Prairie Lakes Health Care Foundation

Programs: The foundation promotes health education, scientific training and research, and the general health and well-being of the public. The foundation distributes the net assets to accomplish the objective identified above.

the suzanne jacobson memorial fund (sjmf) was established in honor of watertown physician assistant suzanne jacobson. Suzanne spent her adult life involved in the healing arts. She began her healthcare career as a registered nurse. Through the encouragement of her family and peers, she became a physician's assistant. 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. Since its inception in 1999, the sjmf has provided approximately $246,310 through 328 grants. Through this special memorial fund, up to $500 per year is available to individuals or families meeting fund criteria. Whenever an individual or family undergoes a lengthy or unexpected illness or injury, medical bills can seem overwhelming. The sjmf can assist with funds for medical bills. Funds could also be used to assist with travel expenses to enable family members to stay near a loved one. 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. 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. Every purchase of a single yellow rose not only brings joy to the recipient, but much needed help for someone in a medical crisis.