Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

ThriVe® Metro East, a healthcare organization based in Godfrey, has acquired a medical mobile unit named J.A.K.E. 2.0, funded by various Knights of Columbus councils. The van is equipped with an ultrasound machine and aims to provide essential services to women in need.

Cara Paschal, executive director of ThriVe® Metro East, expressed gratitude towards the Knights of Columbus Councils from Bethalto, Alton, Godfrey, Edwardsville, Wood River, Collinsville, Highland, and the Pere Marquette Assembly Fourth Degree for their fundraising efforts. "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," said Paschal.

The mobile unit operates two days a week at the abortion clinic but hopes to increase its presence as staffing allows. "We’d like to see that increase as staffing increases," Paschal stated. Each trip includes a licensed nurse certified in ultrasounds and a patient advocate.

J.A.K.E. 2.0 serves areas where it is most needed. “This unit has been deployed to ‘Ground Zero’ — the notorious ‘Hope’ abortion clinic,” said Paschal. She recounted an instance where a mother thanked ThriVe® for an ultrasound that influenced her decision regarding her pregnancy.

Paschal also acknowledged Sidewalks of Hope for directing women to J.A.K.E.'s no-cost services which include pregnancy tests, STD testing, ultrasounds, education on health matters, practical help resources, and spiritual support such as prayer and Gospel teachings.

ThriVe® positions itself as a leader in providing solutions for women considering abortion. “Our life-affirming, no-cost women’s healthcare services empower and equip women to choose life for their child,” said Paschal.

She praised the Knights' ongoing commitment: “Their ongoing commitment to provide ultrasound machines and medical mobile units to pregnancy centers has saved so many lives.” She added that this support exemplifies true courage: “This exemplifies the courage and valor of true Knights in shining armor as they protect life for generations to come.”