Walking the Walk: Jerry’s Mission to Support Moms Through Marisol Health

(Photo provided)

For longtime Colorado native Jerry Fitzgerald, faith and pro-life convictions have always gone hand in hand.

“I’ve always had a strong passion against abortion and for the protection of life,” he said, when asked what drew him to Marisol Health, a ministry of Catholic Charities that provides life-affirming care for women.

Jerry’s journey with Marisol began a year ago through prayer. He regularly joined others outside of Planned Parenthood for Mass, Rosaries and the Stations of the Cross at Marisol Health.

“I’ve done that a number of times,” he said.  

That connection deepened last year when Jerry joined the Respect Life Ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Denver. The group was brainstorming ways to take their commitment beyond prayer to form real, tangible partnerships with local organizations. Naturally, Marisol Health was at the top of Jerry’s list. 

After arranging a tour with Marisol’s staff, Jerry was immediately moved.

“Mary took me through the clinic and showed me where they store gifts from parish baby showers. She explained how different parishes sponsor showers for expectant moms who are struggling,” he said. “That hit me hard. It was something real. You’re actually doing something tangible to help a mom in need.” 

He brought the idea back to St. Joseph.

“I told them, 'This is walking with moms in need. This is what it means to live our mission,'” he recalled.

The ministry embraced the idea, and soon after, the parish planned its first baby shower for a Marisol mom.  

But Jerry didn’t stop there. Moved by the experience, he and his wife Julie decided to sponsor a monthly baby shower personally.

“Mary told me it costs about $1,500 to $2,000 to provide everything a mom and baby need — strollers, car seats, the essentials,” Jerry said. “That didn’t surprise me. It seemed reasonable. So I said, ‘I’ll do one.’ Then I told her, ‘I’ll do one every month.’” 

Now, Jerry and Julie fund ongoing baby showers for Marisol Health, ensuring that new moms have the essentials they need to begin their journey with confidence.

“It’s very meaningful and rewarding,” he says. “Praying for an end to abortion is so important, but this is also walking the walk. You’re helping a mother get started, giving her hope.” 

Jerry’s passion for the mission goes beyond donations. It’s deeply spiritual.

“If a woman can see her baby through an ultrasound, that’s a game-changer,” he says. “It’s just common sense. That’s why I love what Marisol is doing with the mobile clinic. They’re meeting women where they are and showing them the truth of life.” 

A proud husband, father of four daughters, grandfather of fifteen and great-grandfather of four, Jerry’s faith in family and life runs deep.

“We’re very blessed,” he said with a smile. “Our kids and grandkids all live here in Colorado. We get to see them often, and that’s rare these days.” 

For Jerry, supporting Marisol Health isn’t just about saving babies. It’s about restoring a culture of life and compassion in a world that needs both.

“We want to keep walking with these moms as they grow and keep our parish involved,” he said. “If we can inspire others to do the same, even better.”