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 facing major medical financial stresses. Since its inception in 1999, the SJMF has provided approximately $211,215 through 247 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. Applications are available through the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation and through local physician offices. You can also download and print a form by clicking here.

Members of the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund committee review applications and all applications are kept in the strictest confidence. Notification of acceptance or denial of funds will be sent out immediately following the committee meeting. In special circumstances, healthcare workers familiar with a friend's or family's circumstance may make a request on behalf of another individual. In those cases, a member of the SJMF committee will contact the person needing assistance for the information needed by the committee.

We need your support to continue this much needed program! For more information on the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund or other Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation initiatives, contact the Foundation office at 882-7631.

Download the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund Brochure and Form


Yellow Rose Week 
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. Volunteer efforts, yellow rose purchases, and donations in 2012 raised approximately $23,000 for the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund.