Welcome to summer! We’re all about healthy children and healthy families.
When it comes to parenthood, you don’t have to do it alone. For a small community, we’re incredibly blessed to have so many medical resources and social services to help our kiddos and families thrive. It’s care from kindhearted, talented individuals. It’s one of the things I love about this community.
For instance, there’s First Steps, a community initiative to support healthy pregnancies and healthy babies through age 3. First Steps connects new and expecting parents to free and low-cost resources for parents.
First Steps is led and funded by the Greater Mankato Area United Way, Mankato Clinic Foundation and Blue Earth County Public Health. Teresa Freitag, First Steps Coordinator, has an office in the Mankato Clinic OB department, but all pregnant women receiving health care in the region are welcome.
In this issue, you’ll meet Renita and Angel and their daughter Ellie. As teen parents, Renita and Angel turned to Teresa and First Steps to help them prepare for their little one. Teen pregnancy and parenthood have unique challenges. Thanks to Teresa and First Steps, they are off to a good start.
Renita overcame her fear of asking for help. When she experienced postpartum depression, she reached out to the Mankato Clinic and began treatment with Dr. Anna Steffan, a psychiatrist who specializes in maternal health, and Alexis Cote-Sands, MSW, LICSW.
As a pediatrician, I care for children, but I also support parents. At well-child visits, I answer questions and teach parents what to expect as their baby changes and grows. Each stage comes with new questions and concerns! We talk about feeding, sleeping, bonding, growth and development.
Here are some more highlights:
Meet Thriver Ashley Rehder of Ruby Ranch, which gives children and families a place to learn, play and explore in the natural world.
Top 5 Tips for Water Safety: Learn how to keep kids safe around the water while having fun.
Meet our new providers: Children’s Health Center welcomes three new providers, a pediatric nurse practitioner, registered dietitian and psychologist.
Have a safe and healthy summer!
If you have a story idea, email co-editor Marie Wood at mariew@mankatoclinic.com
You can share Thrives Magazine with your friends on social media! Join us on Facebook @mankatoclinic
AMY DEEHR, DO
PEDIATRICIAN
Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center mankatoclinic.com 507-389-8529
LIFESTYLE
A GOOD START FIRST STEPS HELPS BABIES GET
MEETING THOSE HEALTHY BABIES IS THE BEST PART OF MY JOB!”
By MARIE WOOD
BY MICHELLE ISEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY
Before they became teenage parents, Renita Shiwpaul and Angel Martinez were middle school sweethearts. Renita gave birth to their daughter, Ellie, just three days after her 18th birthday. Today, Angel is the sole provider of their family and Renita is thriving as a stay-at-home mom.
Renita was only 17 when she got pregnant, but she wanted to do her very best for their baby. Renita worked six days a week, went to every prenatal appointment, and graduated from high school. Her boyfriend and baby’s father, Angel Martinez, became a U.S. Permanent Resident and got a good job.
Thanks to the First Steps program, Renita and Angel were ready for parenthood.
When Renita came to the Mankato Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology department for her first prenatal visit, she was connected with Teresa Freitag, First Steps coordinator with Blue Earth County Public Health, who has an office in the Mankato Clinic OB department.
“Teresa was my lifesaver. She held my hand the entire way through,” Renita says.
First Steps, a community initiative and partnership between the Greater Mankato Area United Way, Mankato Clinic Foundation and Blue Earth County, supports healthy pregnancies and healthy babies through age 3. The collaborative connects new and expecting parents to free or low-cost resources.
“I help families navigate medical, county and community resources. With my clients, we focus on getting ready to be a parent. We address insurance, parenting, childcare, housing, daycare, domestic violence, chemical dependency, mental health and access to food. We look at where their life is now and where they want to be when their baby comes,” Teresa says. “There is no judgement. We’re here to walk side-by-side with you throughout your pregnancy.”
Teresa helped Renita renew her insurance and insure her baby for the first year of life. She taught them how to rent an apartment, live on a budget, establish a home and get the resources and supplies they needed for a new baby. Teresa also assisted Angel in becoming a permanent resident and finding employment.
“Utilize the resources that you have. I used to be so scared to speak up and ask for things I need. Just to call, I felt like I was wasting someone’s time. They never make you feel that way ever. Everyone is so nice and so incredibly kind and understanding,” Renita says.
Pregnancy had its physical challenges too. Renita suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (HD) which causes severe nausea and vomiting.
She was exhausted, moody and throwing up. She also had to have her appendix removed during pregnancy.
After a full-term pregnancy under the care of Dr. Ashley Thorson, she delivered a healthy baby girl with Dr. Carla Goerish attending. Ellie turned 1 on June 16, 2024! And Renita and Angel still check in with Teresa.
“Meeting those healthy babies is the best part of my job!” Teresa says.
FIRST STEPS
First Steps connects new and expecting parents to free or low-cost services and resources. The program assists parents of children up to age 3. All women who receive healthcare services in the region are welcome.
First Steps is funded by the Greater Mankato Area United Way, Blue Earth County and Mankato Clinic Foundation. Call 507-385-3847
PHOTOS
Baby Days
“I’ve heard young moms not being heard or taken seriously. I’ve never once felt like that. Every concern I have is addressed,” Renita says.
Dr. Amy Deehr, Mankato Clinic physician, is Ellie’s pediatrician. Between well-child visits and illnesses, Renita is a frequent visitor at the Children’s Health Center.
In the spring, Ellie was spiking a fever and miserable with cold symptoms. Before testing Ellie for RSV, COVID and influenza with a nasal swab, they explained the process to Renita. By the time it was over, Dr. Deehr had Ellie laughing and giggling.
“As a first-time mom, I’m a very anxious person. Everyone is so sweet and patient with me,” Renita says. “Dr. Deehr is very good at communicating everything. She’s very thorough and explains things in ways I can understand.”
It’s important for parents to establish a good partnership with their child’s healthcare provider.
“Well-child visits are key to a child’s health and well-being. We check the child’s measurements and make sure they are growing and meeting developmental milestones. It’s also a chance for us to answer the questions that parenting brings. I like to tell parents there are no stupid questions. If you’re thinking it, I want to help answer it,” Dr. Deehr says.
Well-child checks also keep children on schedule with their childhood immunizations, which are recommended by all Mankato Clinic pediatricians.
“I encourage families to ask questions about vaccines. There’s a lot of information out there and it can be hard to sort through and understand.
That’s what your pediatrician is here for,” Dr. Deehr says.
Upon Teresa’s advice, Renita and Ellie also receive home visits from a Blue Earth County public health nurse, a service available to all residents. At monthly visits, the nurse checks Ellie’s weight, tracks milestones, supports breastfeeding and increases confidence. Renita keeps a note on her phone filled with questions for the nurse. The visits are very reassuring.
Being a new and young mom can be a hard road, but Renita says motherhood is the best thing that’s ever happened to her.
“I can see all over her face that she is a happy and independent girl. I can’t wait to see how far she goes in life,” Renita reflects.
“It’s been so incredible watching her hit every milestone –walking and talking. We have that bond and connection that I never could have imagined. I’m so thankful that I’m able to be here and watch it all with my own eyes and help her figure everything out.” ■
To meet Mankato Clinic pediatric providers, visit mankatoclinic.com/ locations/childrens-health-center-mankato
CHILDREN'S HEALTH CENTER 1421 Premier Drive, Mankato 507-389-8529
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Many women get the “baby blues” – tearfulness, sadness, mood swings – in the first few weeks postpartum.
Contact your healthcare provider after week 3, if you have feelings of:
• Sadness
• Intense irritability
• Racing thoughts
• Anxiety
• Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to baby
Seek immediate help from your nearest Emergency Department if you have:
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Insomnia (not sleeping)
• Talking rapidly
• Abnormally elevated mood
• Thoughts of harming yourself, baby or others
Postpartum
Depression FOR HELP REACH OUT
“I was constantly in fear that something was going to happen to my baby. If I wasn’t watching her breathing, she would stop. I couldn’t go for a walk because I was afraid a car would hit me. Just hearing Ellie cry sent me into a panic,” Renita says.
When she found herself bawling in her car, she called Mankato Clinic. The nurse told her she was proud of her for calling and promptly got Renita an appointment with Dr. Anna Steffan, a psychiatrist who specializes in maternal mental health.
Renita was suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety, lack of sleep and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
“Postpartum OCD is relatively common in new mothers suffering from postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and can include distressing thoughts of bad things happening to baby which is distinctive from a desire or compulsion to actually harm baby. A lot of mothers feel ashamed or fearful of admitting to having these thoughts,” Dr. Steffan says.
Postpartum depression can make women feel sad, hopeless and anxious. Sometimes, women feel as if they cannot love or care for their baby.
“It is difficult to care for a newborn at the best of times but doing that task when you are mentally unwell feels, and sometimes is, impossible and can interfere with bonding with your child,” Dr. Steffan explains.
In her first appointment, Renita was guarded because she was afraid her baby would be taken away from her. Dr. Steffan gained Renita’s trust and she opened up about her feelings.
“She helped me feel normal. That I’m not alone. I’m not an outcast,” Renita says.
“I try to normalize how common it is to struggle with mental health in the postpartum period from a physiological and psychological perspective,” Dr. Steffan says. “I share that newborn humans are the most delicate and labor-intensive offspring of any mammal and parents are not meant to do it alone. I encourage new moms and their partners to accept help from friends and family. And don’t feel guilty or inferior about it.”
Treatment is based on the type and severity of symptoms and the patient’s medical and psychiatric history.
“Mainstays of treatment are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are helpful medications for depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. New treatments that target the hormonal causes of postpartum depression can be very helpful, but sometimes expensive,” Dr. Steffan says. “Many women worry that medications will harm their baby through exposure to breastmilk. I share what is known about exposure to medications for babies and what is known about the risks of untreated mental illness in mothers for babies.”
Renita’s treatment plan combines talk therapy and medication. She sees Alexis Cote-Sands, MSW, LICSW, for talk therapy every other week, more frequently if needed, and regular medication checks with Dr. Steffan. To prevent separation anxiety for both mom and baby, she works one shift a week. Renita also knows it’s good for her to get out of the house and be with other people.
“Therapy helped so much. I know I can’t be as good of a mom as I want to be if I feel like this,” Renita says. “I’m feeling so great now. Reach out when you need help.”
DR. ANNA STEFFAN MANKATO CLINIC PSYCHIATRIST
BRIDGING THE GAP: CLINICAL TRIALS OFFER HOPE FOR ASTHMA PATIENTS IN SUMMER
As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, summer brings with it the promise of outdoor adventures and sunny days. However, for many individuals, it also marks the beginning of allergy season, a time when pollen, mold, and other allergens can trigger uncomfortable symptoms and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
For those who suffer from asthma, the summer months can be particularly challenging. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
During allergy season, exposure to allergens can often worsen these symptoms, making it essential for asthma patients to manage their condition effectively. Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical research and discovering new therapies to improve patient outcomes. By participating in a clinical trial, individuals not only gain access to cutting-edge treatments but also contribute to the collective effort to enhance our understanding of asthma and develop more effective interventions.
Residents now have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Mankato Clinic and Javara. This collaboration aims to bring clinical trial opportunities directly to our community, providing
access to medical innovations that were once only available in cities with research hospitals. Javara, a leader in transforming healthcare through a novel approach to clinical trials, has teamed up with large healthcare organizations including Mankato Clinic to deliver clinical trial opportunities to patients through their trusted providers. This partnership ensures that individuals can access clinical trials in their local area, under the care of their familiar healthcare team.
Dr. Vasan Ramanuja, a specialist in allergies and asthma at Mankato Clinic, expresses pride in partnering with Javara to conduct clinical trials.
“Through clinical trials, we can help people gain access to new care options and bridge the gap between clinical research and clinical care,” Dr. Ramanuja says. “By joining a clinical trial, you may potentially improve your health while making a difference for others. Best of all, this opportunity is available from trusted physicians and providers at Mankato Clinic in partnership with Javara.” ■
Together, through the power of clinical research and collaboration between Mankato Clinic and Javara, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for asthma patients in our community.
To learn more about clinical research, visit javararesearch.com/patients/
Dr. Vasan Ramanuja, center, works alongside Irene Stertz and Emmanuel Ogbu, Javara clinical trial navigators to advance medical treatments for asthma.
5C’s
to help children build healthy media habits
A sensitive period of brain development begins at the start of puberty, which is about age 10. Use of media changes brain development, making this a critical time to promote healthy media use and development.
Children in the tween years are more susceptible to media’s influence as they are craving attention and positive feedback from peers. Yet, they have limited ability to resist temptations because that part of the brain does not develop fully until early adulthood. They really need adults to help them learn and practice healthy media habits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health developed the 5 C’s of Media Use to help parents and caregivers foster healthy media behaviors in children.
Every child is unique, as is their use of and response to media. Caregivers should consider what media their child consumes and how this specific media influences that child. For example, is media encouraging excessive risk-taking in a child who tends to be uninhibited, or is it encouraging supportive social connection in a child who tends to be shy?
