09-16-2002 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The Shakopee Valley News | Breast cancer, hope become city woman’s passion Page 1 of2 5? Q tUSE 1. a 1/ #■ w ShakooeeSSUSS NEWS Breast cancer, hope become city woman's passion Tuesdty. Jufy 02,2002 By Renee Stewart; Correspondent Grief has a way of working itself into a person's mind, body and soul. Once it takes up residence, it can take you over and take you under, or you can turn the intruder into inspiration, motivation and purpose. Barbara Hensley of Shakopee knows about grief. It struck with the deaths of her sisters, Kathy Morgan in 1994, and Patsy Miller In 1996. Breast cancer. Not once, but twice. Hensley's inspiration came to her a year ago while on vacation in Sanibel Island. After going to a consignment shop in a church, grief met inspiration, and her odyssey began. "I needed to find the opportunity to make an income and still give something back to society," she said. In September of last year, she left Ceridian Corp., where she was executive vice president of product strategy, and created the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation. The not-for-profit foundation's goal "is simple and dear — to completely eliminate breast cancer." Meantime, the foundation funds agencies that support research, early detection, treatment and hospice care of breast cancer patients. It also helps people who "fall between the cracks" and have inadequate or no health insurance. According to Hensley, the foundation is supported through monetary donations and for-profit retail shops, which will account for most of the funding. The shops will accept donated, new or slightly used designer furniture, home furnishings and clothing and collectibles or rare pieces. Profits from the sales will finance employee wages and the foundation. Hensley said people who want to volunteer their time in the shops may do so, and their wages can go directly to the foundation. Hensley doesn't Just want to make a contribution toward breast cancer research and treatment; she wants to make a significant contribution. She said the business plan calls for $7.5 million to be donated in the first five years. In addition, the plan outlines the opening of 50 shops nationwide. Hope Chest is collecting treasures that will fill the first store, for which Hensley is actively searching for a locabon. The store will include the donated items, as well as a selection of appropriate gifts for people living with cancer. Small hope chests will be filled with theme items, including teas, soups, comfort goodies and Inspirational gifts. Hensley noted that people often give patients gifts while they are in the hospital, but it is often during the treatment phase of their illness that cancer patients most appreciate and need thoughtful gifts from loved ones and friends. An online service will enable shoppers to order collectibles, antiques and other gift items. Hensley and her dream have come a long way In a year, but she finds the work "magnificent." http://www.shakopeenews.com/print.asp?ArticleID=2722&SectionID=2&SubScctionID=2 7/12/02