Focusing On Hope
Alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with treatment.
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation, a Minnesota based 501(c)(3), has been a source of hope for local breast cancer patients and their families since 2001.
Every other minute in this country, a person hears the devastating words: “You have breast cancer.” By the time you finish reading this page, another family will be irrevocably affected. The time and costs associated with medical care are just the beginning – we’re here to help with everything else. No one should be left homeless or financially devastated by this terrible disease. We can’t fix everything, but together we can fix this.
We’re here…
because the need is real
- Two-thirds of the total costs of breast cancer treatment are non-medical
- Cancer patients are more than 2.5 times more likely to go bankrupt than people without cancer
- Women undergoing treatment for breast cancer have to miss an average of 44.5 days of work
because life won’t wait
- The rent or mortgage still needs to be paid
- The utility bills are still due on time
- Someone still needs to buy groceries
because insurance doesn’t cover everything
- Like travel costs associated with seeking treatment
- Like cost of childcare while you’re in treatment
*This image does not depict the testimonial attestant.Thank you for the assistance with groceries and gas.
It meant so much to me during this difficult time. The kindness that others have shown me has helped me get through my treatment.
Cathy
Our Beginning
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer founder Barbara Hensley lost her two sisters to breast cancer. She witnessed firsthand the financial challenges that breast cancer patients and their families face.
After meeting more patients and hearing their stories, Barbara knew something had to be done to ease the burdens that insurance doesn’t cover. So, she turned heartbreak into action. In 2001, Barbara resigned from her corporate executive position and founded Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. The first Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Resale Shop opened in Orono, Minnesota in November, 2002.
Our Commitment
Today, Hope Chest has grown from Barbara Hensley’s dream into an impactful, multifaceted organization with passionate, skilled staff and a dedicated Board of Directors. We are as committed as ever to the cause, because we believe that no family should face financial ruin while they fight cancer.
Maureen Scallen Failor
Executive Director
Maureen Scallen Failor
Executive Director
Welcome to the Team Maureen!
Maureen is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience within nonprofit and business sectors within multiple industries. She is an accomplished team leader with the ability to define, set and accomplish the organizational mission, goals, and objectives. She was recently named by Twin Cities Business Journal’s Top 100 to watch in 2023 as well the Top 500 Minnesota Executives in December 2022.
Maureen lives in Bloomington with her husband Greg. Together they have 5 grown kids and 5 grandkids. When she is not working, she enjoys biking, Zumba classes, downhill skiing, and being outdoors.
Click here for the official press release.
If you’d like to connect with Maureen directly, call 612.568.1145.
Laura Roehl
Director of Development & Partnerships
Laura Roehl
Director of Development & Partnerships
Laura has an extensive background in marketing, event management, securing sponsorships, staff development, retail, and building positive business partnerships. She has worked as VP of Marketing for 15 years, overseeing the marketing and branding for Kids Quest/Cyber Quest and two chambers of commerce. She managed and directed a $6.2 million budget orchestrating events, programs, and concerts for two Grand Casino properties in Minnesota. She was a men’s outerwear buyer for Wilson’s Leather with 525 stores, traveling nationwide to the stores and national shows. One of her favorite things to do in business is to connect with others, and to be a connector for others.
Laura lives with her daughter in Minnetonka. Outside of working, she enjoys traveling, golfing, hanging out with friends, being outdoors, boating, attending Minnesota attractions and events, watching sports, and reading a good book.
Robin Chambers
Office Manager & Patient Grants Administrator
Robin Chambers
Office Manager & Patient Grants Administrator
Robin comes to Hope Chest from a non-profit/school setting. She brings experience connecting with all ages and developing programming to fit all needs. Robin is connected to cancer in many forms (her Mother was a breast cancer survivor, her father-in-law had lung cancer, and her son is a childhood cancer survivor). She understands the toll treatment brings to the patient and the whole family and looks forward to giving hope.
Kira Johnson
Event & Cause Marketing Consultant
Kira Johnson
Event & Cause Marketing Consultant
Kira brings her wisdom from over 25 years of experience in marketing. She excels in developing customized marketing solutions that drive traffic and fundraising through a variety of marketing services including non-profit marketing development and event planning.
Natasha Freimark
Board Chair
Natasha Freimark
Board Chair
Natasha Freimark has more than 25 years of experience in partnerships, marketing, sales, events, and communications in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Partnership Sales at Mall of America, the largest retail and entertainment complex in North America that welcomes over 32 million guests a year. In her role, she is responsible for driving partnership strategy and oversight and leads the revenue teams of Corporate Partnerships and Destination Sales.
