We cannot thank the Take a Breather Foundation enough for our breather! To say it was a great trip is an understatement. We had the time of our lives and did just what we were supposed to do. We took a breather from our busy schedule and just enjoyed each other. The trip really helped remind us of what life is all about, family and spending quality time with one another. Living with cystic fibrosis is not easy but having this time together to enjoy life was just what the doctor ordered! The foundation truly made an impact on our lives and it will never be forgotten. They were so easy to work with and very accommodating to our needs. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. This trip meant the world to us!Sincerely,The Viox Family
Take a Breather is truly an organization like no other that I’ve encountered. When we were nominated by our CF team I had no idea what to expect. Molly called us to get the ball rolling and tell me a bit about the organization. She was so thorough and warm throughout the entire process.
Our daughter was granted a “breather” of attending a Philadelphia Phillies game. Take a Breather went extra steps to make sure that our daughters had an amazing time, they really thought of everything!
We are so grateful to Take a Breather for this unforgettable experience and we can’t wait to be more involved in events and fundraisers for them in the future.
Review from Guidestar
My daughter was born with Cystic Fibrosis, diagnosed with diabetes at 8 yrs old, and at 15 diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdosarcoma. During a visit with her CF Team, they asked what her plans were when she finishes chemotherapy. My daughter said she wanted to see her best friend who moved to California a year before her diagnosis. The 2 girls met when they were 4 yrs old and were inseparable. Our CF Team contacted the Take a Breather Foundation and to our surprise they called me to grant my daughter her wish! Molly at Take a Breather contacted me and was so helpful in planning this trip and wanted to make it the most amazing memorable trip we have ever had. She wanted to give us a chance to exhale, let go of being at the hospital for the past year and a half and have fun. We had a great time and made memories that we will never forget. We got to spend time with some amazing people we love and missed dearly. I thank Take a Breather Foundation for granting us this amazing vacation!
Review from Guidestar
Ray and I had such a great time on our trip. I didn't realize that I needed it as much as he did when I got back from my trip. I realized how more relax. Ed I was and little things just didn't bother me as much as they did before. This trip was very important and I want to cry because we really didn't expect to get a trip and I thank you so much. Ray, thank you so much. We really had a great time. And every single day was sunny and bright for us. While we were in Florida that really also made the difference. We got to do so much and got a bonus across the street from our hotel. Was a museum the hall of fame of phone police officers. There was so much to do when there it. It knocked out 2 hours and it was great. A lot of education right from the beginning of times till now.
It was absolutely wonderful again, thank you.
Review from Guidestar
The Take A Breather Foundation has been so great to work with. The whole team is so kind and caring. They thought of every detail which made my daughters, "Breather" fantastic. Autumn received the shopping spree of her dreams, she was able to buy a whole bunch of items to help keep her busy and distracted while doing her medical treatments.
Review from Guidestar
I was in the hospital for a bit of time for my CF, when I got out I was able to be gifted a take a breather family vacation trip. This was exactly what I and my family needed to take our minds off of me not being around for a bit while I was in the hospital. The foundation granted us a trip to Florida and we went to discovery cove and swim with dolphins and also did 3 days to a universal studios. We had such a good time and will have these memories for a lifetime. Was such a nice relaxing trip!
Review from Guidestar
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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
They are nice and really helping people, helped me with my wish, great communication.
Review from Guidestar
This charity which i had no idea about reached out to me one day. I was sidelined thinking it wasn’t worth putting any effort in because it was “fake”. It surprisingly was free, Everything came back to me so quick. As the year went on we really started the trip. Flying to Colorado was so beautiful, mountain ranges, straight land, just gorgeous. I have taken for granted opportunity like that because i didn’t think it could happen to someone like me. But, It did, and it could happen to you too.
Review from Guidestar
Take A Breather gifted my CF child an experience at a Philadelphia Eagles game. It was an amazing experience, especially since it was my kid’s first time going to a game. She was thrilled with the experience and the amazing care package. As CF parents, we are thankful for organizations that see the benefit in rewarding the hard work of CF kids.
It is hard to put into words how much Our Disney trip meant to our family. This was a wish Eli has had for almost 2 years and we were trying to make this happen. Thanks to Take A Breather Foundation Eli’s wish came true. The week at Disney and Give Kids The World Village was an experience we only dreamed of. This was a week full of love, understanding, family, and love. Our family was so touched by this experience we are now looking for ways to volunteer also. We thank everyone who had a part in making Eli’s trip come true and gave us all the chance to take a "Breather" from the daily routine that engulfs CF. We are forever grateful. Eli, Lisa, and Josh
Review from Guidestar
My trip to the Bahamas was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, the breathtaking beauty of the islands captivated me. The water was so clear it felt like I was staring through glass—every shade of blue imaginable sparkled in the sunlight, inviting me to dive in and explore. Swimming in such pristine waters was surreal; I could see the colorful fish and coral beneath me, making it feel like I was part of another world.
The water slides were an absolute thrill! Sliding through tunnels surrounded by marine life, I could feel the rush of adrenaline as I plunged into refreshing pools below. Each slide was a new adventure, full of laughter and excitement.
Beyond the fun and excitement, this trip gave me a sense of peace I hadn't realized I was missing. The tranquility of the beaches, the sound of the waves lapping the shore, and the warm island breeze brought me a calm that stayed with me. The Bahamas not only gave me unforgettable memories but also a much-needed sense of serenity and connection to nature.
As I stood on those white sandy beaches, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly thankful and lucky to be there. It’s a gift to experience such natural beauty and create moments that will stay with me forever. I’ll always be grateful for this trip, for the peace it brought me, and for the opportunity to enjoy this paradise.
Review from Guidestar
this foundation truly helped me get away from my everyday life back home. I got to "take a breather " from my cf and enjoy an amazing vacation. Molly was so kind and helped make this trip a breeze. Didn't have to worry about a single thing! She gave all the information that was needed and thought of every detail. Even provided with transportation to and from the airport which was great.
Key west was so beautiful! Everyone was so nice and gave us so many great places to try on the island. We explored for hours on end and enjoyed LOTS of food. The resort was PERFECT with great staff and a shuttle that made transportation very easy. Couldn't of asked for a better trip! Can't wait to someday go back there now!
Seriously so thankful for the opportunity i was provided with and i am incredibly thankful. Hard to even put into words! Take a breather thank you so much!
Review from Guidestar
We received a “Breather” for my 5 year old daughter Sadie, what an incredible experience we had working with Take a Breather. They truly came along side us to support and celebrate her and her care team. I appreciated their quick responses as they took care of every detail! I highly recommend this non-profit and wish them the best as they continue to help others with cystic fibrosis.
