Johnston, Iowa – In honor of her late sister, Mary Kay Zumbach‑Gillotti, JoAnn Manning founded MadeKindly in 2022 to deliver cashmere wraps to women battling breast cancer throughout the state. The initiative, which began as a personal gesture, has grown into a charitable foundation that has gifted nearly 500 patients with the warm, soft wraps.
Comfort in a difficult time
“We like to think that it gives each patient a little boost of joy when they are potentially terrified of what’s coming,” Manning said. “There is so much uncertainty with a cancer diagnosis, and these are warm, comforting and they can be worn in the treatment room.”
Manning’s sister, who died from breast cancer in 2019, inspired the project after Manning sent her similar gifts while they lived far apart. “She said every cancer patient needs one of these,” Manning recalled.
Expanding reach
Initially, MadeKindly focused on metro hospitals such as John Stoddard Cancer Center, MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center, and the Broadlawns Hematology and Oncology Center. Generous donors have enabled the program to extend into rural areas, including Greater Regional Health in Creston and MercyOne Newton Medical Center.
“To serve the underserved or those who are far away from maybe a luxury item like a cashmere wrap was really her wish,” Manning explained.
Hospital staff see the impact
John Stoddard Cancer Center program coordinator Rachel Fyfe described the gifts as “rewarding” to watch. She recalled one of the first patients who, after receiving a wrap, shared the story with the person beside her and felt “so special and felt the kindness of that gift.”
Medical staff at each participating location distribute the wraps to women beginning treatment, offering a tangible reminder of community support during a challenging journey.
How to help
MadeKindly operates on a 100 % donation model – every dollar received goes directly to purchasing cashmere wraps. The organization can ship a wrap anywhere in the United States to a woman undergoing treatment.
Donors interested in supporting the cause can contribute through the MadeKindly website.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