In addition to Mall of America, her career path has included working for successful organizations in Minnesota and Texas including Carlson Leisure Group (Carlson Companies), University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics, MSP Communications (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business), Panther City Media Group (Fort Worth Magazine and FW Inc.) and national nonprofit GENYOUth.
A strong belief in giving back to the community, Natasha has been active in volunteer leadership roles for many organizations including the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, Greater MSP, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, and Junior League of St. Paul.
A graduate of the School of Journalism at the University of Minnesota, where she served on the staff of the Minnesota Daily, she is proud to have received the University President’s Award for Alumni Honor. In addition, Natasha has received a mini-MBA in Nonprofit Management from St. Thomas University.
Laura Holasek
Board Vice Chair
Laura Holasek
Board Vice Chair
Laura has had the honor of serving cancer patients for the past 22 years in different positions. As the System Director of the HealthPartners Oncology program, she has had the privilege to work with breast cancer patients and their families. Cancer impacts all aspects of patients lives and she has experienced this first hand with my own family. The Hope Chest provides vital support at a time when women need it most during their cancer journey. Laura feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has helped ease the burden for so many women with breast cancer.
Karen Larson
Board Treasurer
Karen Larson
Board Treasurer
Karen Larson is the chief finance and administrative officer for the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. She is responsible for all finance and accounting functions, purchasing, human resources and information technology. Prior to joining the Y, Karen held leadership positions at a number of organizations, including as chief financial officer for the National Arthritis Foundation, chief executive officer for the Upper Midwest Region of the Arthritis Foundation and a number of senior leadership positions for the Star Tribune. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a master’s degree in finance from the University of St. Thomas. She has served on the boards of the MS Society-MN, Children’s Museum and the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Shannon McDonough
Board Secretary
Shannon McDonough
Board Secretary
Shannon is a Shareholder and Head of Law Firm’s Employment and Litigation Groups at Fafinski Mark & Johnson.
“I first became involved with Hope Chest as pro bono employment counsel in 2014. I was motivated to continue my involvement as my Mom is a breast cancer survivor. I was a first-hand witness to the incredible challenges cancer patients and their families face throughout the entire journey. Hope Chest is there to help by alleviating financial strains and providing basic but important daily needs. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Board to further this mission.”
Barbara Hensley
Founder Visionary
Barbara Hensley
Founder Visionary
Barbara is the Founder Visionary of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer.
“I was motivated by my two sisters’ fight-against and loss-to breast cancer. My dedication to the work of the Hope Chest has increased with every breast cancer story I have heard, every family I have met, every shopper in the store, every donor of merchandise and money. The need is great and I am honored to be part of the solution.”
Michelle Jourdan
Board Member
Michelle Jourdan
Board Member
Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and remembers attending a support group for women under 50. She had a great job and excellent benefits, but she met a number of women who didn’t and finances were a concern to them. Michelle is excited to join an organization that she has a personal connection with and believes in the mission. She hopes her 25 years of Human Resources experience can help the foundation with it’s future growth.
Sara Soli
Board Member
Sara Soli
Board Member
Sara Soli is currently the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the National Sports Center. Sara has more than 20 years of media, marketing, event and sponsorship experience. Sara has her Master’s Degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas, where she also received her B.A. in Journalism. Sara’s mother fought breast cancer and ensuring others have the support they need during their fight is the reason Sara joined the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation’s board.
Carmen Wamre
Board Member
Carmen Wamre
Board Member
For over 30 years Carmen has managed retail stores, districts, regions and run an entire retail chain. Today she is part of a new retail organization and also understands the nuances of a start up.
“I am so excited to be able to honor my mother-in-law Diane who lost a long battle to cancer about 6 years ago by being a part of the Hope Chest Foundation Board of Directors. I experienced along side her the toll cancer takes on a persons happiness, spirit, confidence and day to day life.”
Dr. Stuart Bloom
Medical Advisor
Dr. Stuart Bloom
Medical Advisor
Dr. Stuart Bloom spent his 20’s in New York City as an actor and musical comedian, but after he turned 30, and his own father was diagnosed with cancer, he had an epiphany and decided to become an oncologist. After an award winning, twenty year run in community oncology, he now joins the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation at the Medical School as part of the Master Clinician pathway. While he remains dedicated to the care of patients with breast and prostate cancers, he has multiple other passions he offers to medical school students and faculty. These include the teaching of doctoring skills, exploring and addressing the causes of medical burnout, and further developing the intersection of the humanities in medicine. His acclaimed musical How to Avoid Burnout in 73 Minutes recently played a sold out run at the Open Eye Theatre, with the plan on performing this at medical schools around the country.
