This week’s Community Corner spotlight shines on The Blakelyn Foundation!
Brother Love welcomes Jennifer and Tyson Donelson of The Blakelyn Foundation. The couple created the nonprofit after losing their third child, Blakelyn, to Turner Syndrome at birth. They aim to support families who face similar losses and struggle with overwhelming medical costs. By lifting some of this financial pressure, they help grieving parents take the time they need to heal. Tyson told Brother Love that grief, not experience, drove him to keep building the foundation, despite early mistakes. They raised their first funds by selling t-shirts printed with the foundation’s name. From there, support poured in. A community of families who had endured similar tragedies began to form, just as Jennifer and Tyson had envisioned.
By 2020, the foundation found its footing through a 5k fundraiser Jennifer organized as the pandemic began. She told Brother Love they feared COVID would stall their progress, but continued encouragement pushed them forward. Five years in, The Blakelyn Foundation now provides financial aid for funerals and hospital bills. Jennifer and Tyson also honor the medical staff who supported them during Blakelyn’s birth. Through their nonprofit, they create safe spaces for grieving parents to share their stories. They remain in contact with every family they’ve helped—always on the family’s terms.
The Blakelyn Foundation’s mission statement reads, “Be strong and courageous.” Jennifer shared that those words are a reminder that they have the strength to move through the grief. Above all, they prioritize their own family of 3 kids who help continue to celebrate Blakelyn’s name together. If you’d like to get involved with The Blakelyn Foundation, their yearly Brave Run 5k is their main source of support. Visit their website and learn more about helping Jennifer and Tyson continue Blakelyn’s legacy here.
