History of Hope Chest
Losing both of her sisters to breast cancer devastated Barbara Hensley. During their combined six year battles, she became painfully aware of the challenges faced by underserved women. Seeing women who are already struggling just to afford rent and food and who are then faced with fighting breast cancer disturbed and angered her. So she did something.
In 2001 Barbara resigned her executive corporate position and founded the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer®. The Hope Chest raises critical resources through the sale of designer furniture, accessories and clothing donated by individuals, wholesale and retail businesses. These items are then sold through a chain of company owned and franchised retail stores. The Foundation uses funds from the stores and other fund-raising opportunities to support breast cancer causes such as early detection education, treatment programs, hospice care and research For example, we contributed $100,000 to the University of Minnesota Breast Cancer Center to develop programs for underserved women.