Compass Memorial Healthcare Foundation Hope for All program celebrates 10 years

MARENGO — In 2025, the Compass Memorial Healthcare Foundation celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hope for All, a financial-assistance program supporting patients facing a cancer diagnosis.

The program serves individuals who are active patients of a Compass Memorial Healthcare primary care provider.

Founded in 2015 to assist patients with breast cancer, Hope for All expanded in 2017 to support individuals diagnosed with any type of cancer. Over the past decade, the program has helped 91 patients and families, raising more than $455,000 that has been returned directly to recipients to help ease the financial burden of cancer treatment and other expenses.

Funds are raised through local events, Compass employee payroll deductions and school-hosted Lavender Out events. CMH employees currently contribute more than $900 each month through payroll giving.

Fireside Winery also plays a key role by hosting an annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser each fall.

Lavender Out events are held during school sporting events to raise awareness and funds for community members battling cancer. Belle Plaine, Brooklyn, English Valleys, HLV, Iowa Valley and Williamsburg schools host the events with the help of students, athletes, coaches, school athletic directors, community members, CMH athletic trainers, CMH school nurses and additional volunteers.

“The events truly create one community, no matter which side of the gym or field you’re on,” says Beau Jack, HLV athletic director. “Everyone unfortunately knows someone affected by cancer.

“Knowing the funds raised go directly to someone in the community gives even more motivation to help during someone’s most difficult time. You see support not only in the fans attending the events, but also from the students and athletes who truly understand the cause.”

“During Lavender Out events, buckets are passed on both sides of the gym or field, and the generosity is overwhelming. What began with just one school has now grown to all six schools in our service area, and that growth is incredibly touching. Every dollar placed in those lavender buckets represents compassion — helping a family member, friend, neighbor, or community member in their time of need,” said Mary Warwick, CMH Foundation director.

HLV-TC has been a top Hope for All fundraising participant for three consecutive years. “Even the smallest schools can make a big impact,” said Warwick. “HLV-TC is a great example of that commitment.”

Hope for All recipient Lori McClenathan, diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024, has raised her family in the HLV school district and worked at HLV Community Schools for 28 years. This fall, English Valleys Community School District football team asked McClenathan if it could honor her at their Lavender Out event.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” says McClenathan. “Walking out for the coin flip with my grandson, Kane Axmear, holding one hand and Drew Fisher holding my other hand was incredibly moving. Drew didn’t know me, but him taking my hand truly touched me,” she said.

“It was just awesome being at the EV game,” said McClenathan. “Even though our kids didn’t attend English Valleys, they welcomed us and were so supportive.”

“The kids’ involvement just shocked us with their support,” Lynn McClenathan, Lori’s husband, said. “They truly surrounded Lori with love and encouragement without even really knowing her personally.”

Beyond financial assistance, Hope for All provides a strong support system for cancer patients and their families.

Anyone wishing to support the Hope for All program but unable to attend an event can donate online at compassmemorial.org by clicking the Donate button. Gifts may be made through planned giving, memorials, or one-time donations.

Butler’s Bunch, a monthly cancer support group established through the Hope for All program, meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Compass Memorial Healthcare Hospital main lobby.

The group is hosted by Ellie Krakow, who can be reached at ekrakow@compassmemorial.org or 319-642-8083.

To apply for Hope for All assistance, contact Mary Warwick at MWarwick@compassmemorial.org or call 319-642-8068.

More information is available at compassmemorial.org under About, Hope for All.