My Hope Chest
My Hope Chest is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit that funds breast reconstruction surgery for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors, the only U.S. organization focused on this post-mastectomy access gap. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Tampa.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersTampa, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What My Hope Chest does
My Hope Chest is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization headquartered in Tampa, Florida, founded in 2003 by breast cancer survivor Alisa Savoretti. The organization funds breast reconstruction surgery for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors, addressing the post-mastectomy access gap left by the 1998 Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, which mandates reconstruction coverage only for insured patients. Each reconstruction series costs approximately $25,000 across three surgeries, and the organization maintains a national waitlist because demand exceeds funded capacity.
The business model is donation-driven and multi-channel: individual charitable contributions, corporate cause-marketing partnerships (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hooters, Dunkin', Brighton, Live Nation, Spectrum), foundation grants (Plastic Surgery Foundation, DeBartolo Family Foundation), online fundraising platforms (Facebook, AmazonSmile, GoFundMe), and signature events (Butterfly gloWalk 5K, Boooobie Ball, Bling A Bra, Tickled Pink Comedy Tour). The organization has also introduced insurance co-pay and non-medical bill pay assistance, materially expanding the underinsured segment. Service delivery relies on two surgeon-partner programs: Doctors of Distinction (donated services) and Doctors of Merit (reduced-rate services), supporting a national footprint from a team of 1-10 staff.
Revenue figures are not disclosed. The organization has accumulated notable third-party validation: CNN Hero recognition for the founder (2020), People Magazine "Person of Interest" (2016), Oprah Magazine "Breast Cancer Heroes" (2012), Reader's Digest "9 Names to Know in Breast Cancer" (2013), and the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award ($25,000, 2012). Technology stack is minimal—no proprietary platform, app, or API—consistent with a charity operating model rather than a software product. The competitive position is uniquely uncontested as the only national nonprofit dedicated to funding post-mastectomy reconstruction for the uninsured.
My Hope Chest firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- My Hope Chest
- Legal name
- My Hope Chest, Inc.
- Website
- https://myhopechest.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- My Hope Chest is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit that funds breast reconstruction surgery for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors, the only U.S. organization focused on this post-mastectomy access gap. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Tampa.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where My Hope Chest is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tampa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
My Hope Chest business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations and Charitable Contributions: The primary revenue stream comes from individual donors who make financial contributions to support breast reconstruction surgeries for uninsured and underinsured survivors. Donations are accepted through the website and are tax-deductible as the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Corporate Partnerships and Cause Marketing: Corporate sponsors partner with My Hope Chest through cause marketing campaigns where companies donate a portion of proceeds from product or service sales to the charity. Partners include Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hooters, Dunkin', Live Nation, Brighton, and others. The Sustainers Circle of Influence program offers multi-year annual commitments with a 5-year pledge structure.
- Grant Funding: My Hope Chest receives grant funding from foundations and organizations. Notable grants include $25,000 from the DeBartolo Family Foundation's Spirit of Humanity Award (2015) and $15,000 from the Plastic Surgery Foundation.
- Event Fundraising: Revenue generated from signature events including ticket sales, sponsorships, and fundraising activities during events like the Butterfly gloWalk, Boooobie Ball, and Bling A Bra contests.
- Online Fundraising Platforms: The organization leverages online fundraising through Facebook fundraisers, AmazonSmile, GoFundMe, Crowdrise, and their BlingABraforBreastCancer.com virtual bra decorating website.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
My Hope Chest product offering
Product offeringCore offering
My Hope Chest funds breast reconstruction surgery for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors who cannot afford the estimated $25,000 cost for the series of 3 surgeries required after mastectomy. The organization also provides insurance co-pay and deductible assistance for underinsured survivors facing $6,000-$7,000 deductibles, non-medical bill pay assistance during treatment, and educational resources to guide survivors through reconstruction options.
Product overview
My Hope Chest operates as a single unified charity offering with multiple interconnected assistance programs. The core service is breast reconstruction surgery funding for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors. This is supported by complementary programs including insurance co-pay assistance for those with high deductibles, non-medical bill pay assistance during treatment, and educational resources like the Reconstruction Options brochure. The organization also runs signature fundraising events (Butterfly gloWalk, Boooooobie Ball, Bling A Bra, Tickled Pink Comedy Tour) to generate donations, and partners with plastic surgeons through its Doctors of Distinction and Doctors of Merit programs. Additionally, the Breast Reconstruction Survey collects national data on survivors seeking but unable to attain reconstruction.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Breast Reconstruction Surgery Funding Financial assistance program that funds breast reconstruction surgery for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors who cannot afford the estimated $25,000 for the series of 3 surgeries required after mastectomy.
