JACOBS PRAIRIE, Minnesota — For the third year, Mike Nistler is opening his locally beloved "lilac labyrinth" at Boomerville Lodge to the public, hoping to attract lilac lovers who also have compassion for community.
For those already familiar with Nistler's project, they've now come to know that taking a trip out to the hobby farm isn't just an excuse to stop and smell the flowers, but also a reason to extend support to friends, family and neighbors in need.
One of those neighbors, Mary Kay Donabauer, of Jacobs Prairie, was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer and stage one lung cancer eight years ago, a battle that brought about the focus of this year's fundraising campaign.
"Recently Mary Kay has spent many weeks in the hospital," said a flyer announcing the labyrinth's 2024 opening and fundraising campaign. "... Her latest health issues have been so stressful especially missing the holidays with her loving family."
"They are both in remission," Donabauer said. "The side effects from the radiation is what's getting me now."
Donabauer has been in and out of the hospital and nursing home since mid-November. She was just able to go home on Mother's Day.
And all of this, in addition to the untimely loss of her youngest daughter, Dana, who was also Donabauer's primary caregiver.
"Unfortunately, Dana's life was cut short last May leaving a large hole in her 'heart,'" the flyer said. "... Somehow she remains upbeat and keeps on battling against tough odds!"
Nistler said 100% of donations collected from farm visitors will go toward offsetting Donabauer's medical expenses as they continue to stack up in the absence of her physical ability to work.
"I thank him for this because it's a huge thing. I do have medical bills out there," Donabauer said.
She said all the support she's received from neighbors, family and friends has, "made the journey a little easier."
Last year on Memorial Day weekend, Nistler raised money for a Vietnam medic and veteran, his cousin Ron Nistler, who suffered cancer and other medical issues after being exposed to Agent Orange.
Nistler, an Army Reserves veteran himself, started planting the lilacs, that now make up the 500-foot maze, more than two decades ago. Nistler told KARE 11 in 2023 that it takes three or four minutes to walk across the footpath of flora — if you don't stop at any number of benches positioned along the way.
"Come out here and say a prayer, even if you don't pray. Say a short prayer. And just pray for peace," Nistler said. "Come out here and forget about your political alliances and just be with your friends, or make friends, and just be peaceful. If you can do that for a few days, it's a start."
The Boomerville Lodge's lilac labyrinth is open to the public Monday-Friday from noon to 8:30 p.m. (updated weekday hours) and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. As of May 16, the maze was about 95% in bloom. According to Nistler, the flowers will already start fading by Memorial Day. Visitors can enjoy the maze, located at 25417 Co. Rd. 2 (about a mile past St. James Catholic Church in Jacobs Prairie) for free, or make a donation toward supporting Donabauer's medical expenses.
For more information about the Boomerville Lodge, visit its website.
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