General guidelines include no smartphones until the end of 8th grade and no social media before age 13. Younger children can use basic (flip) phones for communication if needed. However, not all youth are ready for smart phones or social media at age 13. Signs that a child is ready include knowing rules for online safety, having confidence in who they are, respecting limits, and letting you know when something concerns them.
Follow the Calm Child Content
Youth often use media to help regulate their emotions, which is not necessarily bad. However, children ideally will have multiple tools to relax and they may need help finding other strategies. If media is upsetting to the child, they will also need ways to find calm. Music, coloring, crafts, reading, walking the dog, movement and chores can be soothing.
Notably, youth mental health concerns have risen with the use of smart phones. Youth who spend more time on social media have higher rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Healthy media habits can help reduce this risk. Check in with your child’s healthcare provider as soon as concerns develop. Early intervention is key.
The content of some media is problematic for youth. This includes inappropriate role models, misinformation, encouragement of unhealthy beliefs and behaviors, and disturbing content. Get curious about what your children are playing, watching, or reading. Look out for online bullying, promotion of harmful behaviors such as dangerous social media challenges, predatory marketing, and sexual exploitation. Watch for personalized feeds, often called “addictive” feeds, that tend to lead to compulsive use of apps. These feeds are designed to keep us scrolling on apps like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Common Sense Media has helpful information on popular media to help set limits on content.
Crowding Out
A common guideline for media consumption is 2 hours of screen time per day. It’s also good to ask if media use is crowding out other activities – time with family or friends, sleep, physical activity, time outside, academics or hobbies. This is challenging. Media is designed to hook people and children need to be taught to recognize and resist these hooks. In fact, over half of adolescents report at least one symptom of dependence on social media.
Instead of simply restricting media use, encourage kiddos to do other activities. Promote adequate sleep, playing outside, and interacting with friends and family face-to-face. Avoid using screens for one hour before bedtime to support healthy sleep. As adults, we can be role models by being intentional and limiting our use of media too!
Communication
Communication is key in teaching youth how to navigate the digital world. This can be hard as children may seem to be speaking a different language from adults. Calm, open-minded questions can foster productive conversations. Ask children about what sites or apps they use, how often, and how they feel afterward.
Keep the conversation going as children and media grow and change. Education on healthy media use should be balanced rather than based on fear. Teach respectful behavior online and digital decision-making such as not sharing personal information, clicking on unknown links, or responding to unsolicited messages from strangers.
Remember, media use is not all bad. Many young people build friendships or connect with friends online. Media also can help young people learn and develop hobbies and talents. Children need adult support to reap these benefits and avoid the pitfalls. ■
helps empower parents and caregivers to delay giving children smartphones until the end of 8th grade.
Youth Media Resources
Common Sense Media - commonsensemedia.org is an excellent source for media recommendations and advice for families. See reviews of trending programs, games, apps and movies.
5 C’s of Media Use – American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health developed guidance for each age group from infants to teenagers. Try the 5 C’s and make your own family media plan.
1421 Premier Drive
Mankato
507-389-8529
mankatoclinic.com/specialties/psychology
SARAH K. SIFERS, PH.D., LP CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER
HOSPICE101 MOMENTS HOSPICE
When people hear hospice, it evokes a myriad of emotions. Often, the first feeling is a strong sense of rejection of that word. A fear that it means giving up hope, a deep rising sense of denial that bubbles to the surface, and a general feeling that even the mention of the possibility of losing this person is too much to consider.
However, when we are faced with the inevitable, hospice is a word that means support.
Hospice care is 100% covered under the Medicare Part A benefit for those who elect it and meet eligibility. Eligibility is for those with a terminal illness whose life expectancy, given the disease runs its expected course, is six months or less. It is important to note that people do graduate from hospice care at times, and often, hospice services can be extended past six months.
What the patient and family receive through choosing hospice care is a plethora of additional support to help navigate one of the most challenging times people experience. These supports include the payment of necessary supplies and medical equipment such as mechanical lifts, wheelchairs and hospital beds. It also offers a complete interdisciplinary team of support professionals including nursing, home health aide, social work, bereavement services and spiritual counseling. These services are all covered under the Medicare benefit. Moreover, individuals can elect add-on services, again at no additional cost, like music therapy, pet therapy, massage and art therapy.
When curative treatment is no longer an option, electing hospice care provides comfort measures to enhance quality of life. Hospice care is directed at treating the symptoms and the person as a whole rather than the disease. Services can be delivered wherever an individual currently calls home.
Hospice is not giving up on life. In fact, hospice is the act of choosing a treatment option that focuses on quality of life and symptom management.
People are rarely ready to think about death and dying; however, credible peer-reviewed and published studies have been done that prove, on average, those who choose hospice at the end of life live longer than those who do not.
When you or your family are faced with emotional news, know there is support available. There are several options locally for hospice providers. Information on each is available at Medicare.gov. ■
YUM!
No Crust, No Fuss Sandwiches
No Crust, No Fuss Sandwiches make lunch fun because kiddos can make their own crust-free creations. Pair with
LAURA HOEKSTRA, MS, RD, LD MANKATO CLINIC CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER
INGREDIENTS
FILLINGS
Peanut Butter Banana
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 Tbsp sunflower butter
Creamy Cranberry Turkey
1 Tbsp dried cranberries
Recipe adapted from kidseatincolor.com/best-homemade-uncrustables-without-sealer/
With a large cup, cut a circle out from the center of each slice of bread.
1-2 slices of turkey deli meat
WE DON’T JUST WORK HERE. WE LIVE HERE, TOO. AND WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT PRODUCING QUALITY CONTENT THAT ENGAGES READERS AND GETS OUR ADVERTISERS RESULTS. WE work HERE & WE live HERE too.
THE POWER OF PRINT
In the United States, there were 222.2 million magazine readers who were 18 years of age or older in 2021, which was 300,000 more readers than the previous year.*
Magazine advertising continues to provide a return on investment. Averaging a $3.94 return on every dollar invested in advertising, magazines offer the highest ROI across all media, which is 50% more than all other categories combined.
REAL SURPASSES VIRTUAL
Many people spend a lot of time online, trying to record their everyday lives on Twitter or posting the newest selfie on Instagram. However, most readers only scan a website for 15 seconds before moving on. The physical experience of reading a magazine outperforms the virtual one and has the potential to establish a mind share.
A LONGER SHELF LIFE
Digital adverts come and go. Companies sometimes need to continue to pay to ensure that their advertising is well-placed on websites and is repeated daily.
