Neshaminy High School’s National Honors Society proudly partnered with The Breathing Room Foundation (TBRF) this holiday season to help local families affected by cancer.

The idea for this partnership occurred during the National Honor’s Society induction ceremony when a parent of one of the inducted students mentioned that she knew an administrator of the Breathing Room Foundation and provided contact information to NHS advisers. Kimberly Kelley, one of the advisers, didn’t hesitate and contacted the administrator the next day, establishing the partnership.

“We were looking to do something like this,” Kelley said. “It was perfect.”

The Breathing Room Foundation, located in Jenkintown, Pa., strives to provide care and support to families in the Philadelphia and Buck County regions who, unfortunately, have to deal with a loved one having cancer and the toll it takes on the family.

“[The Breathing Room Foundation] recognize[s] that a cancer diagnosis affects every aspect of a family’s life: emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial. [It] strive[s] to provide a family with whatever it is that will allow them a bit of ‘breathing room’ from their daily struggle against cancer,” according to the foundation’s mission statement.
The National Honor Society, in a group effort, collected clothing, toys and other “wish list” items for families with a member in the household suffering from cancer.

“We have three families that we’ve adopted,” Kelley said. “The National Honor Society officers wrapped the donated gifts so that they were ready for delivery day.”

NHS member, Rebecca Bertel, served as part of the team collecting donations for the second family. Bertel said this was her first time fundraising, and she enjoyed giving back to the community.

“I feel as though this is very important because lending a helping hand to someone in need is a great thing to do—especially around the holiday time,” said Bertel. “I definitely want to do this again in the future.”

The National Honor Society plans to work with The Breathing Room Foundation year round to provide services such as babysitting, landscaping, or anything families may need. Even students who are not members of the honor society can get involved. Anyone interested in helping out should talk to Kelley in G113.