ask for a MacBook Pro and a printer to help with schoolwork going into my senior year of high school. I can complete homework while also getting treatments done, and in college these will be great for me to use for assignments and essays I will have to complete. I am so grateful for my Breather experience and feel so blessed to have received my Breather in clinic with my care team around me to celebrate.
I would like to thank Molly McBryan and the entire Take A Breather team for their amazing work and support, in their mission to make every breath count!
-Grace D'Amico
Review from Guidestar
Dear Take a Breather,
I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for my Breather at Atlantis in the Bahamas. I had the most wonderful time- it was a much needed breather from CF. The last couple of years have been very challenging for me health-wise, and in the time I have not been dealing with that, I have mostly been in school. Atlantis was a true paradise, and exceeded every expectation that I had for this trip. It really did let me forget about CF and focus on relaxing and having fun!
My boyfriend (Raph) and I got to walk with sharks, play with dolphins, go on the water slides (called the doom drop or something like that), and catch up on plenty of relaxation by the pools and beaches. The food was wonderful, the people here were so kind- I will be raving about this vacation for a very, very long time. Raph would also like to extend a huge thanks to everybody at Take a Breather. His favorite parts were the aquariums and the dolphins! I could go on for about eight pages about how amazing everything was.
I will never, ever forget this trip, and all of the great people at Take a Breather who helped to make it happen. I have attached some of my favorite pictures from my Breather, too, plus a video from inside of the shark tank and one of the dolphins!
Thank you a million times over!
Caley Gowen
Review from Guidestar
My name is Michelle and I have four children, three boys and one girl. My boys, ages 11 (twins) and 10 were diagnosed with CF around five weeks old. To say life has been overwhelming, frustrating, and exhausting the last 11 years is an understatement! But with the bad, we have also had good. We have been blessed with kind, empathetic, and loving people to walk along side with us on this journey. People like the Take a Breather Foundation. My son Oliver was able to take a breather and enjoy time at Give Kids the World in Orlando. We are very grateful to Molly and the TAB family for giving us an opportunity to explore Disney and the surrounding parks. Although some days were more tiring than others, Oliver's smile and excitement didn't fade! Thank you again, Take a Breather and to the generous donors for giving Oliver this experience. It's amazing what a few days away with loved ones can do for your soul, especially those who suffer from CF. XO
Review from Guidestar
To Matt & Molly & TakeABreather
I really can't express just how surprised and overwhelmingly thankful I felt (and still feel) upon recieving the package from TakeABreather. When originally asked for my ideal choice of a laptop or tablet - grateful for anything, I figured the decision and selection was best in their hands. Little did I know that you would pick the best possible option and bless me with the Macbook that you sent. Thank you. I promise to put it to good use to truly take a break, take a breather from CF.
From the bottom of my heart, I can't thank you all enough for your generosity and the gift. I hope your foundation and organization conitues to grow so that others, like myself, can be aided with such magnitudes.
Thank you again for everything that you do for others and especially what you've just done to massively improve my quality of life.
With Infinite Appreciation,
Jeremiah
Review from Guidestar
My name is Shelley Dobson-Butts. I am 37 yr. old and I have CF. I am also a mother of a 12 yr. old that has CF as well. I was given a wonderful wish from Take A Breather to travel anywhere in the continental U. S. I chose DisneyLand in California. This trip meant so much to me and my son. During the last few years I have been having difficulties with my health and the hospital was the only vacation I was resorting to. It's been a long journey to get healthy but I finally have hit a positive streak . This trip was the breather I needed to take a break from the everyday life of living with CF. I also had a recent tragedy in my family. A few months ago I lost my husband to mental illness and it took a toll on my son and my life. I debated whether to still go on the trip after this sudden tragedy but I know we both needed this to help began the process of healing along with the stress that comes along with what we were facing. I so much appreciated Molly and the rest of the Take a Breather Family for embracing us during this tough time and giving us a much needed get away. We enjoyed our stay in Disney Land. We seen so many sights, rode on many rides and ate a bunch. The foundation pulled out all the stops for our trip in which I could never thank you guys enough. This trip gave us just a little slice of heaven for a week that we will never forget. Thank you again Take A Breather..
