Jessica Blackford-Cleeton is a peritoneal mesothelioma patient, mom, blogger, writer, and advocate. She graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University with her Bachelor of Science in University Studies/Museology and a minor in history. She is also a multi-time graduate of the National Fire Academy.
Jessica has worked extensively with nonprofits, having chaired the boards for Illinois Risk Watch and Illinois Remembering When, both public safety programs. She is a previous member of the National Fire Information Council and Community Advisory Board for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. She currently serves as a precinct committeeperson for her county (Springfield, Illinois), is a member of the National Honor Society and as of 2021, on the Board of Directors for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
Her background includes work as the National Fire Incident Reporting System Manager for the State of Illinois, working closely with the National Fire Protection Association and the United States Fire Administration under FEMA. She has also worked as a consumer reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.
Jessica enjoys travel, history, and spending time with her family. She has been a Big Sister with Big Brothers, Big Sisters for over a decade and is also a mentor for Imerman Angels.
