Jesse J Sanctuary Foundation

03/15/2026

I’m incredibly proud of this young lady for her dedicated support of the Jesse J Sanctuary Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. Her commitment to giving back reflects an admirable philanthropic spirit and a remarkable kindness. Whip It Good Catering

Calling people with big ol' hearts!

We are SO excited to be partnering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa to begin providing hot meals and freezer meals once a month. When families have a loved one in the hospital for an extended period, eating a home cooked meal rarely happens. And sometimes you just need some good food to help heal your heart and soul.

That's where you come in! We are needing volunteers to come help prep the meals at our kitchen in Indianola. So grab your book club, your 4h group, or just some friends and sign up for a time that works for you!

We will be donating all of these meals, so if you're interested in chipping in financially, we wouldn't say no! Shoot us an email and we can get you a donation link: whipitgood515@gmail.com

Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4EAAA62BA6F85-62910205-ronald #/

03/03/2026

We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Independent Advocate, the many dedicated businesses and agencies across Warren County, and the residents who make this community so strong.

Hundreds of people have already found rest and rejuvenation at Jesse J Sanctuary. But, according to the nonprofit’s organizers, there’s a need to serve countless more.

02/24/2026

🌼 Now Accepting 2026 Reservations!

Jesse J. Sanctuary is honored to offer free country getaways for cancer patients and their loved ones.
Reconnect with nature, find peace, and create lasting memories in a serene countryside retreat designed to nurture hope and healing.
Spots fill quickly—reserve your escape today and let the healing begin. 💛

Jesse J Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization located in rural Des Moines, Iowa providing free cancer respite space for patients and their families.

02/16/2026

Thanks again to Pete's Pizza and Whip It Good Catering for keeping our freezer stocked. We are deeply grateful to these two remarkable young entrepreneurs for their generosity and for supporting our patients and their families. Thank you, Sami and Emmy — you truly are some of the very best this world has to offer. 🙏💕.com

02/15/2026

She loved frozen Twix bars!❤️

I didn’t know Jodi for long, not in the way her closest people did, but she still managed to leave a mark on me — sharp, unexpected, and unforgettable. She was the kind of woman who didn’t soften herself for anyone. She walked into a room with her truth fully intact, sarcasm ready, humor alive, and a backbone that could hold up a mountain. You always knew where you stood with her, and somehow that honesty felt like a gift.

I wish I’d had more time with her. There was a version of the world where she and I could have become real friends — the kind who trade stories, laugh too loudly, and call each other out when needed. I felt that possibility, even if it never had the chance to grow. And losing that “almost” hurts in its own quiet way.

But even from the edges of her life, I saw her strength. I saw her spark. I saw the way she loved — not softly, but fiercely, in her own unmistakable style. She didn’t pretend, she didn’t sugarcoat, and she didn’t waste time on anything that wasn’t real. That alone made her rare.

Fifty‑seven years is far too few for someone with that much fire. My heart aches for her family and for the friends who stood closest to her, who knew her in all the ways I didn’t get to. Their grief is a testament to the force she was.

I was late in knowing her, but I’m grateful I knew her at all. She reminded me that some people live with a kind of honesty that can’t be taught — only witnessed. And I will carry that with me.

Jodi had a spine of steel and a heart that loved on its own terms. She mattered. She still does. And the world feels a little different without her in it. A Personal Tribute to Jodi Mathews.

Jodi Rae Mathews, age 57, beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend and counselor has passed away after a valiant battle with...

02/14/2026

Look for the beautiful lady to the right with Jesse J Sanctuary T-shirt.

Half time recognition for breast cancer survivors - The Drake University women's basketball team hosted Indiana State for their annual "Pink Game" on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. CST in the Knapp Center in Des Moines. The game features breast cancer awareness initiatives, with fans in the lower bowl receiving free pink t-shirts and special halftime recognition for survivors. Thank you Shy N Sue

02/11/2026

Three years ago, we opened the doors of Jesse J Sanctuary Foundation with one purpose: to give cancer patients and their families a peaceful place to rest, reconnect, and simply be. This May marks our third anniversary of becoming operational, and in that time we’ve had the honor of serving more than 100 families—each one leaving an imprint on our hearts.

Along the way, something extraordinary happened. Several great souls asked how they could create sanctuaries of their own to honor their loved ones. And now, one of those dreams is becoming real.

✨ Root 2 Leaf is blossoming in Iowa.

It’s being created by a remarkable woman who lost her husband far too soon, just as they were nearing retirement. Meeting her was like meeting a quiet light—calm, grounded, and deeply committed to helping other cancer families. Her strength and her heart moved me beyond words.

She shared something that has stayed with me: during their cancer journey, they didn’t want a tourist destination. They wanted a sanctuary—a place to savor memories, to enjoy their time together, to breathe.

That is exactly what Root 2 Leaf will offer. A peaceful refuge, just like Jesse J Sanctuary in rural Des Moines. A place built from love, for love.

More beautiful news to come. 💛

01/27/2026

Tonight, Minnesota is more than a place.
It’s a heartbeat pounding through crowds,
a cry for justice carried across bridges and boulevards,
a community refusing silence.

In the stillness of this lake,
I feel the weight of what’s happening —
the pain, the courage, the demand for change.

My heart is with Minnesota,
with everyone standing up, speaking out,
and pushing the world to be better than it was yesterday. Pretti

01/15/2026

Thank you, New Virginia United Methodist Church, for choosing Jesse J Sanctuary as the benefactor of your Bible School project and fundraising efforts. Your generosity means so much to us, and we are deeply and sincerely grateful. New Virginia United Methodist Church

01/14/2026

This is such a great cause and I thought I should share it.Maximillion's Muddy Puddles

01/12/2026

01/12/2026

Jesse J Sanctuary Foundation