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breath is a foundation of commited people, enthusiastic people, lovely people, people with empathy, people that only care for what is important, people in all the sense of the word.
In this CF journey we have been bless in different ways by different people, I have more nice stories to tell than any person that doesnt have this kind of challenges in their life. But, like a child, I haven't lose my amazement capacity and I keep getting surprised when people like Take a Breath, just because they decided to bring Joy to others, gave to my family this great present, and build such good memories for my daughters life.
Eternal thank you,
Edwards family
Review from Guidestar
Hello, my name is Shaquille Crawley and i have cystic fibrosis. I am currently on the list for lung transplant due to my cf. Its been a rough road for me, as well as my family. I was contacted by Molly from the take a breather foundation. They gave me the opportunity to take a vacation with my family members. The trip was wonderful and was much needed for all of us. I think this nonprofit organization is beautiful for all they do for cf's. We went to hawks cay in florida and enjoy ourself. The weather was great and the time alone was amazing. Dealing with cf can be overwhelming and feels like all your time is either taken medicine or doing treatments. Trying to stay in up most health is hard at times, and with the break that gave me, just let me relax and spend time with family in a nice environment. I want to thank all involve that made this possible for me. Thanks so much
Review from Guidestar
Hello!
I recently received a wish from Take A Breather Foundation and they're by far the easiest, nicest, most understanding foundation I have ever worked with. I wrote the foundation while I was inpatient during a hospital admission during the busiest time of the year, Christmas! I had one Christmas wish which was to get a laptop to make my hospital stays much easier since I'm there so much and this foundation responded so quickly and I received my wish within weeks!!!! Matt with the foundation had such great communication with me and walked me through each step and made it such a great experience for me! they even sent me a couple extra gifts to complete my laptop package! I have never been so thrilled with a foundation, I have also never been granted a gift by any type of foundation so when Matt got back to me about being approved I was so happy, they really did make a Christmas wish come true for me. thank you so much to everyone at take a breather foundation who made this wish come true for me and in such short notice.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!! Continue to fight the good fight, my thoughts and prayers will forever be with every other cf fighter!!
My family is beyond grateful for the Take A Breather Foundation; because of them my daughter was able to have a special one on one with Belle at Magic Kingdom and have our first family vacation. Though we didn't relax much lol there was too much to do and see, we were still able to take a breather from our everyday. We created memories that will last a life time. Thank you Take A Breather Foundation!
Review from Guidestar
I was able to Take a Breather because of the Take a Breather Foundation. To be able to get out of my “normal” routine and forget about the troubles of Cystic Fibrosis was an unforgettable experience. My family and I were able to go to Disney where I could make some precious memories with my babies and forget about how sick I always am and the many hospital stays. Without TAKE a Breather this would not be possible. Many CFers could benefit from this. I know that this opportunity has also given me a new sense of life. I feel very refreshed and ready to tackle CF even harder!
Review from Guidestar
The past 2 years have been particularly hard for myself and also our family. I have faced many set backs and long courses of treatments with little to no improvement. This doesn't just affect me it affects our whole family. This disease is not something I face alone and many times can be even harder on my family than it is on me. This trip was given to us at the perfect moment and gave us a chance to escape all of that. We were given a chance to be a regular family. Our trip was so incredibly wonderful!! It was so much greater than I ever imagined. I just keep reliving the moments over in my head. I never once felt worried about my health the entire time and I never expected to be able to rid myself of that worry. This breather truly was a breather for our family. Although I used a scooter to get around I felt like every other person there just enjoying the moments with their family.
The kids had so many amazing moments. We were able to get the boys in to do the Jedi Training and Nathan led the parade through Hollywood Studios, I dragged the boys with me to meet Tinkerbell and Dillon and Nathan got to catch the biggest Bass of their lives. We met many characters, rode so many great rides and had so much great food! I LOVE Mickey Waffles!! This trip was such an incredible blessing for us. We will never forget these memories and I am so thankful for the time we had together.