Magazines, on the other hand, are often published weekly or monthly. They have a longer “shelf life” since they sit in physicians’ waiting rooms, magazine racks, shops, malls, and supermarkets.
BRAND RECOGNITION AND CREDIBILITY
Many magazines are well-respected among their target audience; therefore, a magazine for advertising allows individuals to become acquainted with your brand and builds trust. This identification is then reinforced when they encounter you in person, whether at your place of business or a local trade exhibition or charity event.
PASS-ON READERSHIP
One advantage of magazine advertising is that many people give magazines to their friends and relatives. This raises the likelihood that your marketing will reach more prospective buyers.
AFFORDABLE
Magazine advertising costs may begin as little as $300. This is less expensive than certain newspaper advertisements, phone book advertisements, and even radio or television advertisements.
MULTIPLE DESIGN OPTIONS
Advertisements in magazines can be put on the inner front cover or buried in the back pages. It might be a branding ad or discount code incorporated in a QR Code, a survey, or even a little mini-article that appears to have been produced for a magazine.
INCREASED TRAFFIC AND LEADS
Another advantage is that magazine advertising can help your business get more traffic and leads. You can increase interest in your product or service and persuade potential buyers to take action by targeting the correct audience.
Everyone needs balance in life. Easier said than done right? Whether you’re working full-time, going to school, are a parent, or maybe all three at one time, life can be hard and unpredictable. Life hands you so many lemons; sometimes you don’t know what to do with them all. I’ve made lemonade, and I’ve made my friends lemonade. It was time to find a new way to make lemonade and handle life’s stressors.
My “why” when I started the 10-week kickboxing challenge at Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping in Mankato was to “love myself more than I already do.” I completed my challenge from January to March and my why became reality.
All it took me was ten solid weeks and 45 minutes, 6 six days a week. In 10 weeks, I went from 40 push-ups to 76 push-ups in a minute. Mind you, these were girl push-ups from my knees and not my toes (although, I’m capable). I’ve lost inches and grown to truly love myself.
It’s very important to love yourself regardless! When you are working on yourself, remember that society paints a tainted image of what our bodies are supposed to look like. Give yourself grace and kindness.
Farrell’s is no ordinary gym. Farrell’s is a community. All classes are instructor-led and strangers become friends who cheer you on. It’s a surreal experience. One, I’ve grown to love.
Find that balance. You deserve to treat yourself right at the end of the day. Why not do it the healthy way? Go to the gym. Go on that run, hike, bicycle ride or come throw some jab crosses on the kickboxing bag with me!
We take such great care of our patients and our families that sometimes we forget about ourselves. We need to make sure that we’re fueling our bodies with good nutrition, water, and positive thoughts daily to be inspiring for the ones next to us or for those who may need that extra motivation.
On my fitness journey, I’ve learned that physical activity is not only good for our physical health, but our mental health as well. Together we’re strong, together we’re capable, together we can maintain balance in our lives and … Together We Thrive.
Kim Hiniker, mom to a 12-year-old son, is a medical assistant in the Mankato Clinic Dermatology department. She is happy to be part of two communities where she can THRIVE – Mankato Clinic and Farrell’s Mankato, a kickboxing gym. ■
KAYLA DAHL
LEVEL 3 FITNESS INSTRUCTOR AT FARRELL’S EXTREME BODY SHAPING
What makes Farrell’s different? Farrell’s is different because of the community and camaraderie. We are different because of the consistent phases of new 10 weekers, previous 10 weekers changing to FIT students, then potentially becoming coaches and instructors. All of our instructors have been through the program, so we all understand the highs and lows of the fitness journey and we are here to hype you up along the way.
What does working out do for mental health?
Structured workouts led by instructors take away the stress of not knowing what to do in traditional gyms. That 45 minutes become bliss and the best anti-stressor because you don’t have to know what do to. We will guide you. And at the end of the day, we want you to enjoy the workout.
What has kickboxing done for you? Kickboxing and Farrell’s has created that “third place” for me – a home away from home. The people here motivate me and pick me up when I’m going through hard times. I’ve been able to be vulnerable which doesn’t come to me naturally. It’s opened up my heart to the good in others again.
What advice do you have for those who may be starting a fitness journey?
Just show up. It doesn’t matter how far you fell; show up and let us guide you. You do not have to do this alone.
ME TIME
IN THE DEEP VALLEY WITH THE BETSY-TACY SOCIETY
By HOLLY DODGE
Tucked within the charming neighborhood of Lincoln Park, Mankato is a hidden gem for literature lovers and history enthusiasts alike — the Betsy-Tacy Society. This dedicated organization celebrates the life and works of Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980), author of the beloved BetsyTacy book series. These books, which capture the whimsical adventures of two young girls growing up in a small town at the turn of the 20th century, are more than just stories. They are creative recollections of a bygone era, brimming with heartwarming tales of friendship, community and the simple joys of life.
Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series, consisting of 10 novels published between 1940 and 1955, is a semiautobiographical portrayal of her childhood in Mankato, which she fictionalized as the Deep Valley. The series follows Betsy Ray and her best friend Tacy Kelly from their first meeting at the age of 5 through their high school years and into young adulthood. These stories have enchanted generations of readers with their rich depiction of early 20th-century life, charming characters, and universal themes of friendship and personal growth.
The Betsy-Tacy Society, founded in 1990, preserves and promotes Lovelace’s legacy. It operates out of two beautiful and historic houses in Mankato. These homes, located at 333 and 332 Center Street are the actual childhood homes of Maud Hart Lovelace (Betsy) and her best friend, Frances Kenney (Tacy). They have been carefully restored to reflect the era depicted in the books, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of Betsy and Tacy firsthand.
Stepping into the Betsy and Tacy Houses is like entering the pages of Lovelace’s novels. The Betsy House, where Lovelace lived until she was 13, is filled with periodappropriate furnishings, family photographs, and artifacts that bring her stories to life. Visitors can see the actual writing desk where young Maud penned her earliest stories and the parlor where Betsy and Tacy might have imagined their grand adventures.
Across the street, the Tacy House offers a similar immersive experience. The house showcases items belonging to Frances Kenney’s family, along with exhibits detailing the deep friendship between Maud and Frances, which inspired the enduring bond between Betsy and Tacy in the novels. The curated displays provide a tangible connection to the past, making the fictional world of Deep Valley feel remarkably real.
Throughout the year, the society hosts a variety of events that bring Lovelace’s world to life. Annual events include the Deep Valley Homecoming, a weekend-long
celebration featuring guided tours, historical reenactments, and literary discussions. This event attracts fans from across the country, providing a vibrant community for those who share a love for Lovelace’s work.