Callie Briese
Past Chair
Callie Briese
Past Chair
Callie is the Director of External Affairs at Thrivent. Callie has been a long-time supporter of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and is thrilled to be part of the board, using her strategic communications experience to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing and being impacted by breast cancer. After seeing the financial implications of breast cancer firsthand, Callie believes that financial support allows patients to focus on their physical and emotional journey of healing. Callie’s life has been impacted by breast cancer as her mother battled the disease twice; first in 2004, and again when diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2018.
Andrea Larson Kerrison
Board Member
Andrea Larson Kerrison
Board Member
Andrea brings her wisdom from over 20+ years of experience in design and real estate. Her credentials include: Licensed Real Estate agent, degrees in Interior Design, Business and a master’s Certificate in Investment Real Estate. Her work has taken her across the country and has been featured in national trade magazines.
Lindsey Hagen
Board Member
Lindsey Hagen
Board Member
Lindsey is the VP Integrated Health Business Unit at MedBio Limited.
“Working in healthcare I have been amazed at the pace of innovation and improvements in care. I have also seen the cost limit access to that care and feel that we can do more to lessen this burden. Nobody should go bankrupt or loose their home to pay for healthcare. I was inspired by Barbara’s mission to provide impactful grants that cover the costs that insurance does not. I believe that Hope Chest provides a high value and low cost model to ease the burden of cost. I am looking forward to working with the talented board at Hope Chest.”
Shelly Stever
Board Member
Shelly Stever
Board Member
Shelly (Owens) Stever is the Managing Partner of Global Recruiters of Lakeville, a specialty recruiting franchise. As a former National Sales Director for a $3B manufacturing company, Shelly has over 25 years of corporate experience in leading teams, driving revenue growth, and building long lasting relationships. Shelly spent 20 years with the same company, training and empowering internal and external customers, guiding global leadership teams, and mentoring future leaders, all while driving double digit growth within her selling teams in North America. Prior to that role, Shelly was a college admissions recruiter, both in private and public education sectors. Her expertise in recruiting, retaining talent, establishing sales best practices, and creating a fun motivating culture of inclusion are a few of the things Shelly is best known for.
Shelly lost her younger sister to breast cancer at the age of 38. She has been passionate about volunteering her time and energy to a few other breast cancer related organizations since her sisters’ passing as a way to carry on her legacy and story, and is thrilled to be a member of the Hope Chest Board. In her spare time, Shelly enjoys the outdoors, the ocean, spending time with her family and friends, and is a proud “boy mom” of an 8yr old stepson, 4 yr old and 2yr old.
Alesha Hodorff
Board Member
Alesha Hodorff
Board Member
Alesha is currently an Oncology Account Manager for a large pharmaceutical company in the breast cancer industry. She has over 18 years of experience working in the healthcare field in various capacities, and over 6 years specifically focused in Oncology. She is excited to bring her passion for helping patients, strong relationship building skills, and love of event planning to the Hope Chest Board. Not only is she professionally invested in helping patients fighting breast cancer but recently a close friend went through her own personal battle. Seeing what patients go through during their journey and the challenges they face in all areas of their life made Alesha want to get involved and give back as much as she can to help as many patients as possible.
Join the Team
We are not currently hiring anyone at this time.
Looking for Volunteers
We also always welcome volunteers to help us secure new business connections for Cause Marketing, represent us in the community, or acquire items for our silent and live auctions. Contact event@hopechest.com if you are interested in volunteering.
Financials
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation welcomes inquiries related to its investment strategies, partners, and performance. Financial information may also be obtained in our Annual Impact Report and IRS Form 990s, which are available below.
Please contact our Executive Director, with questions or to request more information at (952) 471-8701 or foundation@hopechest.com.
990 Tax Returns and Audited Financial Statements
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation prepares an annual IRS Form 990. Our 990s and financial statements are available for download below.
2023 Annual Impact Report
2022 Audit
2022 990
2022 Annual Impact Report
2021 Audit
2021 990
2020 Audit
2020 990
2019 Audit
2019 990
2018 Audit
2018 990
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Our Story Our Beginning
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer founder Barbara Hensley lost her two sisters to breast cancer. She witnessed firsthand the financial challenges that breast cancer patients and their families face.