Review from Guidestar
Recently my family was given a great opportunity to take a breather from cf for a week in Florida at Disney world. This trip could not have came at a better time after all the ups and downs that the cf roller coaster takes you on we as a family of 5 got a chance for the first time in over 4 years since getting my youngest sons cf diagnosis. We could not have asked for a better week we laughed we cryed we had melt downs from long days at the park but we were all together as a family. I can not thank this organization and everyone who donates to this great organization enough from the start of the trip arriving at the airport to our week at give kids the world meeting new people and sharing stories to the trip back home was a once and a life time experience that was made possible with you so thank you from the whole intire family to be given this “breather” and time to re group and reconnect as a family .
Review from Guidestar
I am a nurse at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, in North Philadelphia.
My first experience with TAB was approximately ten years ago when they fulfilled the wish of one of my patients to “complete her bucket list”
Ashley was 21 years old at the time and couldn’t even walk to the bathroom without the use of oxygen. Her Doctors were urging her to move forward with plans to apply to the lung transplant program at the University of Pennsylvania.
My patient and her family had been struggling since her birth to maintain the best quality of life possible, but time was running out.
Ashley felt that if she could complete her bucket list, that she would find the courage to move forward with her lung transplant.
TAB planned an elaborate trip to the Grand Canyon for Ashley and her family, including a helicopter ride, as her stamina was so compromised from her disease.
When Ashley returned to Philadelphia, she was again hospitalized with severe lung failure and was rushed to HUP from St. Christopher’s Hospital, ready for her lung transplant, with the courage and knowledge that she was well prepared for this next stage of her battle, as her bucket list was complete.
Since that time, TAB has sent nearly every child with CF at St. Christopher’s on the trip of their wish.
They come to the clinic and to the inpatient floor every Christmas with IPads and gift cards for any patient who is hospitalized, or in the clinic during the week before Christmas, and they have never turned down the request of the doctors or social workers who know that they will help with anything a child with CF might need.
They were able to pay for cochlear implants for our 20 year old patient who had lost his hearing from his exposure to the antibiotics needed to treat his CF, and insurance didn’t cover.
I know I can reach out to them, and count on their support for any child in need.
I'm a social worker at the UNC Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a progressive lung disease which slowly limits the ability to breathe over time. As a CF Social Worker, I attend to both the financial and emotional needs of our patients. The needs in both of these areas can be overwhelming. CF is a very expensive disease - even if you have health insurance, there are co-pays for multiple medications, clinic appointments, and hospitalizations. CF is also an emotionally exhausting disease - patients have 2-4 hours of treatments EVERY day. They also know (usually from birth) that they have a limited lifespan and struggle with the implications.
Fortunately, we have some allies to help us assist patients who are struggling with the financial and emotional consequences of their disease. Take-A-Breather has been a phenomenal source of relief and strength for our patients. The vacations that they offer allow our patients an otherwise-unavailable chance to take a vacation that gives them moments of joy and allows them to recapture their strength and hope.
I am incredibly grateful that the Take-A-Breather Foundation has expanded to North Carolina and can extend wishes to the adults in our clinic. This is an amazing foundation and I hope that they will be able to continue in their mission with the help of generous donors.
Marianne Buchanan, LCSW
Chapel Hill, NC
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather is a wonderful organization. They recognize that it’s not easy being an adult with CF and sometimes we need a “breather” as well. As a recent recipient of a wish I am so grateful to TAB and all of their sponsors. My parents and I went to San Francisco. This past year has been a rough year for me and I have had to make some hard decisions recently. So this trip could not have come at a better time. There was so much to see and do, there was no time to worry about anything the whole vacation. I came back feeling lighter and happier than I have in a long time. We all loved every minute, but the definite highlight was going to see the Giants play the Mets at AT&T Park. I also loved seeing the lovely sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf and the vibrant colors at the Conservatory of Flowers and tasting the best dim sum ever in Chinatown. None of this would have been possible without TAB. So thank you so very much from my whole family!
Review from Guidestar
My daughter has Cystic Fibrosis and her days are filled with working to stay healthy. From medications to breathing treatments, air way clearance and doctor visits, Patty does it all without complaining. Take A Breather sent my daughter and our family on a cruise to Bermuda. This meant a lot to Patty because she was able to escape from the day to day living with CF and just enjoy her beautiful surroundings. Instead of clinic visits, she was on the beach and swimming with the dolphins. It definitely reinvigorated her and she wants to continue to stay as healthy as possible because she wants to visit Bermuda again. It was absolutely amazing and we made memories that will last a lifetime. My daughter enjoyed every second of Bermuda and the cruise ship. We could never thank Take A Breather and their donors enough.
