In 2025, the Compass Memorial Healthcare (CMH) Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary of the 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 benefited 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.
Fundraising efforts are driven by strong community and team support through local events, CMH team members 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 Outs are held during school sporting events to raise awareness and funds for community members battling cancer. Participating schools in the CMH service area include Belle Plaine, Brooklyn, English Valleys, HLV, Marengo, and Williamsburg. These events are made possible through the efforts of students, athletes, coaches, school athletic directors, community members, CMH athletic trainers, CMH school nurses – both of whom are CMH employees assigned to the schools – and additional volunteers who help each event is successful and meaningful event.
The events truly create one community, no matter which side of the gym or field you’re on. 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.
Beau Jack, HLV Athletic Director
“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,” says 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,” says 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 approached Lori to ask if they could honor her at their Lavender Out event. Although her family has ties to both districts, Lori was surprised and deeply touched by the support shown by English Valleys (EV).
“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” says Lori “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.”
“It was just awesome being at the EV game. Even though our kids didn’t attend English Valleys, they welcomed us and were so supportive.”
Lori McClenathan
“The kids’ involvement just shocked us with their support. They truly surrounded Lori with love and encouragement without even really knowing her personally.”
Lynn McClenathan, Lori’s husband
Beyond financial assistance, Hope for All provides a strong support system for cancer patients and their families. It’s a program that wraps around its recipients during the hardest times of their lives and has done so for the past 10 years.
Resources Close to Home:
Donate to Support Hope for All
Those wishing to support the Hope for All program but unable to attend an event can donate online at www.compassmemorial.org by clicking the Donate button. Gifts may be made through planned giving, memorials, or one-time donations.
Butler's Bunch: Cancer Support Group
A monthly cancer support group, Butler’s Bunch, a 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.
Apply to Become a Hope for All Recipient
To apply for Hope for All assistance, contact Mary Warwick at MWarwick@compassmemorial.org or call 319-642-8068. More information is available at www.compassmemorial.org under About, Hope for All.
