Mission Statement

Breathe Believe is a nonprofit organization founded by Angela Ruggeri and is made up of family, friends and dedicated businesses to raise funds to provide financial assistance to individuals with cystic fibrosis who cannot afford the essentials to stay alive. We will give hope to those struggling with CF who find themselves unable to pay insurmountable bills for necessary medications and hospitalizations. We will support research devoted to finding a cure for CF.

Angela Ruggeri initiated the Breathe Believe Foundation to honor all those who have given of themselves to keep her alive: To those who much is given, much is expected.

Who We Are

Breathe Believe is based on the premise that everyone with cystic fibrosis deserves a chance to fight the disease. We are a community of love made up of family and friends that stand by those in need of help to manage their disease. Anyone is welcome to join my community of love to support those living with cystic fibrosis. The Foundation will be proactive. We, as a community will devote our time and effort to raising money so no one with CF should go without the necessary medicine and care. No one should have to think twice for treatment because they cannot afford it. No one should have to turn away from a lung transplant because they cannot pay for it. No one should die from CF because they cannot get what they need.

The Breathe Believe Foundation is an IRS designated non-profit tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, the Foundation is not required to pay income taxes. Donors may deduct contributions to The Breathe Believe Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Inc, only to the extent that their contributions are gifts, with no consideration given.

Meet the Founder

Angela Ruggeri is 25 years old and lives with cystic fibrosis. She was diagnosed at 6 months old and has had many up and downs since then. Brought up by two loving parents, they continue to do everything possible to keep her a winner against this disease. She has a great circle of unconditional love around her keeping her strong. Angela is a beautiful lady, whose smile can light up any room. Her ambition and strength is inspiring to all who have the pleasure of knowing her. Angela is blessed to have family and friends always by her side, through the good and the bad. She believes that her CF is a “blessing in disguise” and wishes to commit herself to bringing some sunshine in the lives of others with CF who can use her help.

Angela’s parents have always been proactive. They quickly learned—before she could even remember—the importance of physiotherapy to keep the lungs clear, pancreatic enzymes, antibiotics, and nutrition. As a child, they literally did everything in their power to keep her alive. Now as an adult living with cystic fibrosis, Angela truly understands the importance of the medications, nutrition, and exercise that she cannot take for granted. She also understands the financial requirements that make it possible for a CF patient to attain what is needed to stay alive. Over the years, Angela has come to realize that not everyone with cystic fibrosis has been as fortunate as herself. Sadly, she personally knows individuals who passed away from the disease, who perhaps with the needed finances could have gotten what they needed and still be alive today.