Maryland Knights Support Life

PGK Dillow tells how Council 7914 is saving lives, one ultrasound machine at a time.

Getting involved in pro-life work: from zero to 100%
When I joined the Knights of Columbus in 2003, I knew almost nothing about Care-Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland which operates three offices: two in St. Mary’s County and one in Calvert County.

At that time, very few K of C councils were involved in supporting Care-Net. Upon becoming grand knight in 2008, I began to look for ways to support their pro-life ministry. Our council began making yearly financial contributions to Care-Net.

More than just money
With the help of a few of the wives of brother Knights, we decided to organize a baby shower event to obtain needed items (such as diapers, formula, and clothing) to be given to mothers in need of assistance. Our council provided a luncheon for the women of our parish. Wives of brother Knights from neighboring councils were also invited. Cost of admission was simple: a gift for a mom in need. The shower was a resounding success and has become an annual event. This year, we filled three vans with gifts for Care–Net as well as cash donations in excess of $1,000.

1, 2, 3 ultrasound machines
In 2009, as part of the K of C Ultrasound Program, our council joined seven other councils to help cover the cost of an ultrasound machine for the Care-Net office in Lexington Park. In 2017, we helped sponsor a second machine.

Article originally published in Knightline, a monthly resource for K of C leaders and members. To access Knightline archives,click here But, since there are three Care-Net offices, a third machine was needed. At the same time, we realized that the first machine we donated in 2009 was at the end of its useful life. So in 2018, I initiated a campaign to obtain the new machines.

I was able to obtain a $5,000 donation from the American Heritage Girls based at our parish and $7,500 from a church drive initiated by a past grand knight at a nearby Calvert County council. We gave Care-Net funding for two new ultrasound machines in March 2019, presenting the check in front of 700 people at their annual banquet.

Ongoing support and a lasting difference
With three ultrasound machines now in place, we focus on raising approximately $20,000 per year to cover the clinical operating expenses for their ultrasound machines.

Of the women who come to Care-Net for ultrasounds, 90% carry the baby to term.

I am convinced that, through our support of Care-Net, we are making a huge difference. The key to being able to continue and increase support for them is through engaging each parish community along with the individual councils in those parishes.