The Gardenia Branch and Glimmer of Hope Join Forces to Support Breast Cancer Patients at AHN Cancer Institute

PITTSBURGH  – The Gardenia Branch, a clothing boutique in Ross Park Mall, is providing warmth and comfort to breast cancer patients receiving treatment at Glimmer of Hope’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Center (GOH MBC) at the AHN Cancer Institute.

Owners Dione O’Dell and Kaleigh O’Dell, a mother-daughter duo who opened The Gardenia Branch in 2020, are working in tandem with local nonprofit, the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, to support women battling breast cancer by donating 300 “butterfly cardigans” to the GOH MBC.

The cardigans were inspired by Dione’s sister who died of cancer in November 2020. While her sister was receiving her treatments, she felt most comfortable wearing a cardigan sweater, according to Dione. After her sister passed, Dione and Kaleigh wanted a way to help others battling cancer. The “butterfly cardigan” was born, attributed to Dione’s sister’s love for butterflies.

Each fall, The Gardenia Branch runs a butterfly cardigan campaign to support women battling cancer – for every cardigan sold at the store, another is donated to a woman battling breast cancer. This year, shoppers from around the region and country purchased the butterfly cardigan both online and in-store to match the commitment.

“Giving back to the community holds profound importance in our hearts,” Dione said. “The donation of the butterfly cardigans, in loving memory of my late sister, is not just a contribution; it’s a tribute. It’s a way to ensure her spirit of love, resilience and compassion continues to flutter, bringing warmth and solace to those facing their own battles.”

In addition to the donation of the cozy cardigans, Glimmer of Hope is providing $40,000 in funding to support the GOH MBC at the AHN Cancer Institute. Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, is cancer that starts in the breast but has metastasized to other parts of the body.

GOH, a Pittsburgh-based breast cancer fundraising organization, has contributed over $780,000 to cancer care at Allegheny General Hospital and AHN since 2005.

“Glimmer of Hope is proud to join the AHN Cancer Institute in our shared commitment to providing support and advanced treatment options for metastatic breast cancer patients,” said Diana Napper, GOH’s founder and president. “Together, we aim to illuminate the path for individuals navigating the challenges of their lifelong battle, ensuring they never have to walk alone on their journey toward hope, healing, and a brighter future.”

Located within the state-of-the-art AHN Cancer Institute at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), the Metastatic Breast Cancer Center offers care that revolves entirely around women with late-stage breast cancer, prioritizing their time and their unique needs. The GOH MBC offers integrative medicine services to every patient to help minimize side effects from cancer treatments and other life stressors.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 150,000 breast cancer survivors are living with metastatic disease, three-fourths of whom were originally diagnosed with stage I-III.

Recognizing that this population of patients faces unique stresses related to quality of life and their complex treatment regimens, the GOH MBC provides patients with access to comprehensive, centralized, and innovative breast cancer care treatment and programs, including support groups, massage therapy, acupuncture, reiki, cancer genetics, quality-of-life care, and access to clinical trials.

“The Gardenia’s Branch’s heartfelt donation of cardigans embodies the warmth of community spirit, providing comfort to those facing the challenges of metastatic breast cancer,” said Christie Hilton, DO, director of the Glimmer of Hope Metastatic Breast Center and director of academic breast oncology at AHN. “Coupled with the unwavering support from the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, this collaboration not only exemplifies generosity but also fuels the ongoing mission of the AHN Cancer Institute, elevating the quality of life for patients with metastatic breast cancer.”