Hope Chest was created through a friendship and a shared interest in exercise. The founder, Laurie Hyzy and her close friend, Nina Sacco aspired to become personal trainers. Despite a diagnosis of breast cancer, Nina continued to exercise whenever possible and was determined to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors. Together they created a wellness program called Hope Chest, which began in January 2000.

Shortly after the program inception, research conducted by Dr. Don McKenzie of Vancouver, British Columbia inspired the unique program that is offered by Hope Chest. Dr. McKenzie dispelled the myth that breast cancer survivors should refrain from repetitive upper body exercises to prevent lymphedema - a permanent and sometimes incapacitating swelling of the arm and chest area that sometimes occurs after breast cancer surgery and treatment. His research found that specific upper body movements could actually reduce the occurrence of lymphedema.

Dragon boat racing is especially effective in working the muscle groups that benefit breast cancer survivors.

This research enabled Dr. McKenzie to form the first "all breast cancer survivors" dragon boat team (Abreast-In-A-Boat).

Sadly, Nina lost her eight-year battle in May 2000, only a few months before the Hope Chest Team competed in their first race. Nina's dream of encouraging breast cancer survivors to live unrestricted, active lifestyles lives on. Her spirit and influence are reflected in the name Luminina which means "Light of Nina".

Hope Chest continues to honor Nina's memory with our boats named Nina's Hope and Nina's Dream.  Also, at the annual Dragon Boat Festival our team names are Nina's Hope, Nina's Dream and Nina's Vision.

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The philosophy of encouraging breast cancer survivors to return to an unrestricted, active lifestyle became the foundation of Hope Chest.

Luminina, dba Hope Chest, is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit agency, which depends upon the generosity of our donors and sponsors for continued existence.
For more information on donating to this worthy cause, click the button below.

Luminina Board

  • Barb Danner - President

  • Shannon Senger - Vice President & Treasurer

  • Anne LeGasse - Secretary

  • Renee Biscotto

  • Debbie Carella

  • Erin Delaney

  • Lori Milanovich, D.C.

  • Cindy Schlabach

  • David Weber

  • Lisa Williams

  • Anne Kist - Health and Fitness Director

Team Board Members

  • Wendi Koch - President

  • Cindy Monachino - Co-Vice President

  • Jeanette Ferry - Co-Vice President

  • Ellen McGrath - Treasurer

  • Michele Vitale - Secretary

  • Karen Rabent - Outreach

  • Jane Rung - Outreach

  • Ann Marie Spellman - Captain

  • Stephanie Slocum - Captain

  • Jennifer Slike-Krukowski - Captain

  • Anne Kist - Health and Fitness Director