The phrase that comes to mind is, “Kicking them when they’re down.”

As if the shock of a cancer diagnosis isn’t enough, it arrives with a disorienting storm of complicated medical, financial, insurance and life issues that quickly can become overwhelming. The system presents a glossary of words only professionals in the field understand, usually accompanied by technology-related hurdles in filling out forms, filing insurance, accessing financial assistance and coping with medical debt.

All at a time when people are struggling just to live and keep their hopes and dreams from collapsing.

Meet the good people associated with Breathe, Inc. It’s an organization founded and operated by volunteers whose sole mission is encapsulated in its name, encouraging clients to breathe easier while others help.

We sat down with Michelle Holtz, founder and executive, and Todd Schubring, board member in charge of philanthropy and fundraising. Both devote long unpaid hours working to help cancer patients navigate the complications associated with their conditions. Michelle’s background (and where she earns her living) is social work, mostly associated with hospice care and oncology. Todd is employed by a major company and has a background in occupational medicine, wellness and public policy.

There is no brick-and-mortar headquarters for Breathe, Inc., to keep costs as low as possible. It is a relative newcomer and currently provides services to about five clients per month. Don’t get the idea that satisfies the demand. The sheer numbers of cancer diagnoses continue to grow in Walworth County as well as nationally. The barrier for Breathe, Inc., revolves around resources.

Asked to identify the most important needs for Breathe, Michelle and Todd echoed each other: “More donors and more volunteers.”

Michelle traces the idea to found Breathe from her case work, particularly after seeing the devastation the disease caused younger families dealing with untimely death. Then she experienced her own cancer scare. Her situation proved to be benign, but it moved her to seek a way to help others not as fortunate.

“That rocked my world,” she said. “I always say Breathe found me. I didn’t choose it, it chose me.”

Her skill set gives her the knowledge to help people navigate Medicare, Medicaid, insurance issues and government programs that can allow patients to get proper care and stay in the system.

Breathe, Inc., takes the mission farther, though, recognizing that a cancer diagnosis often disrupts day-to-day matters most individuals and families take for granted. Like paying a light bill. Or a phone bill. Even a mortgage or rent payment. Arranging rides to keep medical appointments. Gas money.

“Breathe has had a niche we have developed with working class people who have been responsible, planned well, looked toward retirement, and then they get a cancer diagnosis,” Michelle told us. “Even though they have insurance, even though they’re working, it’s financially devastating.”

The emotional toll is also painful.

“Now your sense of purpose has been taken away, and taken away quickly,” she said, adding that it is a challenge for patients to find adequate mental health services.

“How do we get to our doctor’s appointments, and stay in our homes, and have that dignity of not having to lose your home or that vehicle because of high hospital bills and not being able to make that payment is how this organization is a little different,” Todd said. “We will support you if you need gas money to get to your appointments, or the electrical bill.”

All of which leads back to the need for more donors and volunteers.

Breathe, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit so contributions are tax deductible. Donations can be made on the organization’s website (breatheinc.org). Individuals or charitable organizations seeking more information can use the website to make contact.

Likewise, volunteers can sign up. The reward is in the work.

“Navigating healthcare is very difficult. It’s even more difficult for those that are less fortunate or older and struggle with technology,” Todd told us. “The need for assistance and direction and help navigating your path or journey through cancer is just increasing every day. The joy of being able to help is tremendous.”

This is a noble effort. The old saying is true: “There are only two kinds of people. Those who are sick and those who will be.”

Help if you can.