Review from Guidestar
Take A breather sent my family to Disney World and allowed me to put aside the daily struggles of life associated with living with Cf. We had a great time and made memories we will hold forever. I cannot express in words what this experience has meant to me or my children!
Review from Guidestar
Our family is so very thankful to the Take a Breather Foundation for granting our family the trip of a lifetime! My oldest daughter suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, and the last two years have been extremely difficult for her as her health declined significantly. She spent most of her Senior Year of High School in the hospital or home bound and was listed for a double lung transplant. The call from Take a Breather couldn’t have come at a better time! The entire family needed time to take a break from hospitalizations, IV’s, and doctors appointments. The trip truly gave us an opportunity to “breath”!
We were blessed with a trip to Hawaii and surrounded by God’s beauty we were able to have a respite from the demands of the disease. The kids and I made memories that will last a lifetime! We are so very thankful to Take a Breather and our anonymous donor who made this very special trip possible! Molly and Matt, you feel like part of our family now and hold a special place in our hearts!
Much love, Linda, Maddi, Zach, Grace, and Gabbi
Review from Guidestar
Our family’s journey with Cystic Fibrosis began almost four years ago when our son Caleb was born. He spent a couple months in the NICU and has had numerous surgeries since birth due to complications from having CF. It’s been a stressful four years for our family and especially Caleb. Earlier this year, we were thrilled to learn that Caleb was nominated for a wish from Take A Breather, and he was excited to choose a beach vacation. Take A Breather is a wonderful organization run by kind and caring people, and we greatly appreciate that they took care of every detail of our trip so we didn’t have to do anything and could enjoy our time at Topsail Island, NC. Our trip to the beach was one we’ll never forget! It was a wonderful time to relax, focus on our family, reconnect and “take a breather” from CF. We’ll always remember the joy on both of our son’s faces as they played on the beach and explored the island. Take A Breather and all those who generously donate to this amazing foundation, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for fulfilling Caleb’s wish!
Review from Guidestar
Words cannot adequately express the immeasurable blessing Take A Breather has been in my life! Molly and the rest of the Take A Breather family entered my life during an extremely difficult time— as I was grappling with a physically, emotionally and financially draining treatment protocol for a complex lung infection. I’ll never forget the day Molly called to say they were going to grant a wish for me. Take A Breather sent my husband and I to the Grand Canyon (a place my avid hiker and outdoor-lover heart had always longed to explore) and Sedona, AZ. The trip was exactly what we needed to relax, recuperate and reconnect. Take A Breather exceeded our every expectation and we were blown away by the amazing gift that trip was for us. We tell everyone we know about this fabulous foundation in hopes of aiding them in carrying out their mission for years to come! What an honor it is to be a part of the Take A Breather family! Take A Breather is truly changing lives!
Review from Guidestar
We are so thankful to Matt and Molly and the rest of the Team of Take a Breather who made it possible for the Ortega Vidot family to take a breath from years of living as if we were riding a roller coaster and not getting off of it. Many thanks and love to all. Javien loves The other world like he said
The management and volunteers at Take a Breather are some of the most diligent, dedicated, hard-working people I have ever seen. Their dedication to the cause goes way beyond the necessary. Their events are well organized, efficient and successful which ultimately leads to their mission of granting a little respite for children and adults and their families living with Cystic Fibrosis
I wanted to thank all the people who works for and supports Take A Breather Foundation. The trip to Orlando was one that my family will never forget. Makena my daughter who has Cystic Fibrosis was made to feel like royalty. Her special wish to meet Minnie Mouse was the high point of the trip. When Minnie walked into the VIP lounge at Magic Kingdom her heart lit up so much that she cried a little bit which made Mom and Dad do the same. Those of us who have loved ones with CF know the struggles they go through on a daily basis. Like simple things, getting up 45 minutes before everybody else so they can start their breathing treatments. To have a week where after her treatments instead of going to school she got to meet her idol was awesome.