Another popular event is the Victorian Christmas at the Betsy and Tacy Houses. This festive celebration includes traditional holiday decorations, caroling, and periodappropriate refreshments, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Christmases past.
The Betsy-Tacy Society’s work extends beyond preserving physical artifacts; it’s about nurturing a sense of community and continuity. The society hosts a variety of writer’s workshops and book discussions, allowing people of all ages to write and discuss works in a community setting. These efforts not only keep Lovelace’s work in the public eye but have also fostered a deep appreciation for the history and culture of early 20th-century America. ■
For fans of the Betsy-Tacy books, visiting the BetsyTacy Society is more than just nostalgia— it’s a journey into the heart of a timeless friendship and a celebration of the enduring power of storytelling. You can visit the Betsy-Tacy homes from May through October on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m.
To learn more, visit betsy-tacysociety.org
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GUTTERS
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ROOFING
Hassle-free drop-in installation ensures a secure and steadfast setup, promoting longlasting protection.
We provide only the best in the shingle industry and we will work with your insurance company. Whether you need minor patches or full roof replacement.
We proudly offer Owens Corning Duration Shingles. Ask us about warranty, energy star, and other product details. We will review the most current standards for ice and water shield and asphalt shingle options with you.
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Christine Hunter joined the Children’s Health Center.
“Promoting health while cultivating a positive, trusting, and inspiring experience for children and families is my goal for each visit.”
Christine’s clinical interests include general pediatrics and newborns. Originally from Inver Grove Heights, she has worked as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Hospitalist in St. Cloud.
She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice-Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree from Rush University, Chicago. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Charleston Southern University, North Carolina, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Here to care.
MEET CHRISTINE
CHRISTINE HUNTER, APRN, DNP, CPNP-PC
MANKATO CLINIC CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER
What makes you thrive?
Being with my family. Watching my kids grow and try new things. I love being outside, especially in the summer.
Why did you join the Mankato Clinic?
I wanted to be part of an organization with longstanding roots in the community and feel part of a family of wonderful people who care for kids as much as I do.
What do you love about Minnesota summers?
BASEBALL. Going up to the North Shore – bonfires & boating.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Never give up.
What surprises people about you?
I played Division I soccer in Charleston, SC. I’ve started coaching youth soccer and feel fulfilled watching the team develop not only as soccer players, but as young people learning teamwork, persistence, accountability and heart.
What’s your favorite thing to cook or eat?
Chocolate chip cookies
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Hawaii. I love the ocean and sunsets!
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy hiking through our state parks. I’m an avid Minnesota sports fan!
If you could hang out with a celebrity, who would it be?
Joanna Gaines. Fixer Upper is one of my favorite shows of all time!
Registered dietitian Laura Hoekstra joined the Children’s Health Center.
“I enjoy working together with my patients and their families to help meet their nutritional needs. My goal is to provide nutritional tools and resources to support healthy habits and lifelong well-being.”
Laura’s clinical interests include pediatric nutrition and family feeding practices.
Originally from Wausau, WI, Laura earned her Master of Science in Dietetics at North Dakota State University, Fargo, and completed her dietetic internship at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL. She received her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, cooking new recipes, gardening, exercising and watching her favorite sports teams.
What makes you thrive?
Spending quality time with my husband and two children, seeing them happy, and watching them grow and develop makes me thrive. I am also a foodie, so I love trying out new recipes for my family.
What do you love about Minnesota summers?
I love to garden and the hot humid summers make my tomatoes and cucumbers thrive.
What surprises people about you?
I am a die-hard Green Bay Packer football fan living in Viking country.
What’s your favorite thing to cook or eat?
I love a good salad with all the toppings, but my favorite thing to eat is probably cheese curds.
Here to care.
MEET LAURA
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Maybe one day I will travel the world, but for now, going to my parent’s cottage in northern Wisconsin is my favorite place to be. Traveling with two young kids and a tall husband makes airline travel and long drives a challenging adventure!
Do you have any hidden talents?
My organization and planning skills – my wedding party still raves and pokes fun at my 10-page detailed itinerary for our wedding. I also play the piano but prefer my family to be the only audience.
Psychologist Sarah K. Sifers brings behavioral health services to the Children’s Health Center.
Sarah has experience working with children and adolescents with diverse needs. Her clinical interests and expertise include testing and assessment of ADHD and autism, therapy to children and adolescents with psychological orders, trauma and chemical dependency. She helps patients build resilience using research-based strategies tailored to each person.
Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Sarah earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Child Psychology, her Master’s in Clinical Child Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Additionally, she has also been a professor of psychology.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, crossword and sudoku puzzles, judo and hiking.
What makes you thrive?
I love being outside, moving, learning, and connecting with loved ones. Bonus points if I’m doing more than one at a time!
Why did you join the Mankato Clinic?
I welcomed the opportunity to work with providers whom I regard highly at a clinic that is growing in a sustainable way. I also am very passionate about bringing behavioral health to the pediatrics department, which makes this my dream job.
What do you love about Minnesota summers?
I love being outside in the sunshine!
Here to care.
MEET SARAH
K. SIFERS, PH.D, LP
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve wanted to do this job since I was 16. I say that it “had me at Hello” because I immediately fell in love with clinical child psychology, and it has been a focus of my life ever since.
What surprises people about you?
I have a second degree brown belt in judo.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I really like exploring, so I want to travel everywhere. I’m looking forward to doing a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon next spring.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can cook just about anything as long as it doesn’t have to look fancy.
Dr. Daniel Watson joined the Mankato Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat department.
“I find that listening to people is often the most valuable part of the clinic visit. Many times, the diagnosis is in the details. By listening, trust and confidence is built which leads to long lasting partnerships with patients.”
Dr. Watson is an ENT specialist and surgeon. His clinical interests include chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, head, neck and salivary gland tumors, ear issues, sleep apnea, tonsil/adenoid conditions, pediatric ENT conditions and skin cancer repair.
Dr. Watson attended the University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis. He completed an Internship in Surgery at the Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle, and his Otolaryngology Residency from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver. Before coming to Mankato, he spent 22 years in the same ENT practice in the Twin Cities.
He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and member of the Society of Military Otolaryngologists, Minnesota Academy of Otolaryngology and American Board of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Watson served as an Army officer, honorably separating as a Major. He does medical missions in Honduras and El Salvador.
He has four grown children, loves dogs and currently has a Maltese and Miniature Poodle. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, time at the cabin, home renovation and landscaping. He is an avid fossil collector and hopes to do a fossil dig out West.
Here to care.
MEET DR. WATSON
What makes you thrive?
