The SJMF may be able to assist with a grant of up to $2,000 per year. This grant is meant to help cover the cost of medical bills, medications, travel related to medical care, groceries, utilities, or rent/mortgage. Approximately $33,000 in grants are distributed each year.
Since the fund's inception in 1999, we have awarded over $540,000 to more than 890 individuals.
About the Cause
The Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund was established in memory of Watertown physician assistant Suzanne Jacobson. During her life, she positively impacted the lives of many people through her care, concern and professionalism. Suzanne lost a long battle with cancer in 1998. Her family and friends have established the SJMF as a way to continue her caring by helping people who face major medical financial stress. Approximately $33,000 in grants are distributed each year.
The Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund committee designates a week in June each year as Yellow Rose Week in the Watertown area. Surrounding communities such as Milbank, Sisseton, Clark, Waverly and South Shore actively participate in selling yellow roses for this fund. Yellow Rose Week is the primary means of financing the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund.
Grant Applications
Grants are based on need and are awarded to applicants who are experiencing a life-threatening illness. Each applicant is asked to fill out a simple financial form, which is required by law. Applications are available through the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation and through local physician offices. You can also download and print a form.
Click here to download the form
Members of the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund committee review applications and all applications are kept in the strictest confidence. Notification of acceptance or denial of funds will be sent out immediately after a majority vote has been reached. In special circumstances, healthcare workers familiar with a friend's or family's circumstance may make a request on behalf of another individual. In those cases, a member of the SJMF committee will contact the person needing assistance for the information needed by the committee.
We need your support to continue this much needed program! For more information on the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund or other Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation initiatives, contact the Foundation office at 605-882-7631.