Compassionate Capitalism - January 2006

MyHopeChest

Helping Cancer Survivors

by Diana Edelman

MyHopeChest (MHC), a 501(c)3 organization, was born in Las Vegas less than two years ago. Since its inception, the organization, dedicated to providing uninsured or underprivileged breast cancer survivors with reconstructive breast surgery, has been able to provide one surgery. The "final step in breast cancer treatment," as founder Alisa Savoretti put it, is undergoing reconstructive surgery. The surgery is actually a three-part process, which takes place over time and costs between $15,000 and $20,000. Currently, Savoretti is unaware of any other organization locally or nationally offering this service to women.

The brainchild of Savoretti began after she, herself a survivor, had to endure two years without a breast because she was uninsured. Upon returning to perform as a Las Vegas showgirl, she was finally able to get health insurance and schedule reconstructive surgery to replace her breasts. Thereafter, it became her mission to ensure other women would not endure more traumas after surviving breast cancer.

"Our first year as a non-profit saw its share of ups and downs, but following a large donation, MHC provided its first reconstructive surgery," said Savoretti. "Thanks to the wonderful team we have in place, Susan Davis, a Henderson resident, received her long-awaited surgery in June."

The program operates with the collaboration of a small group of local donors, including a surgeon, surgery center and anesthesia group working pro-bono or at a reduced Medicaid rate.

In October, MHC hosted "An Evening of Hope and Laughter," a comedy event fundraiser held at The Palms Resort & Casino. The event garnered support from the entertainment industry with headliner comediennes Maryellen Hooper and Pam Matteson donating their time and performances for attendees.

"People were rolling in the aisles," said Savoretti. "We couldn’t be more grateful to these women and other entertainers (Marcel Forestieri and musician Dennis Mellen) for their help. This positive response reinforces that Las Vegas supports MHC as a permanent, charitable organization."

The event, deemed a success, raised enough money to help two more women begin their reconstructive surgery. The support for an annual event was large enough to convince Savoretti to host an annual fundraising event every October to coincide with breast cancer awareness month. MHC has chosen to take a "light-hearted" approach to its fundraising efforts and intends to orchestrate events designed to keep people smiling, like the survivors do, while raising funds for women to have the surgery.

"To think that a $10,000 donation can help to change a woman’s life forever is pretty profound," said Savoretti. "We can’t think of a better investment than that." MHC is seeking to partner with corporations that can provide the funding for operational salaries, enabling 90 percent of funds raised to go directly to performing surgeries.

Hoping to put its growing pains behind, MHC is excited to embark on 2006 with more events planned to raise awareness and funds. According to Savoretti, the organization has a good board in place that is ready to work to help MHC grow. Plans are underway to establish affiliates in New York and Tampa Bay in the early part of 2006.

"Getting put back together is a celebration of life," she said. "No woman should have to go through life without breasts. We intend to help as many people as possible resume their normal lives."

MyHopeChest

address

Las Vegas, NV

702-579-0799

www.myhopechest.org