FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer: Korie Morgan

(952) 471-8700 ext. 12

KORIE MORGAN AND BETH BRYANT SET TO RUN THE ING NY CITY MARATHON TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE HOPE CHEST FOR BREAST CANCER®

Minneapolis, Minn.—October 2005—The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer is proud to announce that Korie Morgan and Beth Carey Bryant, both from Austin, Texas, will be participating in the 36th running of the world’s most celebrated road race, the ING New York City Marathon. Both Morgan and Bryant graduated from Austin Westlake High School and The University of Texas at Austin. These two women have been in contact with numerous businesses and individuals across the country to sponsor them and hope to raise over $5000.00 for the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, based in Orono/Navarre, Minnesota.  “We are thrilled and so proud to see Korie and Beth participating in the marathon and raising money for such a great cause.” said Barbara Hensley, founder of the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer.

Morgan’s mother, Kathy Smith Morgan, and aunt, Patsy Smith Miller, both passed away from breast cancer.  Previously, she ran the Houston Marathon in 2002 and raised over $12,000.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which made her the top individual fundraiser in the city.  Now she has been training with the Calhoun Beach Run Club and will run the NYC marathon on November 6th in honor of her mom and aunt.  The money raised through sponsors will go to the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, whose founder, Barbara Hensley, is Morgan’s aunt and the sister of Kathy Morgan and Patsy Miller.  Morgan moved to Minneapolis in July 2005 to work for Hensley and is currently the Manager of Marketing and Events for the Hope Chest foundation.  “I am so honored to be working here at the Hope Chest and am positive with everyone’s support and sponsorship that Beth and I will make this marathon fundraiser a huge success. This is a cause so close to my heart and I know that it will be a huge driver in our completion of the 26.2 miles.” said Morgan.

Bryant is married and living in Norfolk, Virginia. “In 1989 Korie and I became friends and have been ever since.  Over the years we have had many things in common, but unfortunately, one of those things is mothers with breast cancer.  The part that we do not have in common is that my mother survived and is now 4 years cancer free thanks to early detection,” said Bryant.  Bryant credits early detection for saving her mom’s life and is determined to take part in spreading breast cancer awareness so that others will be given the chance that her mom had.  Running the ING New York City Marathon and raising money for the Hope Chest is one way she hopes to increase awareness.

The Hope Chest has posted on its website additional information and a form for interested individuals and businesses who would like to sponsor Morgan and Bryant’s efforts at http://www.hopechest.us/currentEvents/NYCMarathonSponsor.htm.

About Hope Chest for Breast Cancer

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, founded in 2001, helps fund breast cancer research, early detection and treatment programs, and hospice care for people battling the disease.  Hope Chest raises critical resources through the sale of designer furniture, accessories and clothing donated by individuals, corporations and small businesses at the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Retail Shop.  Hope Chest’s ultimate goal is to raise $10 million annually by opening 50 Hope Chest shops nationwide within the next five years.  The first Hope Chest retail store is located at 3850 Shoreline Drive in the Orono/Navarre area and is open daily.  The Hope Chest is a 501C3 company and for more information visit www.hopechest.us or call 952-471-8700.  If you work for a company who supports matching grants, please take this to your Human Resources Department.