Review from Guidestar
Dear Take A Breather Foundation,
Thank you so much for sending my family and I to the Atlantis. We shared so many amazing memories together that will last a life-time. My family and I went tubing, snorkeling, and on two awesome boat rides during our stay. We went to an island called, Sandy Toes that had a beautiful beach, great food, and many activities for us to do. One of my favorite memories was swimming with the turtles and other fish. I truly appreciate everything this foundation has done for me and I am excited to see more and more children with Cystic Fibrosis have their biggest wishes granted like I did. Thank you so much for this amazing experience I got to share with my family because it was so nice to "take a breather."
Thank you,
Danielle Croft
Review from Guidestar
I want to thank the Take A Breather Foundation from the bottom of my heart for making a wish come true by sending me and my daughter, Emma, on a Disney Cruise. After being hospitalized for CF exacerbations 3 times in 3 months and numerous surgical procedures the following 2 months last summer, it was wonderful to go away. I was so overwhelmed by the kindness of TAB and Molly, Joe, and Bruce. My daughter and I both cried when they presented us with the wish. The fact that I am an adult with CF being granted a wish was unbelievable to me.
It was the BEST trip ever. TAB took care of everything! It was an added thrill riding to and from the airport in a limo. Emma and I had an amazing time. The cruise was spectacular. I felt like we had escaped reality for 7 days and it was fabulous. We had so much fun doing all the activities the ship had to offer and we did them all together from drawing to trivia to movies. It was just as much fun as going to Disney World but without all the walking (which was great for me!!)
It truly was an incredible experience that neither of us will ever forget! We owe all of our thanks to the Take A Breather Foundation for allowing me to take a breather from both CF and reality!!!
Review from Guidestar
Take a breather foundation granted me a wish to Atlantis Bahamas while I was facing challenges with my health and from graduating high school. At the time I was granted this wish I was in the hospital getting my regular tune up, and was on the border of being able to graduate or not. It was at the perfect time that I got to go on a vacation that was so memorable and couldn't have asked for anywhere else to be. From when I was diagnosed with CF at 3 months old it hasn't been easy but like every CF we aren't going to give up! What this meant for me was a dream come true to see the crystal clear water and feeling like paradise. The TAB foundation fulfilled my dreams in so many ways . I'm so thankful for this great experience and amazing opportunity to spend some time in Bahamas . It made me realize that there more to to enjoy in life then dealing with CF . I would like to thanks everyone in the Take a breather foundation that made this trip possible. It was a life time experience that would last forever.
Review from Guidestar
Dear Take A Breather,
I want to thank you so much for granting my wish to go to Atlantis, Bahamas. Everything about my trip was AWESOME! As soon as we arrived and checked in I was off to the pool to swim. After that I spent ever day at the water park going on all the rides and swimming in the pools. My favorite ride was the Leap of Faith! I also got to spend some time on the beach with my family and went on a jet ski ride. It was a lot of fun and I owe it to all of you for giving me the chance to take a "breather" from Cystic Fibrosis.
Love, Evan
Review from Guidestar
The Take A Breather Foundation sent my daughter Maddy to see Hamilton on Broadway in NYC. Words can not express how much this trip has meant to her. It lived up to every high expectation and more. It is hard to believe our family received such an amazing experience. Maddy has been in the hospital a lot lately. She was in patient at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 5 times in the span of 6 months. She is a freshman in high school, in a new school. She has missed over 60 days of school. She was supposed to go on a field trip with her school to see another Broadway show. She was not able to attend due to being stuck in her hospital room receiving IV antibiotics. Her social worker Debby got her in contact with Matt at TAB, He wanted to know what her wish would be. She said she wanted to see the show Hamilton more than anything. He was able to get her amazing seats to the show!
TAB sent a film crew to document her experience, traveling to NYC , staying in Times Square, and actually getting to see this amazing show. She felt so special.
She has missed so many normal activities in her life due to cystic fibrosis. This is a memory she will always have. As her parents sitting in the Hamilton theater watching her get to watch this show was a experience we will never forget. After spending months worth of time in the hospital with her, missing out on everything, just trying to stay healthy, this was more than we could have ever asked for. Seeing her get to watch this show she knows every word to, with music she has listened to on repeat to try to pass the time in the hospital, couldn't have been a more perfect moment.
