Our Story
In April of 2024, Kristin received the life-altering diagnosis of Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Her best friend, Lauren, stood by her side through every step of the journey. One morning, Lauren heard Michael Strahan share a poignant message about his daughter ringing a bell to celebrate the end of her battle with Medulloblastoma. This powerful message resonated deeply with Lauren and Kristin, inspiring them to investigate whether local cancer centers offered a similar tradition.
To their surprise, they discovered that many centers had either never installed or had removed these symbolic bells. This realization ignited a passion within the two friends to take action. They decided to create their own foundation, Hope Chimes, dedicated to ensuring that every cancer center, both locally and nationwide, is equipped with Bells of Hope for patients to ring in celebration of their victories.
With this goal came an even broader vision: to modernize the concept of the cancer bell. Rather than being seen solely as a marker for the end of treatment, Kristin and Lauren reimagined it as a Bell of Hope. They believe the ringing of the bell should signify not just the conclusion of treatment, but also the beginning of it, a positive scan, surviving a difficult day, or any moment someone wishes to celebrate.
The bells should serve as beacons of hope and symbols of shared strength and solidarity through both the big and small wins.
As they tirelessly worked to build their foundation and connect with cancer centers, fate delivered another blow in July of 2024, as Lauren was diagnosed with DCIS, a form of Breast Cancer. Never in their wildest dreams did these two best friends imagine they would be navigating this path together.
Despite the challenges, their shared mission and unbreakable bond continue to fuel their determination to bring hope and joy to others on the same journey.