After meeting more patients and hearing their stories, Barbara knew something had to be done to ease the burdens that insurance doesn’t cover. So, she turned heartbreak into action. In 2001, Barbara resigned from her corporate executive position and founded Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. The first Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Resale Shop opened in Orono, Minnesota in November, 2002.
Our Commitment
Today, Hope Chest has grown from Barbara Hensley’s dream into an impactful, multifaceted organization with passionate, skilled staff and a dedicated Board of Directors. We are as committed as ever to the cause, because we believe that no family should face financial ruin while they fight cancer.
-
Team Maureen Scallen Failor
Executive Director
Maureen Scallen Failor
Executive Director
Welcome to the Team Maureen!
Maureen is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience within nonprofit and business sectors within multiple industries. She is an accomplished team leader with the ability to define, set and accomplish the organizational mission, goals, and objectives. She was recently named by Twin Cities Business Journal’s Top 100 to watch in 2023 as well the Top 500 Minnesota Executives in December 2022.
Maureen lives in Bloomington with her husband Greg. Together they have 5 grown kids and 5 grandkids. When she is not working, she enjoys biking, Zumba classes, downhill skiing, and being outdoors.
Click here for the official press release.
If you’d like to connect with Maureen directly, call 612.568.1145.
Laura Roehl
Director of Development & Partnerships
Laura Roehl
Director of Development & Partnerships
Laura has an extensive background in marketing, event management, securing sponsorships, staff development, retail, and building positive business partnerships. She has worked as VP of Marketing for 15 years, overseeing the marketing and branding for Kids Quest/Cyber Quest and two chambers of commerce. She managed and directed a $6.2 million budget orchestrating events, programs, and concerts for two Grand Casino properties in Minnesota. She was a men’s outerwear buyer for Wilson’s Leather with 525 stores, traveling nationwide to the stores and national shows. One of her favorite things to do in business is to connect with others, and to be a connector for others.
Laura lives with her daughter in Minnetonka. Outside of working, she enjoys traveling, golfing, hanging out with friends, being outdoors, boating, attending Minnesota attractions and events, watching sports, and reading a good book.
Robin Chambers
Office Manager & Patient Grants Administrator
Robin Chambers
Office Manager & Patient Grants Administrator
Robin comes to Hope Chest from a non-profit/school setting. She brings experience connecting with all ages and developing programming to fit all needs. Robin is connected to cancer in many forms (her Mother was a breast cancer survivor, her father-in-law had lung cancer, and her son is a childhood cancer survivor). She understands the toll treatment brings to the patient and the whole family and looks forward to giving hope.
Kira Johnson
Event & Cause Marketing Consultant
Kira Johnson
Event & Cause Marketing Consultant
Kira brings her wisdom from over 25 years of experience in marketing. She excels in developing customized marketing solutions that drive traffic and fundraising through a variety of marketing services including non-profit marketing development and event planning.
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Board Natasha Freimark
Board Chair
Natasha Freimark
Board Chair
Natasha Freimark has more than 25 years of experience in partnerships, marketing, sales, events, and communications in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Partnership Sales at Mall of America, the largest retail and entertainment complex in North America that welcomes over 32 million guests a year. In her role, she is responsible for driving partnership strategy and oversight and leads the revenue teams of Corporate Partnerships and Destination Sales.
In addition to Mall of America, her career path has included working for successful organizations in Minnesota and Texas including Carlson Leisure Group (Carlson Companies), University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics, MSP Communications (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business), Panther City Media Group (Fort Worth Magazine and FW Inc.) and national nonprofit GENYOUth.
A strong belief in giving back to the community, Natasha has been active in volunteer leadership roles for many organizations including the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, Greater MSP, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, and Junior League of St. Paul.
A graduate of the School of Journalism at the University of Minnesota, where she served on the staff of the Minnesota Daily, she is proud to have received the University President’s Award for Alumni Honor. In addition, Natasha has received a mini-MBA in Nonprofit Management from St. Thomas University.
Laura Holasek
Board Vice Chair
Laura Holasek
Board Vice Chair
Laura has had the honor of serving cancer patients for the past 22 years in different positions. As the System Director of the HealthPartners Oncology program, she has had the privilege to work with breast cancer patients and their families. Cancer impacts all aspects of patients lives and she has experienced this first hand with my own family. The Hope Chest provides vital support at a time when women need it most during their cancer journey. Laura feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has helped ease the burden for so many women with breast cancer.