I am most happy when I finish a great Saturday morning yoga class, get a coffee and do something spontaneous with either one of my grown kids or my partner, Christine.
Why did you join the Mankato Clinic?
The Mankato Clinic has providers and staff members who have worked here for 20-plus years, which I believe speaks highly of the culture and how much people love this place.
What do you love about Minnesota summers?
I love the sound of frogs and crickets. And in the recent couple of years, the emergence of fireflies again. I had not seen them for a long time.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Live the life you have imagined.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Archeologist. I still think about exploring jungles and uncovering ancient civilizations.
WICKERSHAM HEALTH CAMPUS
Mankato Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat 507-385-4025 mankatoclinic.com/specialties/ent
DANIEL WATSON, MD MANKATO CLINIC EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Here to care.
MEET VANESSA
VANESSA MACK, RD, LD, CLS
Dietitian Vanessa Mack joined the Mankato Clinic Diabetes Care Center.
“I want my patients to feel confident that they can nourish themselves in a way that promotes blood sugar control.”
Vanessa’s clinical interests include diabetes, lactation, renal disease and intuitive eating.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics with a Minor in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She completed her Dietetic Internship through Keith & Associates Distance Dietetic Internship (KADDI). She is also a Certified Lactation Specialist.
Originally from New Ulm, Vanessa has experience in the Senior Nutrition, and Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition (WIC) programs and Veteran’s Affairs (VA).
She wants to expand their home garden and hopes to do more traveling in the future.
What
makes you thrive?
I love hiking and taking “nature baths.” I also enjoy walking, running, cooking, baking, canning and spending time with family, friends and pets. I have three cats and a Husky Malamute named Polar.
Jese is the first Licensed Marriage Family Therapist to join the Department of Psychology.
“I believe in cultivating resilience in the clients and families I work with. I want to help each person discover their most authentic self and be confident to go into the world being who they are. I believe in assertive, direct communication to help address the struggles that come into the office. I feel that therapy is a journey of teamwork, with the client, their support system and myself, all working together to promote wholeness and wellness.”
Jese earned his Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Winona State University.
He has 17 years of experience in the mental health field. His clinical interests include couples therapy, parent-child dynamics, trauma, anxiety, depression and identity formation.
A native of Waseca, he loves the outdoors, hunting, fishing and hiking. He has a homestead where he raises and grows his own food sources, makes herbal tea blends and enjoys maple syruping.
Here to care.
MEET JESE
What makes you thrive? Time with family and being outdoors.
What do you love about Minnesota summers?
I love going fishing, camping, family time and our local farmer's market.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I was given was not a statement but a demonstration. I grew up around people who are willing to work hard to achieve their goals. I have taken that into my own life to push myself to where I want to be.
What’s your favorite thing to cook or eat?
I love cooking up some fresh caught fish and eating with family.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I love to bake when I have spare time.
MANKATO CLINIC DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Madison East Center, Mankato 507-387-3195
mankatoclinic.com/specialties/psychology
JESE RUGRODEN, MA, LMFT MANKATO CLINIC DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Tiffany & Mario are dedicated to patient care
By MARIE WOOD
At home, Mario Garcia and Tiffany Velasco are raising their family of four young children. At work, they are building careers and caring for patients at the Mankato Clinic.
Mario, IT systems administrator, helps maintain Mankato Clinic computer servers and networks, monitors performance, ensures the security of the network and troubleshoots issues that arise.
What does information technology (IT) have to do with patient care? Everything.
“Working in healthcare IT gives me the chance to support systems that are crucial for patient care and safety. I am passionate about using technology to solve problems and improve processes, and the healthcare sector provides a unique and impactful context for this work,” Mario says.
From scheduling an appointment to seeing your lab results on the patient portal, IT help patients be actively involved in their care and their health. For instance, electronic health records offer a detailed picture of your health and help you and your providers work together to create and follow a treatment plan.
“What I like most about working for the Mankato Clinic is the collaborative atmosphere and the sense of purpose that comes with supporting healthcare providers. Additionally, seeing the direct impact of my work on patient care and operational efficiency is incredibly rewarding,” Mario says.
While Mario was getting started at Mankato Clinic, Tiffany learned of the clinic’s certified clinical medical assistant program and knew it was a great opportunity. She was the program’s first graduate!
JOIN OUR TEAM
To recruit and retain in-demand clinical medical assistants, Mankato Clinic launched a full-time, paid training opportunity that combines a 12-week online CMA program with hands-on skills training. Next, Tiffany completed the 4-week medical internship at the clinic and passed the certification exam.
“If you are seriously determined about getting it done, you’ve got this! For me, getting through all this training and learning these new techniques and skills just affirms and fuels my desire in furthering my career,” Tiffany says.
Tiffany is attending South Central College to earn her licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree and working part-time at Mankato Clinic. Assigned to departments where she is most needed, Tiffany greets patients, escorts them to an exam room, takes vital signs, collects medical histories and so much more.
“Every day, I meet new faces – patients and coworkers. Some days, I get the opportunity to see some patients several times a day if I start at one department in the morning and end my shift in another department. I get to learn a lot!” Tiffany says. “My coworkers have just been amazing and super helpful in showing me how things operate in every department. They have all been extremely welcoming.”
As members of the Mankato Clinic team, Tiffany and Mario are thriving.
“I wanted to be part of a team that makes a difference in the community,” Mario says. ■
Mankato Clinic is hiring. Visit mankatoclinic.com/join-our-team
Our purpose is to care for people. It fuels our passion and commitment. Our actions demonstrate it and it's in everything we do every day.
-Assistance
-Fall
-Exercise
Ruby Ranch continues to thrive by seeing the growth in others.
Ashley Rehder OF RUBY RANCH Make Me A Thriver
Among the rolling hills and vast fields of Pemberton, lies Ruby Ranch — a community farm for makers, explorers and tinkers of all ages. The creation of high school sweethearts Nickolas and Ashley Rehder, Ruby Ranch offers education through a new lens. The Rehders live on the farm with their three daughters, Anniston, 12, Mille, 10, and Rosie, 4.
Despite neither having grown up on a farm, Ashley's vision for Ruby Ranch was inspired by her extensive work in early childhood education. As a kindergarten teacher at Hoover Elementary, she observed the profound benefits of unstructured, hands-on play in fostering children's development. Her early childhood education underscored the importance of outdoor and natural play, setting the stage for what would become Ruby Ranch, a classroom without walls.
The summer of 2018 saw the first round of summer camps at Ruby Ranch Barn, starting with just three teachers, 15 students as well as goats, chickens, and ducks. Today, Ruby Ranch Barn teaches preschool and kindergarten and thrives with a staff of 11, including six licensed elementary education teachers, outdoor STEM instructors, and a chef.
