FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer: Korie Morgan
(952) 471-8700 ext. 12
HOPE CHEST FOR BREAST CANCER PARTNERS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CANCER CENTER
Minneapolis, Minn.—July 18, 2005—On Monday, the Board of Directors for the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer granted a check for the amount of $100,000 to the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. The money will be directed towards breast cancer issues concerning the underserved in the Twin Cities community; the focus will include early detection, education and implementation of financial care and support for those who are experiencing breast cancer. A series of letters and emails between the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and Rosemary Gruber, Director of Development for the Cancer Center, further define the detailed uses of the money.
This is the second major disbursement by the Hope Chest, which has deliberated long and hard to ensure that the money will be used carefully and in a manner that supports the mission of the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. The Hope Chest wishes to recognize Rosemary Gruber and the team who developed and will implement the grant proposal. Special thanks is also extended to Janet Smith Yee and Marilyn Bryant who worked directly with Barbara Hensley, Founder of the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, to identify breast cancer related opportunities involving the University of Minnesota Cancer Center.
Dr. John Kersey, Cancer Center Director, stressed the importance and impact that this grant can have. “There is a great need for education and early detection of breast cancer, particularly among women of color. Although breast cancer has a higher occurrence among Caucasian women, the death rate from the cancer is higher among women of color. The money that the Hope Chest has granted will provide for literature and education to change this outcome,” says Dr. John Kersey. “We are thrilled with our partnership with the University of Minnesota Cancer Center and look forward to seeing the impact of the grant on our community,” says Hope Chest Founder, Barbara Hensley.
About University of Minnesota Cancer Center
The focus of the Cancer Center is on using research to help people avoid getting cancer, promote earlier detection of cancer, improve treatment of people with cancer, and enhance the quality of life for survivors. More information can be found at http://www.cancer.umn.edu/.
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. More information can be found at www.hopechest.us or by calling 952-471-8700.
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