Review from Guidestar
They helped me take a weight off my shoulders , living with cf from 1 month old is very hard especially going thru college . They helped me get the right laptop I needed to do my classes online and in person for a better and safer way :)
Review from Guidestar
Proud to Be Part of an Amazing Team! As a current employee who started as a volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how the Take A Breather Foundation changes lives. The dedication to granting "breathers" for children and adults with CF is truly inspiring. Every wish brings hope and joy to families during tough times, creating lasting memories. I’m proud to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful impact. Take A Breather is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a community of caring individuals making a real difference.
Take A Breather is an amazing organization focused on giving Cystic Fibrosis patients and caregivers a brief escape from the unrelenting therapies and medications needed to maintain their healthy from Cystic Fibrosis. My son Zach is 10 years old and works tirelessly following strict protocols from his team of Doctor's to stay healthy. Zach had been asking to take a trip to Disney World; however, we did not have the resources to take him there at this time. Take a Breather was so gracious to honor Zach's wish and provided accommodations, flights, park tickets, and travel to and from the airport. We spent 6 nights at Give The Kids The World resort, and they were do wonderful and caring. All of the food was included and the ice cream shop was open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. They had special parties at the resort each night, and everything was customized to children and ensuring they had a wonderful time. We had an amazing time visiting 4 of the 4 main Disney parks, Universal Studios for 2 days, and Kennedy Space Center. It was such a delight seeing Zach so happy and having such a great time. I will cherish this trip forever and couldn't be more appreciative of Take A Breather and their wonderful organization.
Review from Guidestar
Take A Breather is an amazing non-profit organization; it was created by the late Matt McCloskey who recently lost his lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis; Matt always wanted to try and give back to the community.
The cystic fibrosis community has been blessed with many efforts to improve research and clinical care, which have led to significant progress; however, the day to day life of persons with cystic fibrosis remains difficult with many different treatments, pills, exacerbations of the disease needing hospital stays and disrupting daily life; there is always the fear of sudden worsening leading to death or needing lung transplant. The toll is on the individual, but also deeply affects their family, friends and everybody involved with them. Take-A-Breather provides a "reprieve" from all these issues for persons with CF and their loved ones, which no other charity can do.
When I first met Matt, as his physician (more than a dozen years ago) and heard about his mission, I became involved as a fundraiser and supported the mission. As I met his team and the selfless, volunteer way they are all involved and care for persons with cystic fibrosis, I was even more impressed. I have seen the effect of "A Breather" on many of my patients and what a positive effect it has. Overtime, I was delighted to participate as a board member. We were all galvanized as we saw Matt pursue the mission with even more urgency as his health failed and we want to continue his legacy and this great charity, until CF stands for Cure Found
The picture is from our fundraising team, The Expectorants
Denis Hadjiliadis
Review from Guidestar
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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
How AWESOME!! Really. Think of the best and coolest thing, place or time in your life. Got it? Now double, no triple that feeling and that - and that is how I felt when I was told by Molly, from this wonderful foundation that Matty McCloskey founded. The Take A Breather Foundation is truly that. The genuine charm and nature of all the good people who make this foundation thrive are all HEROES, and will always be, to me ; )
My name is Matt and I was very lucky, very fortunate and humbled to have been selected and granted an amazing long weekend in Pittsburgh for an always entertaining and tough hockey play and then back to Philly. Do you know what it was for - HOCKEY! This was a full hockey infested weekend with our hometown Philadelphia Flyers versus the famed cross state rival Pittsburgh Penguins!
My wife, Erin, and I were able to take advantage of the NHL scheduled home and home games - first in Pittsburgh, and then back at home in Philly. I have always wanted to see a Flyers game in Pittsburgh, but hadn’t until now. This was a treat no matter what happened, (shhhhh, Flyers needed to win! HaHa). Before the hopefully, chippy, fisticuff, hard nosed Orange and Black Pen’s game, we took full advantage of what the beautiful city of Pittsburgh had to offer. We ate at the Hofbrauhaus and Speckled Egg, and walked around the city taking in the picturesque views. We definitely took our time and enjoyed several functions taking place with and around the downtown areas of the city. Erin and I spent time at the National Aviary, in where we saw some of the most beautiful birds we’ve ever seen. Have you ever seen a Steller’s Sea Eagle? Look it up. Majestic wouldn’t you say? A bird so magnificent, and powerful - from Russia. The aviary had two and we heard a story about one that had flown from Russia to Alaska, down to Texas, up to Maine, then to New Foundland. So cool. We went to my first college, La Roche, for a craft show. Brought back some fond memories in where I played ball for them as a red devil and a red hawk. Very cool. They are now a university and in the NCAA. Wow, how time goes by quickly. Please remember, savor the moments, keep livin’ happy daily and enjoy all that life has to offer. Smile. It is contagious, I promise.
Now, to the game. Unreal. Erin and I walked the concourse, enjoyed the atmosphere of people who were the Pen’s fans, (little did they know the smiling and laughter would turn around). We sat in the Lexus Loge, with rolling chairs, enough room to stretch out comfortably. A wonderful waitress, Jess, who took the food orders from us and the people within the row we sat in. Warm-ups were great to watch, with our boys in orange to be welcomed by the home crowd’s boo’s. They were in a zone and not phased. They had one objective - play hard and get that W. Errson in net, gonna be an awesome game. Sydney Crosby, the brilliant hockey player, but always will be our “hated nemesis”, was on the ice and not a ‘scratch’ with a hangnail, for this game. One of the fellas, Matt, from the Penguins staff, handed me a bag from the team, with some great items. My face glowed. We spoke for a little, and then…game time. Erin and I were focused and glued to the ice. This is the first hame game for the Pens since goaltender Tristan Jarry scored a goal. (…not to rain on his parade but Flyers goaltender Ron Hextall did it first, and twice). We plan on letting the air out of his tires on this day. The game was evenly played in the first period, then back and forth with scoring in the second and third periods. Then, 3 on 3. Tough play - no goals scored. Now, the shootout. Errson pumped, negated all the shots by Guentzel, Crosby and Rust. He had the momentum and passed it on to Flyers veteran “Coots”, (Sean Couturier), who was the only goal scorer in the OT shootout - a significant goal a significant Win vs. these dreaded, heavily talented, Pittsburgh Penguins. We took that tough, hard scraped win to the bank and now really looked forward to the next pitted game, on home ice, back home in Philly on Monday December 4th. The fandom has continued, and our Fans, well, we will welcome those Penguins, with a “warm & fuzzy welcome” —- NOT.