Ruby Ranch offers a unique educational experience that blends traditional learning with nature-based activities and emphasizes outdoor education. Children learn math, phonics, and writing through interactive play with natural elements, guided by teachers who observe and nurture their development. The farm hosts over 50 farm animals and has trails and a pond where kids can learn and play during their developmental years.
Over the years, Ruby Ranch's summer camps have blossomed, shaped by innovative ideas from the staff. From horse camps to athletic camps and "wild and free" style camps, there's something for every child. On the second Saturday of each month, the farm is also open to the public of all ages to explore and interact. Families can go on tractor rides, horse rides and even view alpaca shearing. There is also an indoor area for art activities that appeal to all ages. Since 2020, Ruby Ranch Barn has been a nonprofit that has benefited from generous donations, such as water tables and mud kitchens from the Mankato Clinic Foundation. Looking ahead, Ashley envisions further expansion and continued community engagement, driven by the growth and change she witnesses in her students, staff and herself.
Balancing home and work is undoubtedly challenging for the Rehder family, especially as Ruby Ranch continues to grow. However, they rely on their dedicated team, fostering
By HOLLY DODGE
a sense of family and community that characterizes the farm. Ashley shares that the farm has evolved from the community that accompanies it. According to Ashley, Ruby Ranch continues to thrive by seeing the growth in others.
Ruby Ranch is more than just a place of learning — it's a thriving community where children and adults alike reconnect with nature, discover their potential and find inspiration. ■
Learn more about Ruby Ranch and plan your visit at rubyranchbarn.com
Summers are made for splashing! But it’s important for parents and caregivers to keep toddlers and children safe around the water.
Drowning is a top cause of death for children. Many drownings occur when kiddos are not expected to be swimming but have access to water such as pools, hot tubs, ponds, lakes and rivers.
To help prevent drowning, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends layers of protection. It’s safest to watch children closely when they are in the water and prevent access to water during non-swim times.
TIPS TOP 5 FOR WATER SAFETY
Follow AAP’s tips for a safe summer.
Minnesota law requires children 10 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket when aboard a boat. As adults, set an example by wearing your life jacket too. To find a safe fit and jacket for your child, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by scanning the QR code below.
Empty baby pools
Many of us have good summer memories of backyard baby pools – both as a child and a parent! After the little ones are done playing and splashing, dump the water out. Naturally attracted to water, curious children may play in the pools when parents and caregivers are not watching. They can slip and drown. Dumping the water out is a simple way to keep kiddos safe.
Fence pools & backyard ponds
Swimming pools, including above-ground pools, should be enclosed by a fence that is at least 4-feet high, although 5-feet or higher is preferable, with a locked gate. Lock the gate when you are not swimming. Keep toys out of the pool area when not in use so children aren’t tempted to break in during non-swim times. Be sure to cover and lock hot tubs right after using them. Backyard fountains, ponds and drainage ditches also need to be fenced. When you visit, camp or travel, check your surroundings for water dangers as well.
Use touch supervision
Stay within arm’s length of your child during swim time. Sit right by the baby pool or get in the water with toddlers and young children even at public pools with lifeguards. When children are in or near water, give them your undivided attention. Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone, reading, doing yard work or drinking alcohol.
Assign a water watcher
During parties and gatherings at the pool or lake, assign a water watcher to constantly keep eyes on the children. Supervise even if there are lifeguards. Take turns, passing a water watcher card to the next responsible adult after a set time, such as 15 or 30 minutes. As a water watcher, stay alcohol and drug free, avoid other activities and put down your cell phone so you can watch closely and respond quickly.
SWIM LESSONS
Swimming is a life skill that promotes safety, health and self-esteem. If you didn’t learn to swim as a child, it’s never too late. Swim lessons are available for toddlers, children and adults in communities across our region.
By the age of 4, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, children can learn water survival skills – floating, treading water and getting to an exit point. At age 6, children can learn and master swim strokes like the front crawl. If you’re not sure when to begin, talk with your pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can help you decide when your child is ready for lessons.
In addition to lessons, set water safety rules and make sure children understand the rules apply everywhere: at home, at a friend’s and on vacation.
• Never swim alone; always swim with a buddy.
• Ask permission to go in or near the water.
• Enter the water feet first; follow posted No Diving signs.
Wear life jackets
Children should always wear life jackets when in, on or near lakes and rivers. Make sure they fit properly and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Many families with lake homes have the rule that children need to wear their life jackets on the beach or dock. The life jacket offers an extra layer of protection. If you’re heading to someone’s lake place, bring life jackets for your children and make sure they wear them. Then they’re ready for a boat ride too! ■
To learn more, scan the QR code
Scholarships for swim lessons are available. In Greater Mankato, visit Connecting Kids by scanning the QR code. You may also contact your local swim facility to learn about scholarships.
Pediatricians also recommend that parents, caregivers and older children learn water rescue skills and CPR to respond to someone in distress.
CHRISTINE HUNTER, APRN, DNP, CPNP-PC CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER
RECEIVED THE J. SCOTT SANDERS, M.D., MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
By MARIE WOOD
The Mankato Clinic Foundation awarded the J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Memorial Scholarship to two graduating seniors.
• Mankato East High School graduate Gracie Langworthy Mankato received a $2,000 scholarship to attend the University of Northern Iowa in the fall.
• Sibley East High School graduate Elizabeth Sell of Gaylord received a $2,000 scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin Stout in the fall.
“We chose Gracie and Elizabeth as our 2024 scholars for their insight and dedication to helping others,” says Barb Sanders, widow of Dr. J. Scott Sanders. “They are inspiring young women and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
The scholarship honors J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Mankato Clinic’s beloved physician, pulmonologist and critical care specialist, who died in May 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mankato Clinic Foundation has developed the J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Memorial Scholarship for high school seniors.
To apply, applicants write about a time when their character or someone else’s character made a difference in their life or the lives of others and what they learned from this experience.
DR. SANDERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS
Excerpt from Elizabeth Sell’s Essay
Elizabeth shared an emotionally painful day when she began her journey toward better mental health.
At 15, I did not want to see another day. Real-life problems became too much. I was held captive in my home because of a virus. I couldn’t see my friends, teachers, teammates, or anything really. Eventually I was held captive in my mind. “Your friends wouldn’t want to see you anyways.”
“Why bother trying, they’ll just leave you in the end.”
“Why are you wasting air that someone else could be using?” Breathe in. Breathe out. These words and thoughts became a burden on my shoulders, and when you hold something for too long, you get tired. I was so tired at 15, I decided maybe I should finally sleep.
