Jim Blankenship Memorial Fund
Donation protected
Jim was diagnosed in February of 2018 with Melanoma. He underwent several successful surgeries in March and had no remaining signs of the disease. Immediately after, his doctors began a regimen of immunotherapies in an effort to eradicate any hidden, remaining cancer cells.
In September of that year, it was clear that, despite treatment, the cancer had spread and Jim was switched to a targeted oral chemotherapy. While this seemed to be working, he had a rare and severe reaction to the treatment that culminated in sepsis. Jim spent 29 days in the ICU fighting numerous health crises as a result.
When he finally came home, we believed the cancer had been driven into remission. Unfortunately, it had not. As Jim continued his recovery, he began targeted therapies again to fight the malignancy. It did not result in improved tumor states as the doctors had hoped. While suffering with many other physical challenges, Jim underwent further targeted therapies and additional immunotherapies, none of which were successful.
Jim was hospitalized at University of Colorado Anschutz Hospital undergoing traditional chemotherapy on May 25th. On June 12th, he was transferred to TRU Hospice Care Center, an inpatient unit at Longmont United Hospital where Jim passed the morning of June 14th.
Over the last 16 months both Jim and Jen had to drastically reduce their work schedules in order to deal with the continuing health concerns resulting in household income now a fraction of what it was previously. Any gathered funds will go towards catching up on general family bills, mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc.… as well as in to college funds for their three boys, ages 17, 15 and 11. Being a very strong and independent person, it doesn’t come naturally for Jen to accept help with these kinds of things, however, she knows that it does take a village. She is so grateful for the village that surrounds her and her children now.
In September of that year, it was clear that, despite treatment, the cancer had spread and Jim was switched to a targeted oral chemotherapy. While this seemed to be working, he had a rare and severe reaction to the treatment that culminated in sepsis. Jim spent 29 days in the ICU fighting numerous health crises as a result.
When he finally came home, we believed the cancer had been driven into remission. Unfortunately, it had not. As Jim continued his recovery, he began targeted therapies again to fight the malignancy. It did not result in improved tumor states as the doctors had hoped. While suffering with many other physical challenges, Jim underwent further targeted therapies and additional immunotherapies, none of which were successful.
Jim was hospitalized at University of Colorado Anschutz Hospital undergoing traditional chemotherapy on May 25th. On June 12th, he was transferred to TRU Hospice Care Center, an inpatient unit at Longmont United Hospital where Jim passed the morning of June 14th.
Over the last 16 months both Jim and Jen had to drastically reduce their work schedules in order to deal with the continuing health concerns resulting in household income now a fraction of what it was previously. Any gathered funds will go towards catching up on general family bills, mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc.… as well as in to college funds for their three boys, ages 17, 15 and 11. Being a very strong and independent person, it doesn’t come naturally for Jen to accept help with these kinds of things, however, she knows that it does take a village. She is so grateful for the village that surrounds her and her children now.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy Keith
Organizer
Louisville, CO
Jennifer Blankenship
Beneficiary