Words can not express our gratitude for this wish. So in the absence of anything else, to everyone at The Take a Breather Foundation: Thank You!
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The Take a Breather Foundation is amazing! My daughter is 11 years old with Cystic Fibrosis.The foundation went above and beyond to make her feel special. They delivered an ipad to her hospital room at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The idea that people would care enough to come see her and give her such an amazing gift was so great for her morale. The ipad has helped to keep her busy during long hours of treatments. The feeling this foundation has provided for my daughter is priceless!
I would like to take a minute to say thank you to the Take A Breather Foundation for granting my sons wish. All he wanted for Christmas was his own computer. Well the Take A Breather Foundation made his wish possible. He was jumping up and down when it was delivered. What made him happier was that the neighbors were over and could enjoy his excitement. He was ripping open the boxes and couldn't wait for us to get it set up for him. He always wants to play on the computer all the time and we set it up next to his pappy's chair and every time he clicks on a new page he asks his pappy to look. This is a gift that he can use for years to come for play and school. My son is the strongest kid I know and nothing not even Cystic Fibrosis will bring him down. I work harder everyday to give him the life he deserves. Thanks again to the Take A Breather Foundation for making his Christmas extra special!
Sincerely
Christina and Zachary Laughman
Review from Guidestar
Dear Take A Breather Foundation,
I've shed many tears over cystic fibrosis and the toll it has taken on Emmett (and all with this disease), but this past week I've cried more tears of happiness than I can remember. To see Emmett, and his sisters, Noreen and Brigid, "take their breather" at the Give Kids The World Village was an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. This past week, the burden of CF was forgotten. From the pirate party and endless ice cream at Give Kids The World to Magic Kingdom, Mickey Mouse, Jedi Training, Epcot, and everything Disney World offers, Emmett experienced more fun times and got to live how a child should: without cares and lots of laughs! Even though he had to stick to his daily treatment regimen, the anticipation of fun for the day overshadowed this. We couldn't have taken this trip without TAB. Thank you! Thank you for giving us tears of happiness, instead of tears of frustration! Thank you, most of all, for the giant smiles left on Emmett's and his sisters' faces!
Review from Guidestar
Thank you so much to the Take a Breather Foundation! The Smith family would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to TABF for our wonderful family vacation to central Florida. Our son, Charlie, had an amazing time at the Disney parks, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. TABF provided everything, from the transportation, to the heartwarming accommodations at Give Kids the World, to the amusement park tickets. We did not have to concern ourselves with any travel details and were able to enjoy some much needed fun, especially given Charlie’s daily battle with Cystic Fibrosis. We were treated with respect, kindness, and love everywhere we went. We were truly moved by the generosity and will be forever grateful.
Review from Guidestar
My 8 year old daughter, Katalina, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was a week old. For years now, it has been her dream to go to Disney so she could meet the Disney princesses. In September 2016, thanks to the Take A Breather foundation, my baby girls dream came true. This MAGICAL respite vacation for our family of 5 was so much more than we ever could have imagined, more than my husband and I could have ever done on our own. The memories you've given our family will be carried with us forever. The limos, the flights, the theme parks, the gifts and surprises, Give Kids The World Village, EVERYTHING WAS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE. My gratitude for this experience is immeasurable, truly. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making my daughters wish come true.
Review from Guidestar
Our family just returned from a week vacation for disney for my daughter abigail .Abigail is ten years old and has cystic fibrosis.We on behalf of Abigail and our whole fAMILY would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.We appreciate everything you do for all of the families who children have cf.We had some tears and it was very nice and kind to share the memories we will forever hold close to our hearts .May god bless you all ,and thank you dearly for making my daughter Abigails dream come true!We will be forever grateful thank you for everything yours truly Herrejon family
Review from Guidestar
I cannot say enough about the Take a Breather Foundation. Matt and the team work hard every day to raise money and awareness in order to grant wishes with children living with Cystic Fibrosis. There isn't any bureaucracy - Take a Breather works directly with the CF Centers and the social workers to get in touch with families that could use a respite from this disease. Members of the Foundation meet with each and every wish recipient to welcome them into the Take a Breather family and let them know that there is support out there that understands what they are going through. Hopefully one day soon there will be a cure for CF, but in the meantime it is great that there is a foundation to help those that need something special to make the days brighter.