- Insurance Co-Pay Assistance Financial assistance program helping insured breast cancer survivors who cannot meet their large deductibles of $6,000-$7,000 for breast reconstruction procedures.
- Non-Medical Bill Pay Assistance Program addressing 'financial toxicity' by assisting clients with household bills like rent, car insurance, food, and other living expenses during their breast reconstruction process when they are unable to work during treatment.
- Doctors of Distinction Program Program where plastic surgeons donate their time and expertise to perform breast reconstruction surgeries at no cost for My Hope Chest clients.
- Doctors of Merit Program Program where partner plastic surgeons provide breast reconstruction services at significantly reduced rates for My Hope Chest clients, including surgeons such as Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso of Gayoso Plastic Surgery and Dr. Dallas Buchanan of VIVIFY Plastic Surgery.
- Reconstruction Options Educational Brochure Educational pamphlet distributed to breast centers that guides newly diagnosed women through the reconstruction process, providing hope for healing after mastectomy and explaining reconstruction options.
- Breast Reconstruction Survey National survey originally launched in 2008 and re-launched in 2019 to gather data on breast cancer survivors who want reconstruction but cannot afford it, developed in partnership with Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Young Survival Coalition.
- Butterfly gloWalk 5K FUN Run and gloW PaRty Signature annual fundraising event featuring a 5K run, glow walk, and party with wings and glow-in-the-dark bling, held in various years including 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
- Booooobie Ball Signature Halloween-themed fundraising event benefiting My Hope Chest, featuring decor and lighting sponsored by partners such as Big City Events.
- Bling A Bra for Breast Cancer Virtual and in-person bra decorating contest or party event where participants decorate bras and cups to raise funds for breast cancer survivors.
- Tickled Pink Comedy Tour Clean comedy production show that benefits My Hope Chest and helps breast cancer survivors through laughter and entertainment while raising awareness and funds, produced by Tickled Pink Entertainment.
Quantifiable outcome
- Breast Reconstruction Survey findings: Nearly three in ten respondents (29%) reported either no insurance or no reconstruction coverage
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use My Hope Chest
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
My Hope Chest technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
My Hope Chest partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Beasley Media Group (BBGI)minorCorporate sponsor and media partner. Beasley Media Group supports My Hope Chest's mission through corporate sponsorship and cause marketing initiatives.
- Big City EventscoreElan Event Studio owner and Big City Events Partner Monica Varner has been a long-time supporter and MHC Board Treasurer since 2020. She sponsors decor and lighting for signature events including the Boooobie Ball and Butterfly gloWalk. She is also Executive Director of the Gasparilla International Film Festival.
- BrightonminorCorporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest's breast reconstruction funding mission through cause marketing campaigns.
- Tampa Bay BuccaneersminorProfessional sports team corporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest through community engagement and charitable partnerships.
- Dunkin'minorNational restaurant chain corporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest through cause marketing initiatives.
- Ed Morse AutomotiveminorAutomotive dealership corporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest's charitable mission.
- Gayoso Plastic SurgerycoreDr. Antonio J. Gayoso, M.D. is the founding surgeon partner who relocated to Tampa Bay in 2010. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and provides breast reconstruction services at significantly reduced rates through the Doctors of Merit program.
- HootersminorRestaurant chain corporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest through cause marketing and community engagement.
- VIVIFY Plastic SurgerycoreDr. Dallas R. Buchanan opened his private practice in Tampa in 2018. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he provides breast reconstruction services through the Doctors of Merit program. Strong dedication to the cause of My Hope Chest and helping women through the reconstruction process.
- Tampa Bay Lightning Community HeroescoreNHL team's community heroes program that recognized founder Alisa Savoretti with the Community Hero Award in 2012, providing $25,000 for the charity. Ongoing partnership in community outreach and awareness.
- Live NationminorLive entertainment company and corporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest through cause marketing campaigns.
- Olga by WarnersminorIntimates brand corporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest's breast reconstruction mission.
- SpectrumminorCorporate sponsor supporting My Hope Chest's mission through cause marketing initiatives.
- LBW DesignminorIn-kind partner founded by Neil Blackburn, who has been with the charity since inception in 2003 and built My Hope Chest's marketing materials and original brand. Graphic artist and angel volunteer who created brand identity.
