No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child.
Over the past several weeks, Cassidy and Dylan Blankenship have faced an unimaginable journey—one filled with medical emergencies, difficult decisions, countless miles traveled, and the hope of bringing their precious baby girl, Juliana, home.
This fall, Cassidy experienced a placental abruption, a serious pregnancy complication that put both her life and her unborn daughter’s life at risk. She was placed on bed rest and had to travel from Alaska to Seattle for specialized imaging, testing, and medical care. Upon returning to Alaska, she was admitted to Providence Hospital in Anchorage, where she remained on bed rest as doctors closely monitored her and baby Juliana.
Despite every effort to keep Juliana safely in the womb, Cassidy underwent an emergency C-section at just 23 weeks gestation.
Sweet Juliana entered the world far earlier than anyone could have imagined, and her fight for life began immediately. Shortly after her birth, Juliana received the beautiful gift of Baptism, becoming a child of God and being welcomed into the Catholic Church.
While Juliana received intensive medical care, Cassidy faced serious complications of her own. As she recovered from her C-section, she suffered significant bleeding and had to be rushed back into surgery.
Through all of this, Cassidy and Dylan were also trying to care for their three other young children, all ages four and under.
The Blankenships live in Mackenzie Point, Alaska, a considerable distance from the hospital in Anchorage. The constant trips to and from the hospital, arranging childcare, and balancing the needs of their children at home became part of their daily reality. Dylan took time away from work so he could be by his wife’s and daughter’s sides throughout this incredibly difficult time.
And then, after everything this family had already endured, they experienced the loss no parent should ever have to face.
On October 18, precious baby Juliana passed away.
Her life on earth was heartbreakingly short, but it was filled with love. She was deeply wanted, fiercely loved, and will forever be a cherished daughter and sister. Though her family now carries the tremendous sorrow of her absence, they can find comfort in the promises of Christ and the gift of her Baptism.
Now, as Cassidy and Dylan begin to grieve the loss of their beautiful little girl, they are also facing an overwhelming financial burden.
Between extensive medical bills, emergency surgeries, travel expenses, gas, childcare, lost wages, and now the unexpected cost of laying their daughter to rest, the financial strain on this young family is enormous.
Our goal is to raise $75,000 to help relieve these burdens so the Blankenship family can focus on what matters most right now: grieving their daughter, healing, and being together.
Every donation, no matter the amount, will go toward supporting this family through the expenses they have already incurred and the difficult road ahead.
If you are unable to give financially, we ask that you please keep Cassidy, Dylan, their three children, and the entire Blankenship family in your prayers. Sharing this fundraiser is another meaningful way to help.
As a community, we cannot take away their grief, but we can come alongside them and help carry some of the weight.
Thank you for loving the Blankenship family, praying for them, and helping honor the beautiful life of baby Juliana.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