Review from Guidestar
First let me start by saying, THANK YOU, which is not enough to express our heartfelt gratitude for Dehleana’s unbelievable Take A Breather -Trip to the Florida Keys. This amazingly beautiful experience allowed her wish to come true as she was able to swim with the Dolphins! Honestly, it has been a long time since I’ve seen her smile from ear to ear with pure joy; as her momma, I had happy tears watching her wish unfold in front of me!
The Dolphin Research Center was simply beautiful, their Special Needs Director, Doug was AWESOME in terms of showing Dehleana around the center, he was so kind, caring and very detailed oriented while showing-off the DRC. Doug introduced Dehleana to each dolphin by name, Luna, Pandora, Tanner, Flagger etc. , along with the sea lion , Karen and the beautiful parrot, Big Blue! All the DRC staff were heartwarming and extremely friendly too.
The Sea Turtle Hospital was just as special, as Dehleana was introduced to several sea turtles, which she “bonded” with Nemo, a beautiful little sea turtle who has a special little fin.
TAB foundation has created such happy memories for Dehleana, and her smile continues to tell the story—as if she is still there! The reality of cystic fibrosis, treatments, pills, nebulizers, inhalers, and pain, was gone for that moment. Her wish became reality- thanks to YOU-TAB foundation!
I simply can’t express how amazingly wonderful the TAB trip was from start to finish - and we were all saddened it came to an end! Let me add, the limo was unreal– Dehleana was in ahhh - what a special ride to the airport! Also, the folks at Hawks Cay Resort & Spa were lovely -The Marina Villa we stayed in was stunning, so spacious and just beautiful; the view from our porch was remarkable!
Again "thank you" from our hearts to yours. We are so honored to know each of you at TAB foundation, Matt ,Molly and the TAB team. You are indeed special people in every way - I can't stress enough the sheer joy you brought to Dehleana and the profound impact you made on her life.
The Take A Breather foundation is truly a caring, fantastic organization for children with cystic fibrosis, and we hope to give back as Dehleana has a sweet 16 birthday party around the corner and she plans to donate birthday funds to the Take A Breather Foundation so another CF child has the dream trip of a life-time experience too!
Sincerely,
Donna Bartman
"I have been on the Take A Breather board for 4 years now, and I find it a privilege to be a part of it. When I hear the stories of the wish recipients in terms of what they go through on a daily basis and then see the pictures from their wish request and read their thank you notes, I know this Foundation is making a profound impact on their lives. It is creating lifetime memories for them that they will always have and be able to draw from, especially on those particularly hard days. Many of the families who have been granted a wish picked a trip which they would not have been able to do own their own for financial reasons. Since the start of the Foundation, we have been able to provide 172 wishes and have expanded our clinic base to NJ, DE, and NY. I am very proud to a part of this Foundation and look forward to continued growth and helping as many people as possible living with Cystic Fibrosis."
Doing great work in helping children and now adults with chronic disease get something they really need or have a break; as the charity has grown the net they are able to help more and more patients with cystic fibrosis, a devastating and lethal disease for many children and young adults. They have been able to help some of our patients during some of their toughest time
Denis Hadjiliadis
Review from Guidestar
My 13 year old got a wish granted to go on a cruise and we had the time of our lives. we all had an awesome time and take a breather from reality for a week. We've had a rough year and this was a huge blessing to us all.
Review from Guidestar
My name is Austin and I was granted my wish by the Take A Breather Foundation. My wish included tickets to attend The New Jersey Devils Hockey Games, an Apple iPad and an Apple Watch. I was extremely excited when I found out that my wish was going to be granted! I was very happy to receive the Apple iPad and Apple Watch. The hockey games I attended allowed me to forget about all of the stress I endure each day while living with CF. To my surprise, Take A Breather went over and beyond what I wished for. There were many surprises along the way including traveling to the game in a stretch limo! In addition, meeting some of the players, broadcasters and wonderful event coordinator gave me a renewed positive outlook on life and made me feel very special. All of the volunteers at Take A Breather were always so kind and caring whether I was talking to them on the phone or with them in person. They will all hold a special place in my heart. Thank-You so much Take A Breather for all that you have done for me and other kids living with our disease! This wish has made a major impact on my life and I will remember it forever!!!
