Hats and jeans are not part of the dress code at Mankato East Junior High. But not too long ago, denim and caps were pretty common in the halls and a lot of students wore pink.

No, students and faculty weren’t rebelling – they were rallying to show their support for a fellow student who had lost his mother to breast cancer.

“We’ve had several students lose a parent this year,” says Janell Sipe, school counselor. “At school, we show support of students who have experienced the loss of parents by having a fundraiser.” When seventh-grader Lucas McCabe lost his mother to breast cancer, students were encouraged to wear pink and/or hats, and faculty wore pink and jeans in exchange for a donation. “We had a great response.”

“Lucas and his family couldn’t say enough good things about Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospice, and wanted to give back through the fundraiser,” she says.

“Lucas was touched at the response.” He decided to make a donation to Hospice through Immanuel St. Joseph’s Foundation.

Hospital patients and their families benefit from a variety of programs supported through the Foundation. But donors like Lucas and others benefit, too.

“I see the Foundation as an outlet for people to show appreciation,” says longtime Foundation supporter Sal Frederick of Mankato. He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and each of his six daughters was brought home from Mankato delivery rooms. His beloved wife, Rose, passed away at Immanuel St. Joseph’s after battling cancer.

“Every size donation helps,” Sal said. “Through the Foundation, you can determine how you want to show your support. That’s important – it reflects the needs of the community.”

In 2004, people donated money, time and goods through Immanuel St. Joseph’s Foundation to support Hospice, training programs, community programs which partners with the hospital, pastoral care, special campaigns and more.

“What an asset this hospital is to the community,” Sal added. At some point, we are all going to use this facility. It’s important to support it every way we can.”

“There are so many things that help complete the full circle of being healed,” says Mary Robinson, Foundation supporter and Mankato resident. “Art, aromatherapy and music available through the Foundation make such a difference. By getting involved at an individual level, we become a more caring community.”

Mary recalls her experience with a caring nurse when her mother was ill. “She recognized the need for Hospice and made immediate changes to keep my mother comfortable. I was so grateful for her attentiveness, and for the music my mother enjoyed while she was there.”

“It’s important to secure what we have for our children,” she adds. “If you’ve benefited from something, you have to ask yourself, what lies closest to my heart? I feel a need to give back.  It’s about a circle of caring, about giving something back.  Isn’t that what life’s about?”