Now, the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club, led by Torts and the veterans on the ice, are home. The Flyers faithful are, and always will be, there to give the boys mad props for their win in Pittsburgh, and wish them the strength to make it happen again - at home, in front of the best,
working class, hockey fans in the league. Always there to give a true spirit of how our club is doing. (Oh yes, you better believe it. The players know and feel exactly how we feel when the games are played - good play or bad play - we just want 100% effort everyday, every game. Not too much to ask, right?) Erin and I got to the Center early sporting our clubs colors of orange and black, with sweatshirt and jersey. We met with Flyers personnel and another family at the Flyers Customer Relations desk. Our destination was the Flyers bench! Erin and I were handed Flyers bags, in which, my bag had an orange and black jersey of Cam Atkinson #89! He had signed it too…Holy smokes…pretty sweet!! We all fitted our lids and followed our rep through the mazes and tunnel to the faithful bench where our beloved players rest for about 30-75 seconds, between each play/line change. On our path we saw one of the dreaded Penguin players, I don’t even want to say the name, doing short wind sprints to get ready for the game. I was thinking about a hopeful ‘massacre’ (game-play) that our boys will do to our yellow and black opponent on the ice this night. Then, we made a turn, and saw our boys loosening up as relaxed, and confident as they could be. A pair shooting hoops and a circle of 8 or 9 juggling the soccer ball, with foot and body, for the coordination and body. The fellas seemed loose and fun, but we know, and they know, any game against the dreaded Penguins, is a chippy one. Our record at home is tilted the other way when the Pens are in town. We entered the rink and enjoyed the runway where the Flyers come out to play! We enjoyed the ambiance of the Center from the players bench. Pictures were taken, no smile left a face. It was truly magic. Then, the boo’s came out - because the visitors hit the ice for warm-up’s. From our bench - the pile of practice pucks hit the ice - our players now took to the ice. Simply incredible. Awesome. We kept our distance and did not interfere with the players during their warm-up’s, but, several players did give us some love and fist pounds while on the ice. Pretty sweet I must say. Our time on the bench ended with the last player to leave the ice. Now to our seats. I have never been able to walk down as far as we did this night. The rows of fans behind us, the sacred Flyer ice and Goaltender that evening, Carter Hart, in front of us. So awesome. A lot of glass pounding hits in front of us by the checked players, and by us fans when our boys made great plays or unbelievable saves! Those seats are awesome. We took full advantage of being in seats 3 & 4. Kept them warm for whose they are, grateful to be there, and hopefully left the luck in them for future Flyer wins. The game was a tough, hard fought one. The score was 1-1 with the boys having lit a fire to overtime. One of the former Phantoms players, Tyler Foerster, lit the lamp for the only Flyers goal in regulation. I hate to say it, but, ‘Syd the Kid’ lit it as well for the Pens. Now, another overtime. 3 on 3. We had the passion. We know our team can and will make it happen, again. And with that, TK, Coots and Sanheim on the ice made that happen - AGAIN. Coots with the winning goal, TK and Travis with the assists! How sweet was that?! We had the best view, saw every play happen, and the OT goal happen right square in front of us!
This game, this time, unreal. Felt like a kid again - I’ve never stopped acting like one, but now I have felt like one again. These seats are now history for us, but the memories from this game and the game we had in Pittsburgh, are fresh in my mind. The pictures, screenshots from our time in Pittsburgh and home in Philly will be with me forever. I appreciate everything that was done for Erin and I. After 23 years on the force, and having to retire, this “breather” came in at the right time for me. I am so very honored to have so many people working their butts off to make days, such as mine, happen - and for others with CF. Whatever I can do, I will do. Whoever I need to make smile, I will. Let’s everybody, play hard everyday. Give it 100% everyday. Just make sure to stop every now and again, allow yourself some time, reflect a little and remember those special moments for yourself, loved one’s and others. Erin and I want to thank Matty for his genuine thoughts wayback when, and the start-up of this awesome foundation. Take A Breather now flourishes, as it should, with so many caring, loving and giving people. From my heart to yours - much happiness everyday - good health and “THANK YOU”.
All the Best and with Love,
Matty J
Review from Guidestar
My name is Danielle Barrila I was diagnosed with CF at 3 months old I am now 48 years the past years have been challenging for having gotten a perforated bowl causing me to go into septic shock and hospitalized for 7 months it left me with stage 3 kidney disease, loss of hearing, having to learn how to walk again. I beat the odds and I’m a survivor. Through all this I also lost my mom to ovarian cancer This trip to Walt Disney World was much needed, a break for myself my son and my husband we had a blast and I can’t thank Take a Breather foundation and my CF team for choosing me for this amazing opportunity that we will never forget
Review from Guidestar
The past few years it has been really difficult my daughter has missed her whole entire Junior year and has been hospitalized several times so, for her be able to enjoy time away from everyone and spend time with family meant a lot to her and she was just able to be a kid again with no hospital or worry about school our family will forever be grateful to Take a Breather for making a way to send the family to Give Kids the World and Disney World. Thanks again to Take a Breather for making her dreams come true!!
Review from Guidestar
My family is so incredibly appreciative of the trip to Orlando we were able to take this summer thanks to Take a Breather. It was a truly magical week for our whole family, especially our daughter Caelynn (8). We have tons of photos and memories to keep talking about. We had not taken a family summer vacation in 4 years due to COVID and precautions for our daughter due to Cystic Fibrosis. We recently moved and found ourselves with many repairs to make, while also preparing for an upcoming surgery for Caelynn.
This trip meant the world to us and could not have come at a more perfect time, we were truly in need of a “breather”. The memories, laughter, and magic of this experience will last a lifetime. Our daughter giggles when we talk about how we “broke some rules” during the trip staying up late to visit the parks and ice cream everyday. Caelynn exhibited so much joy and excitement about everything. While it’s hard to pick a specific memory, I just remember after days at the theme parks going on thrilling rides and meeting her favorite princesses, she was still equally excited to go on the village carousel (multiple times) when she returned to the Give Kids The World Village.
As parents, this experience was a much needed “breather” for us as well. Besides the opportunity to watch our child experience immense joy every day, all of the coordination, planning, transportation, and accommodations provided allowed us to actually enjoy ourselves for every minute of the trip. Thank you to Molly for all the helpful communication and efforts to make this trip as easy as possible for our family to fully enjoy.
We are truly grateful for the experience and hope many other CF families will get to enjoy a chance “Take a Breather”. We don’t always know how much we need it.
