Support for the Blankenship Family
Donation protected
Jeanie Blankenship…there is so much to say about her that there truly isn’t enough room here to fully describe not only the amazing person she is, but also what she has meant to all the people whose lives she has impacted. Those who have known her for years or even just for a few minutes know that the most important thing to her is family—Tony, Arthur, and Sadie. While she and Tony have an amazing partnership, motherhood made Jeanie shine. She lighted up at the mention of her kids’ names and the adoration was mutual. Tony describes it best:
“Our children adore me, but it’s no secret that my standing is a distant second to Jean’s. Mom is number one with the kids. She is an amazing mother. She embodies the role of Mom the nurturer, the great protector, the teacher, a servant to her children (and mothers know what I’m talking about.) They have this reverence for her that is well deserved. There is nobody better than Mom. From the second she found out she was pregnant with Arthur she has given herself completely to her children.”
Even though Jeanie embraced motherhood with her whole being, Jeanie and Tony share a love and partnership that many never find. Her colleagues and friends at work could set a clock by Tony’s afternoon phone calls towards the end of the work day. Even if they were just talking through what to make for dinner or who would be picking up the kids, Jeanie’s love for Tony was evident. They complement each other and make a great team.
Jeanie’s generosity and selflessness wasn't just reserved for her immediate family but carries over into everything she does. She was always looking out for and caring for others—making food, passing on clothes to other kids that no longer fit Sadie or Arthur, cheering up a friend feeling down—it was a wonder she even had the time. But that is just Jeanie.
Jeanie has been a dedicated and tireless staff member at the Children’s Bureau for the last 10+ years, and her work ethic and contributions to the agency and her team are irreplaceable. Even after her diagnosis and while in great pain, she sat propped up with pillows and her laptop, taking work calls and responding to emails. Most people would have checked out, but not Jeanie. Her dedication to the work of supporting children and families and her team was too important to her. The various projects that she has worked on and led throughout her career, in particular programs to improve the well-being of children affected by parental substance use disorders, wouldn’t be what they are today if Jeanie hadn’t been involved. Jeanie was often specifically sought out to work on projects because she is so well known and highly respected for her intelligence, incredible work ethic, humor, and dedication to only producing high quality work.
When word got around that Jeanie was sick, there was a huge outpouring of help and offers from all so lucky to know Jean to return that love and compassion that she has shown all of us. This GoFundMe is an opportunity to continue to show Tony, Arthur, and Sadie that love and support. They have all been through more than any family should ever have to go through and this is just one small way to continue to support them through this unspeakable loss.
“Our children adore me, but it’s no secret that my standing is a distant second to Jean’s. Mom is number one with the kids. She is an amazing mother. She embodies the role of Mom the nurturer, the great protector, the teacher, a servant to her children (and mothers know what I’m talking about.) They have this reverence for her that is well deserved. There is nobody better than Mom. From the second she found out she was pregnant with Arthur she has given herself completely to her children.”
Even though Jeanie embraced motherhood with her whole being, Jeanie and Tony share a love and partnership that many never find. Her colleagues and friends at work could set a clock by Tony’s afternoon phone calls towards the end of the work day. Even if they were just talking through what to make for dinner or who would be picking up the kids, Jeanie’s love for Tony was evident. They complement each other and make a great team.
Jeanie’s generosity and selflessness wasn't just reserved for her immediate family but carries over into everything she does. She was always looking out for and caring for others—making food, passing on clothes to other kids that no longer fit Sadie or Arthur, cheering up a friend feeling down—it was a wonder she even had the time. But that is just Jeanie.
Jeanie has been a dedicated and tireless staff member at the Children’s Bureau for the last 10+ years, and her work ethic and contributions to the agency and her team are irreplaceable. Even after her diagnosis and while in great pain, she sat propped up with pillows and her laptop, taking work calls and responding to emails. Most people would have checked out, but not Jeanie. Her dedication to the work of supporting children and families and her team was too important to her. The various projects that she has worked on and led throughout her career, in particular programs to improve the well-being of children affected by parental substance use disorders, wouldn’t be what they are today if Jeanie hadn’t been involved. Jeanie was often specifically sought out to work on projects because she is so well known and highly respected for her intelligence, incredible work ethic, humor, and dedication to only producing high quality work.
When word got around that Jeanie was sick, there was a huge outpouring of help and offers from all so lucky to know Jean to return that love and compassion that she has shown all of us. This GoFundMe is an opportunity to continue to show Tony, Arthur, and Sadie that love and support. They have all been through more than any family should ever have to go through and this is just one small way to continue to support them through this unspeakable loss.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lauren Fischman
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Tony Blankenship
Beneficiary