My Hope Chest

My Hope Chest

My Hope Chest was founded by Alisa Savoretti in the fall of 2003. A breast cancer survivor and Las Vegas Showgirl, she was 38 and without insurance at the time of her diagnosis. Following a mastectomy and only 5 months after finishing her chemotherapy, she returned to the Las Vegas stage and her career as a professional dancer – this time however, minus one breast.

Billing herself as the “Lop-sided Showgirl”, Alisa shared her personal story and plans for an organization as a result, gaining media attention through a news story on the local CBS affiliate.  Alisa had to wait nearly 3 years to acquire her own reconstruction.  She realized then that there is a huge gap in treatment that existed for “uninsured” women recovering from a mastectomy. “I realized how my own self-esteem, confidence and self-worth as a woman returned when I could look in the mirror and see my whole physical being once again. It was my healing, a rebirth and a godsend.”

With the help of members of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), My Hope Chest was formed and became a 501c3 in December of 2003, and is the only “national” breast reconstruction organization working to help “uninsured” women heal completely.

My Hope Chest is one of a kind and fills a gap in breast cancer treatment. Our referrals come from the largest breast cancer organizations in America, American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen. Our purpose of My Hope Chest is to help restore self-esteem and dignity to breast cancer survivors by facilitating and funding, as needed, reconstructive surgery for those who do not have adequate financial means to afford such surgery.

To have affiliates in every state serving every person that desires breast reconstruction.To raise public awareness for this need, not only nationally but worldwide.

Did you know that breast cancer is the most heavily funded cause in America yet, funds continue to be raised and donated to the same organization all funding the same issues: research, awareness and education of the disease? Do you think everyone in America is “aware” that breast cancer exists by now? We think so- great job and thank you, now let’s move forward as those issues, friends are covered.

Most people have NO idea about this epidemic. In 2011 it is still flying under the radar and in the shadows of “pink ribbon marketing and events” and MHC struggles to get the much needed dollars to do our work. As result of this problem and lack of dollars coming our way, we have a growing “wait list” of women WANTING breast reconstruction all over the country- it is their “final step of treatment” and every woman deserves this.

The need to help the uninsured woman restore her breasts after the disease has far surpassed the means. Our wish is for these large organizations to provide grant dollars for this surgery and to MHC.

Our philosophy and wish: Please give at the grassroots level, no matter what your cause, children, the environment or animals where the power of those hard earned dollars will have much more of an impact on that charity’s mission.

Tis The Season To Be Grateful: GRATITUDE…. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful  “Angel Surgeons” this year including Dr. Antonio Gayoso of Gayoso Plastic Surgery in Florida and Doctors Della Croce and Dr. Sullivan at The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans for donating their services to our very happy and lucky patient recipients this year!

Our web address is www.myhopechest.org

Please donate to this very worthwhile cause.