Review from Guidestar
I cannot express how thankful I am to the Take-A-Breather foundation! Living with Cystic Fibrosis is not an easy task and sometimes I forget that it is ok to take a step back and relax. My "Breather" to San Diego was a major reminder to just enjoy the little moments. Whether it was hanging out at the beach, amazing resort, or going for a hike, I got to just unwind and forget that I have CF for a little while. None of this would have been possible without the Take-A-Breather foundation. Molly was amazing and made this entire trip as stress free as possible. I will never forget the gift that they have given me and I am honored to be a participant. This is such a great organization and I'm sure they will continue to change the lives of many to come.
Review from Guidestar
Thank you for giving Jayden the opportunity to take his family to Disney. We had a great time and much needed breather from every day life. This was something we felt would be out of reach for us but the foundation made it happen and we couldn't be more grateful. Thank you so much.
Review from Guidestar
Hello Everyone,
I’ll never forget when my phone rang 2.5 years ago. I was on 4L of oxygen continuously and listed for transplant, swinging on the front porch swing.
It was Molly’s voice that I had heard at the other end of the telephone. “Jenn, you were nominated by Jackie Golato of Penn Medicine and selected by Take A Breather Foundation to receive the ”breather or wish” of your choice.
My eyes filled with happy tears as my mouth dropped wide open. I had been selected. Out of so many other Cystic Fibrosis patients, I was chosen.
Ultimately, we chose a cruise to Bermuda. I was too sick to travel out of the country or even state at that time, but I never gave up hope that I would someday be able to travel on this newest, most beautiful adventure. Over two years later, I received the clearances medically that I needed, and our trip was planned.
This past May, we made our way to Penn Medicine to accept our tickets as well as other precious gifts. It was a beautiful day, surrounded by Troy Ovechka, medical staff (Dr. Diamond, Dr. Hadj., and Nurse Judy Hillman (who first met me as a child) from Penn Medicine to name a few, and Take a Breather members, Matt, Molly, and Lauren to name a few. We couldn’t be any more grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Each and every one of you made today possible. ❤️
Our honeymoon cruise was such a romantic getaway. The beauty of Bermuda is stunning. Whether we went to Port Royal Golf Course, Horseshoe Bay, or Hamilton, people were friendly and the food was delicious. I had my strawberry smoothies as I call them while Troy had the actual strawberry daiquiri’s. I’d steal a sip if he ran to the bathroom but otherwise behaved.
I won a couple dollars in the casino and got a couple good pictures and videos. We listened to music, spent time on the deck when able, and celebrated.
Our time together was beautiful. Most days were cool with some rain and/or wind. Our first day in Bermuda was rainy so our one excursion to Horseshoe Bay was canceled so instead we went one a boat tour of the rich & famous then rented a taxi for two hours. We were all over the island. The second day in Bermuda was the best day of our whole trip. We took a trolley around the islands and shopped and ate all kinds of local cuisine. Troy was a real trooper. His hands are so clean and white that you wouldn’t know that they are his!
Overall, everything was beautiful, and we would definitely go to Bermuda again but in maybe June.
Regardless, we are so thankful to Take A Breather Foundation. We appreciate everything that you did for us. Everything that you planned was excellent, and I can’t tell you enough how often we thanked you while on our honeymoon. We created many lasting memories, and that was what our trip was about. It was to celebrate us.
Review from Guidestar
Me and my Family had a lot of fun we enjoyed ourselves. We saw all the parks at Disney World. We got on a few rides. We went swimming in the pool at the resort. Watched fireworks, And the food was amazing. We watched the parade In magic Kingdom.
Review from Guidestar
The Take a Breather Foundation has done so much to support the patients and families that I have worked with over the past few years. It is amazing to see the work they do to provide individuals with CF a "breather", a chance to do something for themselves and have a wonderful experience. Additionally, the Take a Breather Foundation has offered amazing support and relief to patients and families during the peak of Covid, when many people found themselves struggling. This brought so many people peace of mind and relief during very stressful times in their lives. As a result of the Take a Breather's efforts many of the patients I work with have laptops for school! I honestly cant thank the Take a Breather team enough for all that they do!
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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 breather was an amazing experience. The Foundation gifted me with three tickets to Sunday’s Phillies game which I used to spend a fun day with my grandparents. We had amazing seats right off of home plate, got a sit-down lunch at one of the connected restaurants, and met Larry Andersen for some pictures and a short conversation. This was the first in-stadium baseball game any of us had been to since COVID, and was an all-around amazing experience. Sean was a very outgoing guy and made the day feel special on a personal level.
Review from Guidestar
When I got the call from my Son William's Social worker at St. Chris that she was nominating him to go to the Phillies game he was beyond excited because this was his first time going to the game. But when I got the call from Molly with the Take A Breather Foundation it really sunk in that this was just going to be amazing, She went above making sure we had what we needed from tickets to parking and food. Another amazing thing was the Friday before the game which was May 5th I received an email saying that the announce Larry Anderson wanted to meet William. We kept that a surprise until Sat night to tell him and he was just over the moon and excited to meet him and be at the game. When that moment came to meet Larry and he started talking to William and presented him a gift bag it brought tears to my eyes and I stared to cry. Such an amazing moment and incredible memory. Having Cystic Fibrosis doesn't stop William from being a normal kid. Knowing that there are foundations like Take A Breather that go above and beyond to grant kids is truly amazing.
Review from Guidestar
The Take A Breather Foundation was an amazing breath of fresh air, no pun intended. I was referred to them by my cystic fibrosis center social worker. We communicated with them about my need, a laptop for school, and in no time at all they reached out to me about how they could help. They made sure I got what I needed. Everyone was so kind. You can tell that their desire is to help in any way they can, and they do it so joyfully and gracefully. Several people from the foundation, as well as corporate sponsors who make the donations possible, came to Duke where my CF center is so that they could make the presentation in person. It made me feel extremely valued and appreciated. I would recommend them to any of my CF brothers and sisters who need a breather.
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather gave to my youngest daughter the chances to lived her dream: spend her 9th Birthday in Disney. But that is not the only thing that she got, that we all got. We got real vacations because everything was cover : taxi to the airport, tickets, car, hotel with everything included, and spear money for expenses in the parks, not to mention tickets to every park. We got real fun time for every member of the family because everyone could pick the ride or the park that wanted to go cause it was a complete week!, We got the chances to experience deep, permanent and profound kindness from the Take a Breather team and all the staff and volunteers of the hotel Give Kids the World where we stay. We got the chances to say to our daughter when she has to do her treatment or any difficult exam related to her Cystic Fibrosis, that all that pain doesn't compare to the good moments of a ride like we had in Disney.
