MANKATO — The Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund received a $30,000 boost from the Mankato Clinic Foundation Tuesday.

The grant, to be paid over five years, will support the fund’s JZ Caring Box program and general operations. Newly diagnosed patients receive the boxes, which include various items to support and comfort them and information on resources for cancer patients.

“We are so grateful to the Mankato Clinic for not only our working partnership, but for the generous financial support,” said cancer fund founder and Greater Mankato Growth CEO Jonathan Zierdt in a release. “Their grant to the work of the JZCF is a wonderful way to support so many in our community experiencing the cancer journey.”

Nearly 800 care packages have been distributed in the region since the program began in January.