Jeanie null

Seizure-free, Jeannie started to excel and is now finishing the ninth grade. After the school fundraiser incident, Julie started researching inclusive playgrounds, and found there was one in Richland. After getting advice from organizers there on how to proceed, she started working to get Meridian officials on board, with City Councilman George Thomas taking the lead. Planet Playground had fallen into disrepair and had been closed, so the idea began to redo Planet Playground but make it ADA-compliant.

Progress was slow, but in things started picking up. Though both play football, the bulk of their fundraising took place during the fall as they solicited local businesses and individuals, despite having no previous fundraising experience. William had originally decided to build park benches for his Eagle Scout project. But he saw the condition of Planet Playground and decided to think bigger.

Jacobs Camp in Utica. Founded in , the camp is a five-day chance for children with disabilities to have a summer camp experience and just be children.

Organizers had been cutting elements from the playground design from a lack of funds, but the teens kept raising funds to keep those items. It is designed not just for wheelchairs, but for those with sensory disorders and other conditions. A key component that Jeannie wanted was a merry-go-round that could accommodate her wheelchair, one that loads at ground level. In the play fort, ramps are wide enough for two children in wheelchairs to pass each other going opposite directions.

The play surface is a composite that is soft yet sturdy enough for those with wheelchairs or walkers. In February, work began on the playground, with over 2, volunteers braving a very rainy season to work on the project. Local restaurants pitched in on volunteer days, and some churches had early services at the park on Sunday mornings before build days.

An official dedication has not been set as of press time, as they are waiting for the arrival of one last major element — a slide that does not generate static, so children with cochlear implants can use it.

Only a few places around the world make those slides, and this one has been delayed in shipment from Germany. William will head off to Mississippi State this fall, while Jake will attend the University of Georgia. It is a profession that she has enjoyed since day one.

In her leisure time, Jeanie enjoys spending time with her whippet Keiko, as well as with family and friends. She also enjoys eating, cooking, tennis, hiking, reading, yoga, and walking around her Waialae-Kahala neighborhood with her dog.

Also, when her schedule permits, she loves to travel and New York is her favorite vacation destination. In the city, she fills up on great food, Broadway shows, and museums, while soaking in the beautiful architecture. Recently, she had the opportunity to explore Budapest, Prague and Vienna and is headed to Osaka and Kyoto this fall. She is hoping to travel to Tokyo, Spain, Portugal and Venice next year.

Caring, thoughtful, highly professional, and with great attention to detail, Jeanie has earned the professional respect of her colleagues and clients.