One, two… six, seven, and eight. Eight of my anxiety pills sat neatly in my hand. One pill wouldn’t do much damage, but eight was fatal. The clock on my phone read 11:36 a.m. Perfect. My parents are at work and volleyball practice isn’t until 3:30 p.m. I guess if this fails, I’ll be up for practice. But if it works…
I didn’t take those eight pills that sat neatly in my hand. I flushed them down my toilet and flushed all those burdens with them. I told my parents I wasn’t okay. Mom broke down and questioned where she went wrong. Dad told me I was still his little princess, and I’ll get the help I need. It has been three and a half years since that day, and I can wholeheartedly say I am forever grateful I didn’t take those pills. Within those three years I got the help I needed, and started to help others in the same situation that I was in. The idea of possibly being a sports psychologist is something I’ve started to think about. This profession would give me the chance to help athletes deal with their trauma in ways I
I want to be the person I didn’t have. I want to help those who are struggling in secret. When I am older, I hope I have made an impact in someone’s life. I hope I made their day a little bit better by doing something they truly needed. I hope that as I grow, I continue to spread empathy and joy to those around me. And when it’s really my time to die, I hope people remember the good things I did, and they try to be like me when they’re older.
Excerpt
from
Gracie Langworthy’s Essay
In February of 2023, Gracie embarked on a lifechanging mission with a church group to Belize City. I had the opportunity to see first-hand what it meant to be from a third world country versus what it meant to come from privilege.
While in Belize, one of my tasks was to provide activities for youth after they get home from school. This was done just in a neighborhood park that the school bus drove by. We played games and drew with chalk. Through this I got to see first-hand the minds and opinions of the children. Two children specifically stood out. They were timid and quiet, polite and grateful, and alarmingly skinny. Over the next two days their siblings began to join. The second day there were four of them and the third day there were seven.
By the fourth day, one of the young boys graciously asked if we’d be able to help his family and bring them food. In this environment, it may feel like it is the least we can do however, to those impacted, it’s the most. With a bag of beans and a bag of rice we journeyed out to their home. After the hike out to their home, trekking through community dump piles and balancing on fallen trees, we were greeted by a single mother with 9 children ranging from 14 to just 9 days old. They lived in a single room house, suspended over water. Inside the home the family of ten shared two twin mattresses. There was no food in their home, no bathroom, no running water. This beautiful family did not have their basic human needs met.
The simple things that I take for granted based on where I was born and where I live were challenged in my time with this family. I’ve never truly known what it is like to struggle. To not have the things I need or want. I have had the opportunity to live comfortably my whole life and I have always taken it for granted.
Appreciation and perspective of what this family experiences on a daily basis is what allowed me a greater understanding of what is truly needed in life. My outlook was widened to how I could dedicate more of myself to helping others. Serving others and supporting my community is something that will be a constant in my life regardless of where I land. ■
Our Community
Giving back to the community is part of who we are at the Mankato Clinic. A small, dedicated group of physicians started the Mankato Clinic Foundation in 1965, making it one of the oldest foundations in Minnesota.
Our mission is to encourage and support the health and well-being of the communities we serve through efforts that promote and improve community wellness. In the last 10 years, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has provided more than $2 million in scholarships and grants to worthwhile organizations and programs.
During the second quarter of 2024, Mankato Clinic Foundation awarded $33,060 in grants to:
• Greater Mankato Area United Way Youth Mental Health Navigator ($12,500)
• American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign ($5,000)
• Life-Work Planning Center Women in Transition ($5,000)
• Junior Achievement North BizTown in Greater Mankato Schools ($1,200)
• Lutheran Social Services Volunteers for Foster Youth ($3,360)
• Connections Ministry Street Medicine ($5,000)
Feeding Our Communities Partners High School Pantry ($1,000)
The foundation receives the majority of its funding from Mankato Clinic physicians, along with giving by Mankato Clinic staff and the greater Mankato community.
If you would like to help build a healthier tomorrow for greater Mankato communities, you can give to the Mankato Clinic Foundation at: Mankato Clinic Foundation 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 324B Mankato, MN 56001
Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. The next grant deadline is September 1. To learn more, visit mankatoclinic.com/foundation-pages/mankatoclinic-foundation
WOMEN WITH HEART LUNCHEON
Wednesday, August 7, 11:30am - 1pm
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato
For tickets and more info, visit mankatounitedway.org/women-heart
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Women of all ages are invited to Greater Mankato Area United Way’s Women with Heart Luncheon. This year’s event will focus on supporting children in our community with a discussion from local leaders on child development and well-being.
LEEP LEGENDS 2024
Thursday, August 8, 5:15pm Gates Open
ISG Field 601 Reed Street, Mankato
For tickets and more info, visit mankatoleep.org
LEEP Legends 2024 is a celebrity softball game fundraiser. When you buy tickets or make a donation, choose the local legend you want to support. Proceeds go to LEEP (Leisure Education for Exceptional People). First pitch is at 7:05 pm
Mankato Clinic’s LEEP Legend is Katlyn Schweder, APRN, CNP, FNP-C
VINE 55+ EXPO: LOVE YOUR AGE
Tuesday, September 17, 1-4pm
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato
For more info, visit vinevolunteers.org/expo
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
The Love Your Age VINE’s 55+ Expo presented by Monarch Healthcare Management is FREE and open to the public. Visit with vendors, collect goodies, play games, socialize, attend presentations, register to win door prizes and more. VINE’s Health and Wellness team will be offering free balance assessments and blood pressure checks.
MAHKATO WACIPI
September 20-22 Land of Memories Park
Land of Memories Park 100 Amos Owen Lane, Mankato
For more info, visit mahkatowacipi.org
The 52nd Annual Mahkato Wacipi or pow-wow honors the 38 Dakota and is committed to the spirit of reconciliation and healing. This cultural event preserves and shares Dakota history, traditions and culture. General admission is $7 for the weekend. Children 12 and younger and seniors 60 and older are free.
PEOPLE CARING FOR PEOPLE
At River’s Edge Hospital, every patient, family member, employee and partner is valued. Every person who enters River’s Edge Hospital is treated with compassion and respect. You’ll receive a level of attention that goes well beyond your expectations.
Learn more about River’s
by scanning this QR Code
SUPPORTING THE CANCER JOURNEY IS EN VOGUE
An evening of sparkle and fun to honor people with cancer and cancer survivors. All proceeds will benefit the Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund, which provides valuable cancer education, support services and JZ Caring Boxes to cancer patients in the region.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2024
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
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