MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (Sept. 1, 2005) — A $100,000 donation from Twin Cities-based Hope Chest for Breast Cancer will enable the Masonic Cancer Center to expand its breast cancer education and treatment programs for recent immigrants and lower-income women in the Twin Cities metro area.

“Our goals in making this donation are to help assure that all women in our community know about breast cancer and their risks and to remove some of the barriers they may face for getting the required screening and treatment,” said Barbara Hensley, founder and board chair of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. Hensley lost her mother to lung cancer and two sisters to breast cancer.

“We're thrilled to partner with the Masonic Cancer Center and hope this initial donation will lead to a long-term relationship for helping women in need reduce their risks of breast cancer and, for those with breast cancer, to receive additional assistance,” added Hensley.

African American and American Indian women diagnosed with breast cancer are as much as 30 percent more likely to die from it than white women in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

“Nearly two-thirds of the donation will be used to reach immigrant and lower-income women with health disparities in our community,” said Marva Bohen, director of education and outreach for the Masonic Cancer Center. “We intend to work with the Minnesota Outreach Coalition and local health agencies to determine the best ways to communicate with women in the various ethnic groups, and then sponsor awareness programs and produce educational materials that are in languages most used by the women identified and are sensitive to their cultural values.”

About Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Founded in 2001, the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer provides support to those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, through the sale of donated upscale furniture, accessories and designer clothing, utilizing a combination of company-owned and franchised Hope Chest Retail Stores. The first store opened in 2001 and is located on Orono/Navarre, Minn. The Hope Chest's 10-year vision is to expand to 50 stores nationwide and to generate an ongoing revenue stream of $10 million to the mission each year. More information about the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer can be found at www.hopechest.us.

About the Masonic Cancer Center
The Masonic Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Masonic Cancer Center conducts cancer research that advances knowledge about cancer and enhances treatment for patients. The center also engages in community education efforts to provide information about cancer. For more information about the Masonic Cancer Center and cancer, call 1-888-CANCERMN (1-888-226-2376) or 612-624-2620 in metro area, and visit www.cancer.umn.edu.

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Media Contact: Mary Lawson, Public Relations Director, Masonic Cancer Center, 612-624-6165, 612-363-6971 (cell), mlawson@umn.edu.