And more important is that this gift from Take a Breather gave to us is the empirical idea that no matter how troubled is the world where we live in, the key is to focus on the good things in life and on the good people who touch us in life like the people of the Foundation Take a Breather.
Thank you to all the persons that made this possible.
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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
I received a "Breather" from the Take a Breather Foundation last month and it could not have come at a better time. I had been struggling with some health obstacles over the last year and half and it was nice to just get away from that for a weekend. I got to just relax, read, and shop. As someone who has battled CF for 35 years it is hard to escape the life of being sick. Being able to take this trip reminded me there is so much more to life than this disease and that it is also incredible to be able to create memories outside of it.
This organization's outreach to the CF Community is something that is unmatched. There are so many organizations that do amazing and helpful things; but by providing "breathers" they are really bringing so much joy into the lives of those with CF and allowing us some time to refocus our attention to something outside of the day-to-day CF life.
Review from Guidestar
I loved volunteering with Take A Breather for their webinar series. My personal connection to CF is that my Mom has CF. It was such a great experience for me and I greatly appreciate all they do for people living with CF as it also impacts their whole family. Thank you TAB!
For the last several years it has been a privilege to volunteer for Take A Breather. My connection to TAB is twofold. Our daughter works for them part-time and I have a niece who was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Because of this I can see up close and personal the good that has been and continues to be done by TAB,
We volunteer at the race and the auction every year and other fund raising events. Also I help wrap Christmas presents to be given to children who are hospitalized for the holiday and their siblings. This gives me great pleasure. We contribute financially when we are able.
Michele Zowney
I was so grateful to be able to receive a breather from take a breather foundation this September. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer back in July of 2021, and that last year has been rather difficult at times. Cystic Fibrosis Patients are 6-10times more likely to develop Colon Cancer, so not only do I live with CF I now live with Colon Cancer as well. From start to finish the team at take a breather was so kind and helpful, even changing plans to accommodate a schedule change in the beginning stages. The trip itself went off without an issue, I was picked up at my house by a local limo company who are family friends of mine, arrived in Sunny San Diego to start my adventure. I stayed for 5 days and was able to have a special interaction with some penguins, as well as a sloth, and a sea otter at the San Diego seaworld. I also visited the San Diego zoo and the Safari Park. It was a great trip, and one that I always hoped to take. I'm so glad I got to go on my California adventure while I was healthy enough to enjoy it.
Review from Guidestar
We returned from Cape May last night after what was a wonderful, much needed break. We arrived on Friday and enjoyed reading in our beautiful hotel with a great view of the beach. On Saturday we enjoyed some local seafood and explored Washington Street mall before attending a late night Historic Haunts ghost trolley tour. The massage was a relaxing way to start Sunday and it felt like a weight of stress had been lifted. We finished the trip exploring local landmarks like the lighthouse and the SS Atlantus, and reading on the beach.
I’d like to thank you and everyone at the foundation for making this trip possible. It was so nice to be able to take a breather.
Thank you so much, stay in touch,
Mike
Review from Guidestar
I lost my sister to Cystic Fibrosis back in 2016.. she was only 23, I have a pendant with her ashes I take with me and it makes every event I go to that much more special. This event though I will always hold very close to my heart. Though I never got to meet Molly or Matt, they have treated me like family. Talking with Molly has been such a pleasure and what they do for people with Cystic Fibrosis can never be repaid. She made our night and I cannot praise her or the Take a Breather foundation enough!! They came into my life in a time I was feeling down and depressed and totally turned that around. I cannot thank Molly enough and Matt. Granting these Breathers is something amazing and I hope people keep donating so they can continue to help brighten the lives of CFers who really could use a Breather!
Review from Guidestar
The Take a Breather Foundation is such a wonderful and kind organization. Their focus is giving patients with CF and their families a wish. When my husband Jack was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he was nominated by his CF Team of Doctors at Boston Children’s for a family trip. Jack lost his battle with cancer this winter and did not survive to go on the trip. Take a Breather foundation reached out to wanted to send my 2 boys and myself on a trip in Jack’s memory. We had a wonderful time at Atlantis in the Bahamas. Take a Breather thought of everything planning the trip and they made it so stress free. The time away gave us some quiet and peaceful time to spend as family. Time to reminisce and time to make some new memories.
Thank you, Take a Breather Foundation.
This trip was priceless.
The O'Leary Family,
Christine, Sean and Braeden
Review from Guidestar
My 16 year old son Eamonn had his breather from CF last week with an all expense day paid with 3 of his best friends at IPlay America in NJ. It was an absolutely amazing day for Eamonn and his friends. The looks on all of their faces was priceless when we arrived and they saw what the foundation was treating them to. The smiles on their faces grew larger as the day went on, they were in no rush to leave and the laughing continued all day and during the 2 hour car rides. The smiles and laughter are a testament to how much of a breather and break from CF this was for Eamonn. It was a day like he's not ever experienced before. We have been so incredibly touched by the generosity and kindness of everyone at the Take a Breather Foundation. Eamonn has had an incredibly hard road since May of 2018. The Take a Breather Foundation truly provided a much needed break from the monotony of Eamonn's daily routine which includes piles of pills and multiple breathing treatments, as well as the reality of multiple 2 week hospitalizations each year. We are so incredibly thankful to the Take a Breather Foundation. What an amazing organization.
Review from Guidestar
Take a breather is amazing I love everything about take a breather they will help you take the trip that you need and will always have your back if anything was to happen I was very happy to travel to Las Vegas I had a amazing time and I will love to go back again In the future and I took a lot of pics the food was good and I really appreciate molly and ms Heidi for helping me so I can take this trip thanks so much.
Review from Guidestar
TAKE A BREATHER SHOPPING SPREE
I feel like thanking so many people for this outstanding event.
THANK YOU TO !
1. My CF team for considering me
2. Molly and the Take a breather foundation for choosing me
3. Donna from Macy's for you guidance and professional help
4. and most of all to the many Take a breather sponsors for funding me
I have a wonderful day that was totally beyond my wildest dreams.
Thank you everyone for a heavenly day
I still cant believe you picked me
Bonnie Siwert
Quakertown Pa.
Review from Guidestar
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
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
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
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
It is a true honor and pleasure being a part of TAB. I have volunteered for other non profits and none seem to have the level of personal touch that TAB seems to have. TAB wish recipients are treated like family. Keep up the good work TAB!
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."
