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