Karen Larson
Board Treasurer
Karen Larson
Board Treasurer
Karen Larson is the chief finance and administrative officer for the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. She is responsible for all finance and accounting functions, purchasing, human resources and information technology. Prior to joining the Y, Karen held leadership positions at a number of organizations, including as chief financial officer for the National Arthritis Foundation, chief executive officer for the Upper Midwest Region of the Arthritis Foundation and a number of senior leadership positions for the Star Tribune. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a master’s degree in finance from the University of St. Thomas. She has served on the boards of the MS Society-MN, Children’s Museum and the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Shannon McDonough
Board Secretary
Shannon McDonough
Board Secretary
Shannon is a Shareholder and Head of Law Firm’s Employment and Litigation Groups at Fafinski Mark & Johnson.
“I first became involved with Hope Chest as pro bono employment counsel in 2014. I was motivated to continue my involvement as my Mom is a breast cancer survivor. I was a first-hand witness to the incredible challenges cancer patients and their families face throughout the entire journey. Hope Chest is there to help by alleviating financial strains and providing basic but important daily needs. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Board to further this mission.”
Barbara Hensley
Founder Visionary
Barbara Hensley
Founder Visionary
Barbara is the Founder Visionary of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer.
“I was motivated by my two sisters’ fight-against and loss-to breast cancer. My dedication to the work of the Hope Chest has increased with every breast cancer story I have heard, every family I have met, every shopper in the store, every donor of merchandise and money. The need is great and I am honored to be part of the solution.”
Michelle Jourdan
Board Member
Michelle Jourdan
Board Member
Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and remembers attending a support group for women under 50. She had a great job and excellent benefits, but she met a number of women who didn’t and finances were a concern to them. Michelle is excited to join an organization that she has a personal connection with and believes in the mission. She hopes her 25 years of Human Resources experience can help the foundation with it’s future growth.
Sara Soli
Board Member
Sara Soli
Board Member
Sara Soli is currently the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the National Sports Center. Sara has more than 20 years of media, marketing, event and sponsorship experience. Sara has her Master’s Degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas, where she also received her B.A. in Journalism. Sara’s mother fought breast cancer and ensuring others have the support they need during their fight is the reason Sara joined the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation’s board.
Carmen Wamre
Board Member
Carmen Wamre
Board Member
For over 30 years Carmen has managed retail stores, districts, regions and run an entire retail chain. Today she is part of a new retail organization and also understands the nuances of a start up.
“I am so excited to be able to honor my mother-in-law Diane who lost a long battle to cancer about 6 years ago by being a part of the Hope Chest Foundation Board of Directors. I experienced along side her the toll cancer takes on a persons happiness, spirit, confidence and day to day life.”
Dr. Stuart Bloom
Medical Advisor
Dr. Stuart Bloom
Medical Advisor
Dr. Stuart Bloom spent his 20’s in New York City as an actor and musical comedian, but after he turned 30, and his own father was diagnosed with cancer, he had an epiphany and decided to become an oncologist. After an award winning, twenty year run in community oncology, he now joins the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation at the Medical School as part of the Master Clinician pathway. While he remains dedicated to the care of patients with breast and prostate cancers, he has multiple other passions he offers to medical school students and faculty. These include the teaching of doctoring skills, exploring and addressing the causes of medical burnout, and further developing the intersection of the humanities in medicine. His acclaimed musical How to Avoid Burnout in 73 Minutes recently played a sold out run at the Open Eye Theatre, with the plan on performing this at medical schools around the country.
Callie Briese
Past Chair
Callie Briese
Past Chair
Callie is the Director of External Affairs at Thrivent. Callie has been a long-time supporter of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and is thrilled to be part of the board, using her strategic communications experience to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing and being impacted by breast cancer. After seeing the financial implications of breast cancer firsthand, Callie believes that financial support allows patients to focus on their physical and emotional journey of healing. Callie’s life has been impacted by breast cancer as her mother battled the disease twice; first in 2004, and again when diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2018.
Andrea Larson Kerrison
Board Member
Andrea Larson Kerrison
Board Member
Andrea brings her wisdom from over 20+ years of experience in design and real estate. Her credentials include: Licensed Real Estate agent, degrees in Interior Design, Business and a master’s Certificate in Investment Real Estate. Her work has taken her across the country and has been featured in national trade magazines.
