Our Story

In Business to End Cancer

Choose Hope began around a kitchen table in early 1999. The three founders, Chris, Paula and Linda, were making buttons to give away in the chemo room. Linda and Chris had already been diagnosed with breast cancer and knew firsthand that the chemo room could be a gloomy place, so they handed out the buttons to brighten people’s days. It was Chris’ idea to turn this passion into a business – a business that could help fund cancer research. Chris insisted the business be called Choose Hope. When asked why, she would always respond (with just a hint of impatience), “Well what else would we choose?”

Linda remains in remission, but sadly, Chris lost her battle with cancer in April of 2003. Linda and Paula continued to run the business together for many years until Linda retired. A few years later, in 2019 Paula decided it was time for her to retire, and with a sad heart, she determined that she would close the business, but fate stepped in with another plan. After notifying her suppliers that the business would be closing in early 2019, an employee at one of those suppliers contacted Paula and asked if she would be interested in possibly selling the business instead of closing the doors.

Our Story Continues

Just a short 2 months later the sale of Choose Hope was finalized and Shannon became the new owner. While not a cancer survivor herself, like many people, her life has been touched by cancer. Shannon brings fresh passion to the company and looks forward to growing the support Choose Hope provides to the cancer community. A diagnosis of cancer affects so many people. Not only those with cancer but also family members, friends and co-workers. Doing something, even the simple act of wearing an awareness ribbon can mean so much to those who are fighting for their lives.