Michelle Holtz of Breathe Inc.

In this episode of Kunes Car Convos

• 3:20 - Hearing Their Stories
• 8:00 - Not a Disability
• 12:00 - Helping Along the Way
• 16:05 - The Golf Outing

In this Kunes Car Convo, Jen Meyers of the Kunes and Lakelawn’s marketing team sits down with Michelle Holtz, founder of Breathe Inc., an organization changing the lives of families affected by cancer. During the conversation, we gain a deep understanding of Breathe Inc.'s mission, which revolves around helping families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis by providing both practical and emotional support.

Breathe Inc. was born from Michelle’s experience as an oncology social worker. While working at a hospital, she frequently encountered families grappling with cancer, unable to access the resources they needed. Michelle felt limited in how much help she could offer within the hospital setting, which led to the creation of Breathe Inc. Her organization is dedicated to providing families affected by cancer with assistance such as keeping food on the table, maintaining a roof over their heads, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

Breathe Inc. goes beyond the typical charity model. Instead of focusing on one-time financial aid, they offer long-term, sustainable assistance for families battling cancer. This includes helping with Social Security Disability applications, emotional support, and financial guidance. Breathe Inc.'s approach is holistic, aiming to provide a foundation for families to rebuild their lives after treatment.

Michelle explains that one-time donations, while helpful, often only offer temporary relief. Breathe Inc. strives to give families a hand up, addressing not just immediate financial needs but also providing long-term emotional and logistical support. This approach ensures that families are not left struggling after the initial support fades.

One of the ways you can support Breathe Inc. is by participating in their inaugural golf outing on October 6th at Lakelawn Resort. This event will be the first of many annual fundraisers to help families in need. The outing is a fun way to get involved and make a real difference. Even if you're not a golfer, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute, whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

Michelle emphasizes that every bit of support helps. Whether it’s providing financial assistance, volunteering at events, or sharing information with friends and family, each contribution aids Breathe Inc.'s mission of supporting cancer patients and their families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

Looking ahead, Michelle hopes to see Breathe Inc. expand significantly over the next five years. She envisions a team of paid staff dedicated to helping families through their cancer journey, from the initial diagnosis to the final stages of recovery. With more resources, Breathe Inc. could provide even more comprehensive support, helping families avoid financial devastation and navigate the often overwhelming world of cancer treatment.

The ultimate goal is to create a community where families dealing with cancer know they’re not alone. Through continued fundraising and community involvement, Breathe Inc. aims to grow its impact and ensure that every family can access the resources they need to navigate the emotional and financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

If you would like to support Breathe Inc., you can visit their website at www.breatheinc.org. Donations directly assist families in need, providing them with financial assistance, emotional support, and help navigating the healthcare system. You can also get involved by attending their events, like the upcoming golf outing, or by simply sharing their story on social media to raise awareness.

Breathe Inc. is a unique charity that doesn’t just offer one-time solutions but works to provide lasting, meaningful support to families when they need it most. With cancer affecting so many lives, Breathe Inc. is committed to making a real difference, and they invite everyone to join them in their mission.

As Michelle explains, "We want to help families get back to something that looks similar to what life was before cancer." This philosophy underscores the heart of Breathe Inc.—helping families not only survive but thrive despite the challenges that cancer brings. Through community involvement, donations, and events like the golf outing, Breathe Inc. continues to make a profound impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families.