Lindsey Hagen
Board Member
Lindsey Hagen
Board Member
Lindsey is the VP Integrated Health Business Unit at MedBio Limited.
“Working in healthcare I have been amazed at the pace of innovation and improvements in care. I have also seen the cost limit access to that care and feel that we can do more to lessen this burden. Nobody should go bankrupt or loose their home to pay for healthcare. I was inspired by Barbara’s mission to provide impactful grants that cover the costs that insurance does not. I believe that Hope Chest provides a high value and low cost model to ease the burden of cost. I am looking forward to working with the talented board at Hope Chest.”
Shelly Stever
Board Member
Shelly Stever
Board Member
Shelly (Owens) Stever is the Managing Partner of Global Recruiters of Lakeville, a specialty recruiting franchise. As a former National Sales Director for a $3B manufacturing company, Shelly has over 25 years of corporate experience in leading teams, driving revenue growth, and building long lasting relationships. Shelly spent 20 years with the same company, training and empowering internal and external customers, guiding global leadership teams, and mentoring future leaders, all while driving double digit growth within her selling teams in North America. Prior to that role, Shelly was a college admissions recruiter, both in private and public education sectors. Her expertise in recruiting, retaining talent, establishing sales best practices, and creating a fun motivating culture of inclusion are a few of the things Shelly is best known for.
Shelly lost her younger sister to breast cancer at the age of 38. She has been passionate about volunteering her time and energy to a few other breast cancer related organizations since her sisters’ passing as a way to carry on her legacy and story, and is thrilled to be a member of the Hope Chest Board. In her spare time, Shelly enjoys the outdoors, the ocean, spending time with her family and friends, and is a proud “boy mom” of an 8yr old stepson, 4 yr old and 2yr old.
Alesha Hodorff
Board Member
Alesha Hodorff
Board Member
Alesha is currently an Oncology Account Manager for a large pharmaceutical company in the breast cancer industry. She has over 18 years of experience working in the healthcare field in various capacities, and over 6 years specifically focused in Oncology. She is excited to bring her passion for helping patients, strong relationship building skills, and love of event planning to the Hope Chest Board. Not only is she professionally invested in helping patients fighting breast cancer but recently a close friend went through her own personal battle. Seeing what patients go through during their journey and the challenges they face in all areas of their life made Alesha want to get involved and give back as much as she can to help as many patients as possible.
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Careers Join the Team
We are not currently hiring anyone at this time.Looking for Volunteers
We also always welcome volunteers to help us secure new business connections for Cause Marketing, represent us in the community, or acquire items for our silent and live auctions. Contact event@hopechest.com if you are interested in volunteering.
-
Financials Financials
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation welcomes inquiries related to its investment strategies, partners, and performance. Financial information may also be obtained in our Annual Impact Report and IRS Form 990s, which are available below.
Please contact our Executive Director, with questions or to request more information at (952) 471-8701 or foundation@hopechest.com.
990 Tax Returns and Audited Financial Statements
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation prepares an annual IRS Form 990. Our 990s and financial statements are available for download below.
2023 Annual Impact Report
2022 Audit
2022 990
2022 Annual Impact Report
2021 Audit
2021 990
2020 Audit
2020 990
2019 Audit
2019 990
2018 Audit
2018 990
Frequently Asked Questions
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How was Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation established? After losing her two sisters to breast cancer, our Founder Barbara Hensley became painfully aware of the challenges faced by individuals with breast cancer. Her sisters’ struggle, lasting over six years, was devastating to Barbara. In 2001, she resigned from her corporate executive position and founded the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Resale Store and Foundation, where the dedicated staff continues our commitment to make a difference.
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What makes the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation different from other breast cancer charities? Most breast cancer charities provide funding for medical research or emotional support networks – all of which are incredibly important Because of their work early detection and cancer survivorship is on the rise. But Hope Chest is different – we make an immediate impact on the lives of Minnesota breast cancer patients by providing financial support in as little as 2-3 days time from the patients request for assistance.
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How does Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation distribute its funds? Minnesota breast cancer patients actively undergoing treatment complete an online application helping us to understand their scale of need in financial support. In turn, Hope Chest issues payment directly to the patients creditors.
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What services does Hope Chest for Breast Cancer provide? Hope Chest helps with urgent daily living needs such as rent or mortgage, utilities, child care, nutrition and transportation to treatment.