Review from Guidestar
Awesome! The take a breather foundation is great. Never did I think as an adult I get to have a wish. Take a breather made that possible and it was nice ton"take a breather!!" My family and I are greatly appreciated!
Review from Guidestar
To say that my family needed "a breather" is an understatement, as we have had one hardship after another these past few years, with Cystic Fibrosis being a HUGE part of that. My younger son was diagnosed with a severe form of CF at birth, and just this past March my older son was diagnosed with a rare mild form of CF as well. Having a CF diagnosis in your family can bring a lot of fear and uncertainty, and a whole lot of medicines and treatments; it forces you to a learn a different "normal" for your life and your child's life. It is very time-consuming and at times can be overwhelming in different ways. So when I received the call saying that Andrew was nominated to receive a wish, I just couldn't believe how lucky and blessed we were, as it came at a time when we really needed it. My little guy only said he wanted to fly on an airplane and wanted to pet a dolphin, and he wanted to see whales like "Free Willy". Take a Breather so generously flew us from Pennsylvania to Orlando , where we had the chance to go to Disney's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, and Seaworld, as well as spent time at Give Kids the World. Both of my boys had the time of their lives! Andrew was able to pet a dolphin, fed sea lions, got absolutely soaked by the killer whales at the Orca show, went on a safari and saw Rhinos and elephants and all kinds of animals, and rode the carousel at Give Kids the World at least 50 times. :) We had an amazing time that we will never forget and are so so grateful for everyone who helped make this possible, especially Take a Breather Foundation! Both my boys won't stop talking about everything they were able to do and see and are telling complete strangers "We went on a trip! Dolphins feel really soft! The whales splashed me!!" And yes, we took a LOT of pictures! :) Thank you for helping us to make memories and take some time away from "real life" and to take an amazingly fun breather!!
Review from Guidestar
My family would like to take a moment and thank The Take a Breather Foundation for sending my daughter and our family to Disney World. To our family this trip meant alot...the smiles on my daughters face is something I cant explain..Im so thankful with the foundation for giving us this opportunity.Thank you very much for giving my daugter sonething to look forward to.
Review from Guidestar
I would like to thank The Take A Breather Foundation for the AMAZING wish they granted to my sons, Colin and Sean Randles. As most of you may know, the salt water is a natural therapy for those living with CF. We have been blessed to live by the beach and now the boys get to enjoy their own surfboards in the Spring!! They will find peace on the waves and we could not be more grateful for the kindness of TAB!! The boys also get to use their new Apple computer to stay on top of their studies as well as stay connected to others living with CF! Again, thank you so much for bringing joy, to not only my children's life, but all chidren/adults living with CF!! May CF soon stand for Cure Found!! Surfs up!!
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Review from Guidestar
Hi my name is Nina and on January 19, 2000 I gave birth to my son Michael and was so happy he had arrived. One month later he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. He does pretty well but life hasn't been easy for him. In his 15 years of life so far he has had probably 5 times more Doctors appointments then most people have in their entire lifetime. He takes handfuls of pills several times a day as well as breathing treatments. His worst CF experience was a couple years ago when he was diagnosed with a pretty severe case of pancreatitis. It was heartbreaking to watch my baby in so much pain and not be able to make it go away. We pray everyday that he doesn't ever have to go through that level of pain ever again. A month ago Take A Breather sent our family on a trip of a lifetime. We went to Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Fla. It was beautiful!!! The sunsets were magical. In the evenings they had teen nights for the teenagers in the resort. I think this was Michaels favorite activity. Michael and I also swam with the dolphins one day which was amazing. Take A Breather was incredible with their attention to detail. It was so nice to be able to take a breather from CF for a week and just relax in such a beautiful magical place. Thank you Take A Breather, we are forever grateful!!!
Review from Guidestar