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
My name is Jennifer. I wanted to take a moment to thank the Take-A-Breather for the wish they granted to my daughter Jonelle. She had been wanting to go to Disneyland forever and because of the foundation it happened! Take-A-Breather gave us the opportunity to do something special for our daughter that we could not have done ourselves. We got to spend 3 AMAZING days at the Happies Place On Earth. Jonelle was so excited to stay in a hotel which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. She called it HER castle.She got her wish to meet Elsa and Anna. She was so excited she was tall enough for ALL of the rides, especiall California Screaming the upsidedown roller coaster which ended up being her favorite ride! She got to see the fireworks and just had an amazing time!! Thank you Take-A-Breather for giving us a chance to do just that!! (Take-A-Breather!!) We all as a family truly needed it. And because of you....we did! Thanks.. to you and all of yours for making this happen. You truly are a godsend to us as well as all of the other family you do all of the amazing things for.
Jennifer Petrovich
Review from Guidestar
I want to start by saying that everyone at Take A Breather Foundation will forever hold a place in our heart. My son Brian Fulmer Jr. was diagnosed at 7 days old with Cystic Fibrosis, since then we have had multiple hospital stays for weeks at a time, I can't even count how many pills he has to take everyday just so his body can function normal and to even start to talk about his neb treatments and sitting through a half hour of a vest machine pounding on his little lungs. It is sometimes so overwhelming for him and the entire family. For that one week in October that Take A Breather Foundation made a wish for my son to go to Disney World, I saw smiles and heard laughter. I realized that we weren't alone and that there are people in this world that will go out of there way just to see that one smile on a child's face that they never even met before. It touched my heart profoundly and I will say this to Matt, Molly & everyone else that made this wish come true...Well you are all my ANGELS.
Review from Guidestar
My name is Rich Frisby my son Isaiah has always been very adventuresome and I'd always try to accommodate him whenever I could. When he told me he wanted to go to Lego Land and the hotel I thought this would be another thing I couldn't do for him. I'm so thankfull for the Take a Breather foundation for making his wish come true He loved the trip so much and had so much fun I'm sure he will be talking about it for a long time to come. For a brief time ,even though we still did treatments in the room, his daily battle was a far thought. What the Take a Breather Foundation does for these children is awsome!
Review from Guidestar
Our experience with TAB Foundation was more than i could have ever expected. The wish trip granted to my son Jason is something we will never forget. I read up on the foundation shortly after getting the great news about the wish but i never expected everything that was given to us. From each e-mail sent to me i became even more excited and very overwhelmed in a good way by the many gifts contributed to making this experience magical. We received first class EVERYTHING. From the front door in the limo to the airport, at the Give Kids the World Village, to the parks and amusements we visited and back in the limo to our front door. My son says he felt special and like a celebrity. Not only did my son who suffers with CF receive a wish of a lifetime but my family and myself as well, as i too suffer from CF. It was wonderful to feel normal for a change and not let the stresses of life bog me down at least for a week. I just want to extend a huge thank you to Matt McCloskey and the entire TAB Foundation. You guys will always be family to us!
Sincerely, Shelley Dobson-Butts (Living with CF and mother of CF child)
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather sent our family on a weeks paid vacation , my neice suffers from cystic fibrosis, she is a 10 year old little girl.our family really needed this break the children were treated like royalty and the adults too, we went to all the Disney parks and universal studios also sea world it was amazing. It's such a blessing to know there are still so many good people on the world. I hope that more families can experience the fun that we did thank you Take a breather Ashley will always remember this family trip where we all focused on just having fun
Review from Guidestar
As a Social Worker at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, I have been so impressed with the professionalism of your organization and the personal commitment you have shown to serve our precious young patients. Matt has been so eager to provide these wishes and so responsive to our needs that it makes it so easy for us to find nominees! We are so grateful that you have been able to provide wishes to our patients and create such joyous occasions for them! Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do in the future!
Sincerely,
Valerie Huff, Clinical Social Worker
CF Center
Our family is deeply indebted to the Take A Breather Foundation. Their care, dedication and organization laid the groundwork for the best family vacation ever on Lake Winnipesaukee. It was a week filled with fun, excitement, challenges, and even a little education. Our cabin was excellent, the water perfect, and our fellow resort residents were warm and welcoming. Tommy experienced many firsts on this trip, including zip lining, climbing to the top of a fire tower, diving, and rock climbing. We really think he matured a bit this week, looking and acting more confident and accomplished. Tommy has never let CF get in the way of his having fun, nor has he ever asked why he has to live with this disease. With all that CF throws at him on a daily basis it felt great to watch him run, swim, climb, and paddle with such obvious joy. Each day presented a new adventure which Tommy couldn’t wait to tackle. We were all a bit sad to end our trip but very happy and grateful for the experience. Once again, thanks to the Take A Breather Foundation for our Lake Winnipesaukee vacation.
Review from Guidestar
My son, Seth, has cystic fibrosis. He has been a Philadelphia Eagles fan since he was very young. This is unusual because we live about an hour outside Pittsburgh, PA, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has always dreamed of meeting some of the players. We didn't think it would ever happen. Then Take A Breather foundation made it possible. All the arrangements were made for a beautiful hotel, limo ride to the training facility, VIP passes, meeting players, autographed gifts, dinner in the city. Everything was so far above what we could have expected. Seth was so excited and had such a wonderful time. When your child with a chronic condition has moments of such joy, it means so much to the whole family. He spends hours doing treatments and taking medications just to breathe. Having a day all about him and just having fun lifts his spirits more than anyone can imagine. This organization is so well organized and every detail was so perfect. I commend them on such a great job!
Review from Guidestar
The Take A Breather Organization gave my family a prenominal gift, our daughter has
Cystic Fibrosis and her wish was to go to Disney World in Florida. Thanks to this organization our daughter and family has the most amazing experience. During the process of getting everything planned the founder of Take A Breather contacted me to guide me on how our trip would be arranged. The travel agent was wonderful about any questions or concerns we had and was always available to answer any questions we may have had as it got closer to our departure date. Matt the founder called me two days before we left to see if we had any questions and was wishing us the best!!! The wonderful people who volunteer at this organization are all so sweet and friendly about any and all aspects of our trip, flight or experience. I'm so excited for all the other families that will receive their wish through Take A Breather!!
Review from Guidestar
Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that does not take a break- everyday our sons daughters, siblings, mothers, fathers need to take dozens of pills, inhale meds that take large chunks of time out of their day, do therapies to loosen mucus and help clear their lungs and this is when they are "healthy". Take A Breather Foundation gives moments, experiences that allow the child with Cf and their family to do just that, slow down and take a breather and just enjoy being a family together. TAB sent my 2 sons and their sister and my husband and I to a Flyers game. May not sound like much but believe me - IT WAS! Not only was our family treated like royalty, we were able to just take that Sunday and laugh and enjoy the whole day together. making memories! We were picked up in a limo and had fantastic seats- our boys were on the players bench during warmups , got to sit on the ice during the 3rd period, meet players. It was an amazing day and one we still talk about and will always remember. TAB went above and beyond to make sure our Flyer fanatic boys had an experience they would never forget! Our family can't thank them enough.
