One-of-a-Kind Nonprofit Makes Breast Cancer Survivors Whole Again

SEMINOLE, FL--(Marketwired - Oct 13, 2015) - Nonprofit My Hope Chest, founded in 2003, is the ONLY national 501c3 organization funding reconstructive surgery for uninsured and under insured breast cancer survivors. The program helps survivors that lack financial means or insurance "co-pays" afford the surgery by matching them with surgeons that donate or discount their fees for the charity.

Only 20%-40% of women who undergo mastectomy elect to have reconstruction. Hundreds of hopefuls among the remaining 60-80% sit on My Hope Chest's growing wait list, longing to heal and for their turn to be restored in body, mind and spirit.

"We ALL hope to find a cure for breast cancer," said Alisa Savoretti, My Hope Chest's founder. "We have to address the issue that a huge population of breastless survivors need our help NOW! Women that made a gut wrenching decision to choose life over limb live with emotional and physical scars and a daily reminder of their disease. Applicants tell us they feel less than whole, unable to heal and move past their cancer journey. They are desperate."

FACTS:

• Breast reconstruction surgery is complicated. It is a series of 3 surgeries that span approximately 1 year.
• Costs vary from a cash pay rate of $25,000 to more complicated reconstructions, billing insurance upwards of $200,000. 
• In 2011, there were 96,277 life-saving mastectomies recorded by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. My Hope Chest believes many more would have reconstructive surgery if they could find a way, but they're not aware there is help.
• In addition to funding surgery, My Hope Chest provides education on reconstruction.

My Hope Chest's mission focuses on the Celebration of Life and the back end of the disease! The charity deems October Breast Cancer ACTION month, noting breast cancer awareness is not a cause or formal charity. The organization fights to be heard in a sea of pink ribbons and to be the solution for survivors, restoring self esteem, dignity and making them feel whole again.

"It's simple. Research, education and awareness of the disease are covered by many, but women still live without their breasts in America; it shouldn't be," stated Savoretti. "My Hope Chest greatly needs money directed to our mission and invites interested parties to contact us."

My Hope Chest: 727-642-4243 or http://www.myhopechest.org.