Jelani’s voice · YouTube
Jelani’s testimony about his diagnosis
Hear Jelani share his testimony about his diagnosis in his own words.
Watch Jelani’s TestimonyFoundation activities and progress
News & Updates
Follow the work of the Jelani Washington Seeds of Hope Foundation, the people helping us build it, and the progress we are making. We’ll share foundation activities, partnerships, events, and milestones here as the work develops.
Public recordings, coverage, and remembrance
Jelani’s voice and our family’s story
These public links help others get to know Jelani and understand why we do this work. Please share them with your network.
Jelani’s voice · YouTube
Words of thanks from Jelani
A message of thanks from Jelani, shared with the people who cared about him.
Watch His Words of ThanksIn the news · 21Alive
The Washington family shares Jelani’s story
A public news report about the Washington family and their efforts to raise awareness of Jelani’s rare condition.
Read the 21Alive ReportRemembering Jelani · Dignity Memorial
Jelani Marcel Washington’s obituary
Read about Jelani’s life, the people he loved, and the memories his family holds close.
Read Jelani’s ObituaryCommunity health panel · YouTube
Tanisha shares Jelani’s story at the Fort Wayne Impact Center
· Healthcare presentations
Tanisha joins a panel discussing health issues affecting the African American community. At about 5:12, she shares Jelani’s battle with renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) and the impact his loss has had on her and her daughters.
Watch the Panel DiscussionHear Tanisha’s story at 5:12Community health panel · YouTube
Tanisha speaks about sickle cell trait awareness
· Fort Wayne Impact Center
Tanisha joins a panel discussing health issues affecting the African American community. At about 1:01, she shares her family’s story and speaks about the hidden risks families may face as sickle cell trait carriers.
Watch the Panel DiscussionHear Tanisha’s story at 1:01From the foundation
Where we are now
· Foundation update
Building the work in Jelani’s name
JWSH is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. Our work is organized around five core objectives: Plant Hope, Empower Youth, Raise Awareness, Support Families, and Build Legacy.
RMC awareness is already underway. We are happy to offer advocacy and point families toward relevant resources, while building the funding, partnerships, and capacity for our wider mission. We are working on building the foundation as quickly as possible to get help to families in need but are not able to do so yet.
Our plans include plants, seeds, and gardening kits for children in treatment, youth gardening and service opportunities, and practical support for families. Sharing our story, volunteering, developing partnerships, and fundraising all help us move that work forward.
Meet the people behind JWSH
Our family, board members, and advisors bring experience in healthcare, gardening, youth development, finance, fundraising, and organizational leadership. Get to know the people helping build the foundation and the family roots that shaped Jelani’s life.
Meet Our Team & RootsPatients and families first
We see you and support your fight
This foundation begins with Jelani and our family, but it is about nurturing children and families still in the struggle. We want to recognize those facing cancer, hear their stories, and remember those whose lives have been lost.
If you would like to share your family’s story or honor someone you love, we would love to hear from you.
Share your story with us →Recognizing those who care for our children
Caregivers’ & Providers’ Corner
We want to recognize people who have cared for, or are caring for, sick children. These people carry such a heavy weight, and their love, kindness, and selflessness during times of illness are so important.
We begin by recognizing Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, Dr. Dennis O’Brien, and their teams.
Personal reflections from Tanisha Washington, Jelani’s mother
Dr. Pavlos Msaouel & His Team
Learn about Dr. Msaouel’s work at MD Anderson →“Dr. Msaouel and his team very honorably and bravely continue to fight for a cure for RMC even through crushing losses that result in roughly 90% and sometimes more of their patients dying which surely impacts them on a human level even though they fight the fight with professionalism and rationality.”
Dr. Dennis O’Brien & His Team
Learn about Dr. O’Brien’s pediatric cancer care →“For Dr. O’Brien, his team, and others who care for pediatric cancer patients, they carry an additional heaviness in their professional lives by bearing witness to unfathomable suffering experienced by the most innocent and most vulnerable which again, we recognize takes a toll on them on a personal, mental and spiritual level. We thank them for remaining on the battlefield fighting the good fight for our children like Jelani.”
Appreciating every little thing
Thank You
To everyone who has encouraged us, shared our story, made a donation, or given their time: thank you. We appreciate every little thing that gives us hope.
As we build the foundation in Jelani’s name, your support means so much to our family. A kind message, an offer to help, a conversation that introduces someone to our work—each one matters to us.
This space is for thanking the people who are helping us move forward. We look forward to sharing more about their kindness, generosity, and the time they give.
With love and gratitude,
The Washington Family & JWSH Foundation
Jelani Washington Seeds of Hope Foundation
Connect with the Foundation
Follow our foundation pages for updates, and help spread the word by sharing with your own network.
Invite others to support JWSH
Organize a fundraiser or ask others to host one
Please advocate for others to fundraise for JWSH. Ask your workplace, school, faith community, club, or friends to help support the mission. You could organize a birthday or memorial fundraiser, a community plant sale, or a gathering where people learn about Jelani and are invited to give.
Contact us to discuss your idea and how to share it with the people you hope to reach. Donations can be made through our Givebutter campaign.
