Seal Sitters is terribly saddened to report that our volunteer, Jenny Vonckx, passed away Christmas Eve. Jenny had been battling a brain tumor; however, through it all, she was determined to continue protecting seal pups even as her pain became progressively worse. One of our most vivid memories of Jenny is one evening on Alki Beach: Jenny, all smiles, was wrapped up in a blanket on her camp chair, bathed in the pink afterglow of the sunset - prepared to stay for hours if necessary, looking after seal pup Spike who was still on the beach (thankfully, Spike returned to the Sound around 9pm). We were so privileged to share the beach with Jenny and extend our sympathies to her friends and family.

Jenny’s partner Rob has provided the following information:
Jenny Vonckx died on December 24, 2010 at home in West Seattle surrounded by family. She died from a glioblastoma brain tumor she has been fighting since March, 2009. She was only 44. Jenny successfully fought another brain tumor 13 years ago. She was one of very few to live for more than a couple of years with this diagnosis and for that she considered herself fortunate.

When it was clear that little could be done, Jenny volunteered in November as the first patient to undergo a cutting edge procedure in Los Angeles--the 1st person to ever have genetically engineered stem cells injected into her body. Jenny's expectation was not so much the hope of curing herself, but helping to advance research that one day might help others.

She is survived by a huge community of loved ones, including her partner Rob Stumpf, sisters Hilary and Elizabeth Vonckx, and father Paul "Skip" Vonckx. 

There will be a memorial this Thursday at 7pm at the opening of Locol bar at 7902 35th Ave. SW. Any who worked with her are welcome to attend. Capacity is limited, so we ask that only those who feel a personal connection to Jenny attend. If anyone has photos of Jenny working with seals, please email them to jenny.vonckx@gmail.com.