Knights help fund life-saving van

By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
      Managing Editor

GODFREY — As executive director of ThriVe® Metro East in Godfrey, Cara Paschal is thanking several Knights of Columbus Councils for raising money for a medical mobile unit, which is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine that helps save lives. The councils that were involved in the effort included those from Bethalto, Alton, Godfrey, Edwardsville, Wood River, Collinsville, Highland, and the Pere Marquette Assembly Fourth Degree, she said.

The van, affectionately known as J.A.K.E. 2.0 (for Journey Advancing Kingdom Evangelism) began its journey in St. Louis. “He was then purchased by ThriVe® Metro East and rewrapped — thus adding the 2.0 — and launched to the Granite City abortion clinic in August of 2022, shortly after the reversal of Roe v. Wade,” said Paschal.

Currently J.A.K.E. is driven to the abortion clinic two days a week, she said, adding, “We’d like to see that increase as staffing increases. And there is always a licensed nurse who is certified to perform ultrasounds as well as a patient advocate on board when J.A.K.E. goes out to provide services.”

Those services are provided where they are most needed. “This unit has been been deployed to ‘Ground Zero’ — the notorious ‘Hope’ abortion clinic, known for its late term abortions,” Paschal said, adding that nurses are stationed there to offer “real hope” and alternatives to abortion. “Recently, a mother brought her baby to the sidewalk to show the team and to thank ThriVe® for the life-saving ultrasound she received that changed her mind and saved her baby,” she said.

“We are also grateful to Sidewalks of Hope, our partners on the sidewalk of the abortion clinic, who direct women to ThriVe® Metro East’s no-cost services on J.A.K.E.,” she said. “These services include a lab-quality pregnancy test, STD testing, and ultrasound as well as scientifically based education, practical help, and resources. We also offer spiritual support including prayer and the Gospel.”

ThriVe® is the nation’s innovation and strategy leader in providing positive solutions to the abortion-minded woman, Paschal said. “Our life-affirming, no-cost women’s healthcare services empower and equip women to choose life for their child,” she said. “The support that the Knights give to protect the unborn is astonishing. Their ongoing commitment to provide ultrasound machines and medical mobile units to pregnancy centers has saved so many lives.

“We appreciate our valiant Knights for providing the necessary tools and support to adequately equip our center to rescue innocent and vulnerable children from abortion,” Paschal said. “This exemplifies the courage and valor of true Knights in shining armor as they protect life for generations to come.”