The Gregory Family
Bucks County, Pa.
The Take a Breather Foundation (TAB), gave my daughter Brianna (and our family) the most amazing week. Brianna age 11, has been struggling over the past 5 years trying to keep her lung function up and her lung infections under control, and therefore has spent a lot of time in the hosptial. Brianna's spirits had been down and she really needed something to pick up her spirts and TAB definitely did that, by granting her wish to go to Hawaii.
In so many ways her trip to Hawaii allowed us to take a break from the stress and worries of having Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Yes, Brianna sitll needed to do her daily treatments and take all her medictions, but outside of that, she was just a regualr kid having a the time of her life; swimming with the dolphins, surfing, snorkeling and lots of swimming.
TAB organized absolutley everything, they went above and beyond, and they made all of Brianna's wishes come true during her week in Hawaii.
I can not thank TAB enough for granting Brianna's wish. We as a family were so blessed with quality time as a family, laughing and making amazing memories TOGETHER!
THANK YOU "TAKE A BREATHER FOUNDATION!"
Donna McCullough (mom of a CF Fighter)
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather Foundation went above and beyond. They brought such happiness to our son, who has been very ill. They took care of literally everything and more, leaving no stress to our family. This organization is top notch and we as a family give a million to them. Jacqueline C.
The Take A Breather (TAB) Foundation is quite simply, WONDERFUL. The care, concern and attention to detail demonstrated by this foundation is second to none. Our son had long wished to take a trip to see his favorite NFL team (Eagles) play at Lincoln Field. TAB made our boy's wish come true in a big way. They took care of every detail, transportation, lodging, great seats at a Wild Card playoff game and a jersey with his favorite player's number, in addition to a few other things. This memory will forever be etched in his mind, and ours, as an unforgettable experience that brought tremendous joy to our son. In bringing joy to him, TAB has given our family joy. TAB not only achieved the goal of their mission statement, they exceeded expectations in a big way. I could write a chapter to laud Take A Breather, but I'll simply say as a family of a child served, THANK YOU for bringing joy, creating smiles and making lasting memories. Well done TAB, well done indeed.
Review from Guidestar
My name is Emelie and I'm a 21 year old with cystic fibrosis. My mom reached out to 'TAB' in hopes of getting me a new laptop to prepare me for college. She quickly received an email from the foundation saying that they would love to help me out. A couple weeks later I had my new MacBook. I'm so thankful for Take A Breather, without them I would have no laptop to bring to college. They're doing great things for families affected by cystic fibrosis!
Review from Guidestar
My son Michael Maisto was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was 3. Michael didn't start talking until he was 5 years old (he could talk but just didn't want to). Michael was in and out of the hospital with respiratory infections. Michael was and is a quiet kid but at the same time a very happy child. Almost 2 years ago Michael was in nutritional failure and we agreed to a gi tube to help him gain weight. Our social worker asked if there was anything Michael would want after his rough long week in the hospital and she introduced us to Matt. Being new to the program Matt was kind and when he said he also had Cystic Fibrosis it made us feel at ease. MATT was an adult with CF. WOW! Michael didn't go over the top with his wish but he wanted an Apple Notebook and an i pad. Why both because his little sister also has Cystic Fibrosis and they are joined at the hip. He wanted his own laptop to make Lego Movies and the i-pad for his sister so when they are in the hospital they could SKYPE each other. Matt and his Foundation came through for Michael. There is not a day that goes by that Michael doesn't touch his laptop. His sister take the I-pad everywhere. Of course taking pictures and chatting. Thank You Matt and your Foundation for granting Michael his wish.
Review from Guidestar
A wonderful foundation that genuinely cares for the patient and their family. My daughter wished for and received an iPad to help during treatments. The gift is more than just something given to her, it is hope and a connection to another person with this disease. We will definitely be at the run next year and will be paying this forward!! Thank you for everything!!
As a volunteer in this organization, I have just returned from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with my daughter, also a Board Member of the Take a Breather Foundation. We went to deliver the latest gift, an Apple Lap-top, to an 11 year old girl living with Cystic Fibrosis, who is waiting for a lung transplant. It was such a privilege to be there with her, her parents and her grandparents when she received this gift......her wish. When it was handed to her, she kind of looked up with a twinkle in her eye even before opening it....the package was beautifully wrapped and she couldn't see what was in it, but from the weight of the box, she probably guessed what it might be.
Before unwrapping the box, she very carefully read every word of the card Matt, who also lives with CF, had sent with it. Her parents commented that she always reads the cards first before opening any package. Anyway, when she opened it, she just had the best smile on her face.....the therapist and the social worker both commented that it was the first time they had seen her smile since being admitted to the hospital.....and she continued to smile several times during our short visit. She was due to resume therapy. The therapist commented that this gift was "the best therapy".
It was 'a gift' for us to be able to be there and experience the happiness of a young girl, who is bravely waiting for a new set of lungs, and to witness her gratitude and that of her family for this gift, which is the result of all the work of the many caring volunteers and the very generous people who donate, and have donated their time, talent and financial support to this CF organization for many years.
The Take a Breather Foundation is a wonderful nonprofit. Everyone I have met associated with Take a Breather has been so nice, caring, and generous. My experience with them over the past few years has been exemplary!
Review from Guidestar
As a nurse working with children and young adults with cystic fibrosis I have witnessed the positive impact that this organization has had on some of our patients. They have generously sent some of our families on much needed vacations. Others have been able to take part in activiities such as guitar lessons. Others have been provided with expensive medical equipment, that insurance will not cover, but makes living with this disease less time consuming and therefore more manageable.
All of the families that are dealing with this disease on a daily basis are in need of some sort of respite. This wonderful organization provides just that. I deeply appreciate the great things that they have done for our families.
I have been one of the organizers of the Narberth Run (an event held under the Take A Breather Foundation) since its inception in 1996. And now, I am a board member on the Take A Breather Foundation.
SInce being on the Narberth Run committee, my eyes have been opened to the hardships of children and families living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). To hear the stories of what these children and families have to deal with on a daily basis is truly inspiring. And then to read their letters of gratitude from a wish granted to them is unbelievable. These families usually do not have much and to hear what these wishes means to them, makes you want to keep providing as many as you can. This disease can be so debilitating that some recipients can never go away for a momentary respite. So for them, they may receive an ipad or a computer which means so much because that computer or iPad is their respite.