- Tickled Pink EntertainmentminorClean comedy production show that benefits My Hope Chest. The Tickled Pink Comedy Tour helps breast cancer survivors through laughter and entertainment while raising awareness and funds for the charity.
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)minorWith help from NAWBO members, My Hope Chest was formed in 2003. The organization helped the founder establish the charity as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- National Association of Catering and Event Planners (NACE)minorAffiliation with national organization supporting event planning professionals who help with My Hope Chest's signature fundraising events.
- National Consortium of Breast CentersminorAffiliation with organization that connects My Hope Chest with breast centers for distributing educational materials and receiving referrals.
- American Society of Plastic SurgeonsminorProfessional association affiliation connecting My Hope Chest with plastic surgeons who partner to provide reconstruction services.
- Living Beyond Breast CancercorePartnered with My Hope Chest to launch the Breast Reconstruction Survey in 2008 (re-launched in 2019) to gather data on women who want but cannot afford reconstruction.
- Young Survival CoalitioncorePartnered with My Hope Chest to launch the Breast Reconstruction Survey in 2008 (re-launched in 2019) to gather data on women who want but cannot afford reconstruction.
- Dr. William A. Zamboni, M.D., F.A.C.S.coreFounding surgeon partner who passed away in July 2015. Was chair of the Department of Surgery and chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas. His support was instrumental in recognizing the vision and establishing My Hope Chest's surgical program.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
My Hope Chest competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CancerCare: National nonprofit providing free, professional support services and financial assistance to anyone affected by cancer. Comparable as a cancer-focused charity offering financial assistance to patients, with overlapping patient populations.
- Tigerlily Foundation: National breast cancer nonprofit serving young women with education, support, and financial assistance programs. Comparable to MHC as a younger-women-focused survivor charity offering direct financial assistance.
- The Pink Fund: National nonprofit providing direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients in active treatment. Highly comparable to My Hope Chest as a charitable funder of breast cancer patients facing financial barriers, though focused on living expenses rather than reconstruction surgery.
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: National breast cancer nonprofit and active My Hope Chest survey partner. Directly comparable as a mission-aligned breast cancer support organization serving survivors with educational and support resources, although MHC is the only one funding reconstruction specifically.
- Young Survival Coalition: National nonprofit supporting young women with breast cancer and an active My Hope Chest survey partner. Comparable as a breast cancer survivor-serving organization with overlapping patient populations and donor bases.
Broad incumbents
- American Cancer Society: Largest U.S. cancer nonprofit providing research, patient support, and survivorship programs. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the cancer charity space with overlapping donor base and survivor outreach channels.
- Susan G. Komen Foundation: Largest U.S. breast cancer organization funding research, screening, and patient support. Comparable as a national breast cancer charity competing for donor attention, though Komen does not specifically fund reconstruction for the uninsured.
- National Breast Cancer Foundation: One of the largest U.S. breast cancer charities providing education, early detection, and patient navigation. Comparable as a national breast cancer nonprofit competing for the same donor dollars, but does not fund reconstruction surgery.
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Major national breast cancer nonprofit focused primarily on research funding. Comparable as a high-profile breast cancer nonprofit in the same donor universe but with a research, not direct-service, orientation.
Emerging players
- Bright Pink: National nonprofit focused on breast and ovarian cancer prevention and early detection among young women. Comparable as a younger-women-focused breast cancer nonprofit, though more prevention-oriented than MHC's treatment-completion focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
My Hope Chest social profiles
Digital presenceMy Hope Chest financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
My Hope Chest leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
My Hope Chest funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
My Hope Chest M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about My Hope Chest
What does My Hope Chest do?
My Hope Chest funds breast reconstruction surgery for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors who cannot afford the estimated $25,000 cost for the series of 3 surgeries required after mastectomy. The organization also provides insurance co-pay and deductible assistance for underinsured survivors facing $6,000-$7,000 deductibles, non-medical bill pay assistance during treatment, and educational resources to guide survivors through reconstruction options.
Is My Hope Chest a public or private company?
My Hope Chest is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was My Hope Chest founded?
My Hope Chest was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is My Hope Chest based?
My Hope Chest is headquartered in Tampa, United States, in the North America region.
How does My Hope Chest make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are corporate Partnerships and Cause Marketing, grant Funding, event Fundraising and online Fundraising Platforms.
Who are My Hope Chest's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CancerCare, Tigerlily Foundation, The Pink Fund, Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Young Survival Coalition. Broad incumbents are American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Bright Pink is listed as an emerging player.
Does My Hope Chest have an API?
No public API is recorded for My Hope Chest.