The Reality of Cancer

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in Minnesota and across the country. This is personal — it’s about friends, neighbors, and family in Minnesota.

One out of two Minnesotans

will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

Every day, more than three

of our friends, neighbors, or family members are diagnosed with cancer in south central Minnesota.

Every day, more than one

of our friends, neighbors, or family members in south central Minnesota die from cancer.

Early detection makes all the difference — survival rates in most cases are significantly higher.

Your Investment Will Change the Cancer Journey

The Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund is committed to community cancer awareness and support. Here are just a few examples of how your investment helps change the cancer journey:

JZ Caring Box: The JZ Caring Box program donates specially designed care packages to our medical provider partners for distribution to patients diagnosed with cancer. Each box contains items that provide comfort, education, and access to resources for patients, their families, and caregivers.

Information and Resources: The Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund collaborates with multiple organizations to provide crucial information and services to cancer patients, families, and caregivers throughout the region.

Learn More | Caregiver Literature

Jonathan's Journey

Jonathan was diagnosed with kidney and prostate cancer in November, 2013. While his kidney cancer went into remission during the fall of 2014, the prostate cancer was a much stronger foe. Since its onset, Jonathan was in constant treatment including surgery, radiation and anti-hormone therapy, followed by additional radiation, chemotherap and ongoing anti-hormone therapy to treat metastatic prostate cancer beginning in 2016.

In May 2018 a new, relatively sizeable prostate cancer mass was identified in his former prostate bed. Unable to remove surgically or treat with radiation, the palliative option for treatment included new rounds of chemotherapy treatments from June through September 2018, followed by cryogenic surgery. After a five year courageous battle, fighting the cancer with all his might, Jonathan sadly lost that battle on March 27, 2019.

Throughout his journey Jonathan was bolstered by remaining actively engaged in the community and his work, hoping as he said to “change the face of cancer.” Having received so much support during their cancer journey, Jonathan and Ginger Zierdt established the JZ Cancer Fund in 2017 with a mission and vision to build community cancer awareness and support and to help change the cancer journey. The JZ Cancer Fund remains committed to fulfilling Jonathan’s vision and legacy.

Photo by Pat Christman/Mankato Free Press

A Gift of Comfort and Care

Each Caring Box is more than what’s inside — it’s a message of compassion from the community. Every item serves a purpose, chosen to bring warmth, encouragement, and a sense of connection to those walking through the cancer journey.

The Box

This box has two purposes.

Initially, it serves to hold and deliver the contents of the JZ Caring Box to you; and after, to be re-used as a “Courage Box” to hold cards, notes etc. you receive from those offering you support and encouragement, and wishing you well.

The Blanket

During treatment and recovery, you may find that a blanket will help keep you comfortable and warm.

From Jonathan Zierdt:
“For me, ordinary blankets were plentiful, however, my shoulders were always cold. This custom made larger size blanket (folded in half to cover you shoulders, as I do) is inspired by a prayer shawl I received. It will help keep you comfortable and warm, and is a symbol that you are wrapped in a community of care.”

The Journal & Pen

You, and/or your caregiver, may find this journal helpful for taking notes in your various meetings with medical providers, or capturing your personal thoughts and reflections during your journey.

The Cookbook

This award-winning cookbook features science based, nutrient-rich recipes designed to help give you a boost and address treatment side effects you may experience.

This resource includes a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for all phases of treatment and helps you build a symptom and cancer fighting culinary toolkit.

Where the Caring Boxes Go

Each Caring Box represents comfort and hope shared within our community. Here’s a look at where the Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund has made an impact across Southern Minnesota.

Impact Snapshot

Boxes are distributed throughout Southern Minnesota with distribution sites at hospitals and clinics in Mankato, Fairmont, New Prague, and St. Peter.

Box Love Campaign

The Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Box Love Campaign. Through the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses, over $925,000 has been raised to bring comfort, education, and hope to those affected by cancer across Southern Minnesota.

$100,000+

Top Donor

Mayo Clinic Health System

$50,000 – $74,999

Eric and Mindy Else
Category 1 Fund
Mankato Clinic
Tailwind Group

$25,000 – $49,999

Dan and Angie Bastian
El Microcircuits
Exclusively Diamonds
Fred and Diane Lutz
MN River Builders Association
David and Dawn Naples
Bryan and Tami Paulsen
Todd Snell
Chad and Tara Surprenant Family
Jonathan and Ginger Zierdt

$12,500 – $24,999

Greater Mankato Growth Board of Directors
Grow Mankato
David and Darcy Hermel
Paape Companies, Inc.
Dave and Jennifer Pfeffer
Michael and Donna Rstom
Schmeeckle Foundation
Jeff and Cindy Thom Foundation and All American Foods
Jeff and Katherine Weldon

$5,000 – $12,499

Scott and Teresa Bergs
Bolton and Menk, Inc.
Consolidated Communications Community Fund
Dennis and Carole Dotson
Lenore Else and Douglas Johnson
Wynn and Ginette Kearney
Dr. Greg and Maura Kutcher
Pub 500
Geoff and Rebecca Roise
Dan and Becky Sarff
Mary Jo Surprenant
Universal Sound Productions, LLC
Jay and Lisa Weir
Larry and Kathy Van Tol
Mankato Brewery, LLC
KLN Family Brands

$2,500 – $4,999

1335 Foundation
Chuck Bailey and JO Guck Bailey
Blethen Berens
Lucy Brown
Consolidated Communications Community Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation
Rob and Rhonda Else
Fredrikson and Byron Foundation
Lupulin Brewing Company
Mankato Independent Originals
Mankato Mortuary
Dennis Murphy
US Bank Employees

In-Kind Donors

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Mankato
FX/Fusion
KEYC TV – CBS/Fox Mankato
Navitor Inc., a Taylor Corporation Company
Profinium Bank – Fairmont
School Sisters of Notre Dame – Central Pacific Province
The Mankato Free Press
True Facade Pictures
United Prairie Bank – Mankato

Stories of Hope

Hear from patients, volunteers, and community members whose lives have been touched by the Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund. Each story represents the strength, compassion, and care that define our mission.

Mankato Area Youth and Minnesota State Maverick Hockey Players Pack JZ Caring Boxes

How Jean Ann Hastings Uses Her JZ Caring Box Post Treatments

Erin Pietz – JZ Fully Alive

Rhonda Else and Her JZ Caring Box Story

Share in the Beauty of a Meaningful Sunflower Field

Lupulin Brewing Collaborates with Fish Sunflowers to Honor Jonathan Zierdt

Your questions, answered with care

Curious about how your support makes a difference? Explore these frequently asked questions to learn how your generosity brings comfort, hope, and connection to neighbors facing cancer.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our team is here to help.

How does my donation help?

Every dollar you give helps create and deliver Caring Boxes to local cancer patients. Your support fills each box with thoughtful items that offer comfort and encouragement during treatment.

What’s inside a Caring Box?

Each Caring Box includes a cozy blanket, a cancer-fighting cookbook, a journal with a pen, and a gift card—carefully chosen to provide warmth, knowledge, and hope for the journey ahead.

Who receives a Caring Box?

Caring Boxes are given to individuals newly diagnosed with cancer in Southern Minnesota, delivered by volunteers and healthcare partners through local clinics and hospitals.

Can I honor someone with my gift?

Yes! You can dedicate your donation in honor or memory of someone special, making your gift a heartfelt tribute that brings comfort and hope to others.

Delivering Hope When It’s Needed Most.