Not only from the stories of these children, but the other reason this Foundation is so near and dear to my heart is because I too have and had two siblings who have lived and are living with CF. My one brother died when he was just 2 months old from this disease. And, my other brother is now 45 years old and he too battles CF every day. However, hearing so many stories from the families that the Foundation has helped, our family feels very blessed which is why I am so passionate about this Foundation. It has helped so many children and families (over 100 to date) and we want to continue to help many more.
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather is a foundation that helps people like me who have Cystic Fibrosis live more comfortable lives. I didn't ask for much just a drawing tablet and a gift card for clothes, but they went the extra mile and gifted me a College Scholarship. Take a Breather has definitely made my life more comfortable, it truly is a wonderful foundation.
Review from Guidestar
Take a Breather provided my family and I with the trip of a lifetime which we couldn't have otherwise afforded. In August of 2012, we enjoyed an all expense paid trip to Disney World. Everything was top shelf and we continue to talk about the trip over a year later.
Two of our three boys suffer from the effects of Cystic Fibrosis but our whole family is immersed each and every day in fighting this disease. This non-profit provides families like mine with opportunities to focus on something truly pleasurable beyond the world of CF, and they do it with the absolute highest levels of class, compassion and generosity.
The preparation, care and attention to detail that goes into providing CF patients with these gifts is truly a labor of love for this family oriented charity. I simply cannot say enough good things about it!!
Review from Guidestar
I have worked with Take A Breather for many years and have referrred multiple patients to the foundation. The lives of these patients are very busy with medical treatments, doctor's visits and hospitalizations. The wishes that are provided allow for the patient's "take a breather" from the daily grind of Cystic Fibrosis. The look on the patients and families faces when they recieve their wish is indescribable. I am proud to continue to refer patient's to this incredible foundation.
Take A Breather Foundation recently granted my son Johnny's wish. My son Johnny is 5 years old and living with Cystic Fibrosis. Johnny's wish was for a "Treeless Tree-House". Take a Breather Foundation supplied our family with Lowes Gift Cards for all the material. We couldn't be more thrilled, and grateful. Johnny is so excited at the progress of his Treeless Tree-House. This gift will give Johnny an escape, and years of fun. Thank You Take A Breather Foundation for making my little mans life allot more happy. As a Mother of a child with CF, my goal is for more happy days. Thank You!! Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
A great foundation with very caring and accessible volunteers. In addition to all of the work they do to help ease the burden on CF patients, the Narberth Run is a wonderful event that gets the community involved in a great cause.
This Charity grants wishes for children that are affected by Cystic Fibrosis (CF) - which is a great thing. There are several large foundations that are affiliated with Cystic Fibrosis and these foundations raise millions and millions of dollars in the name of Cystic Fibrosis. Which is fantastic because all of these monies have lead us closer to finding a cure for this disease. HOWEVER, in the Cystic Fibrosis world there are not many resources (if any at all) that focus on the needs of the families that are dealing with Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis is one of those diseases that individuals appear to be "healthly" on the outside. So people may not understand why individuals with CF need help. But what people fail to realize or know is that Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatning disease that is very expensive, with or without insurance; but definately more without insurance. As an example, most individuals that have two copies of the delta 508 gene, and experience pancreatic deficiencies require pancreatic enzymes to help in the digestion of food. These pancreatic enzymes can cost in the neighborhood of $3,000 per month(or more) without insurance. Even with insurance there can be a percentage that families need to pay based on their prescription plan (i.e. 20% co-payment). This is just an example of one drug and the financial strains that can be placed on individuals with Cystic Fibrosis. As a fact, most CF patients take more than one drug. Some drugs are just as expensive as this example. So, do the math and you can see this is not cheap.
As mentioned, there is a foundation that mainly supports CF research but there are little to no foundations or organizations to actually help the CF person. This is where I think the Take a Breather foundation steps in to fill the void. This organization is dedicated to addressing the needs of the CF person. Wether it is assisting with a need in the home or better yet - granting a wish for a child with CF. There are other agencies that grant wishes for ill children. But these agencies help all sick children. The Take a Breather Foundation only caters to the CF Community. Which may seem selfish but you have keep in mind that there are little to no other resources for individuals/families with CF.
Now . . . I will get off my soapbox and explain how Take a Breather Foundation profoundly affected our family and granted a wish for our child. Our daughter who is currently 11 years and was diagnosed with CF at the age of 9 days old was granted a wish of going to Paris in the summer of 2012.
Our Story: Our daughter was very connected with her great-grandmother who she called "meme" (which stands for grandmother in french ) and that passed away in 2009. Her grandparents met during World War II when her great-grandfather was fighting in the war and met his future bride in a cherry orchard. The two fell in love and married in Paris before returing to the United States. Her great-grandfather died in 2006 but she had a special connection with her meme. Just before she die, Marlia asked her meme about Paris and she told our daughter, "if you can ever get there, go, because it is beautiful". Ever since she passed away, our daughter has been fascinated with Paris and wanted to go where her grandparents fell in love and got married. Here is where the Take a Breather foundation stepped in. After hearing our daughter's story and her wish, the Take a Breather Foundation made our daughter's wish come true.
In June of 2012, our family boarded a plane in Philadelphia, PA and 7 hours later arrived in the "City of Lights". Our daughter had returned to where her family history began. Thanks to the Take a Breather foundation our daughter was able to walk the streets of Paris, go up the Eiffel Tower, walk down the Champs-Elysees, ride the metro, visit Disneyland Paris and find out she loves crepes. All of this would not have been possible without this foundation. We as family could have never given a trip like this to our daughter especially a pre-adolescent that is working through the fact that she has CF and has to take lots of medications and do chest therapy - when her siblings and peers do not.
Saying just "thank you" to this foundation does not do do justice for the memories that they have given our daughter for the rest of her life. She has a new perspective on CF and currently thinks that not all things with CF are "so bad" (in her words) because she realizes that if she did NOT have CF and if it was NOT for this foundation she would have never have gotten to go Paris and follow the words of her great-grandmother, Xaviere.
I just want to say that The take a breather foundation is a great organization, not only because the wishes of many people are granted but because it helps the families as well ease the burden of what living with Cystic Fibrosis is. It also helps with the research for a cure of this disease. For me it was a great opportunity to meet awesome and i would be always thankful for having my wish come true.
Thank you again for everything the foundation did for me.
Kevin Castro,
Review from Guidestar