Dr. Christine Blasey Ford was a professor of psychology at Palo Alto University living a fairly normal life with her family. Then on September 19, 2018, her world changed drastically.
Dr. Blasey Ford's name hit the media as the previously unnamed accuser of Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court seat vacated by Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement.
Blasey Ford made allegations of sexual assault against Kavanaugh. Then the death threats came.
Leading up to and after Blasey Ford's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee for Kavanaugh's SCOTUS Senate confirmation hearing, Blasey Ford and her family had to move four times. Security had to be hired for the professor, her husband and her children.
Anyone who doubted the legitimacy of the threats had those doubts erased when the so-called MAGAbomber sent pipe bombs to people targeted by President Trump during his Make America Great Again rallies and on Twitter.
To offset the costs for their new safety measures, Team Christine Blasey Ford, a group of supporters of the professor, began a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $150,000 on behalf of the Ford family. $647,610 was raised in two months by close to 14,000 people.
The campaign is no longer accepting donations.
On November 21, Dr. Blasey Ford posted a message on the fundraiser's page. She wrote:
"Words are not adequate to thank all of you who supported me since I came forward to tell the Senate that I had been sexually assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh. Your tremendous outpouring of support and kind letters have made it possible for us to cope with the immeasurable stress, particularly the disruption to our safety and privacy. Because of your support, I feel hopeful that our lives will return to normal."
"The funds you have sent through GoFundMe have been a godsend. Your donations have allowed us to take reasonable steps to protect ourselves against frightening threats, including physical protection and security for me and my family, and to enhance the security for our home. We used your generous contributions to pay for a security service, which began on September 19 and has recently begun to taper off; a home security system; housing and security costs incurred in Washington DC, and local housing for part of the time we have been displaced. Part of the time we have been able to stay with our security team in a residence generously loaned to us."
"With immense gratitude, I am closing this account to further contributions. All funds unused after completion of security expenditures will be donated to organizations that support trauma survivors. I am currently researching organizations where the funds can best be used. We will use this space to let you know when that process is complete."
"Although coming forward was terrifying, and caused disruption to our lives, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my civic duty. Having done so, I am in awe of the many women and men who have written me to share similar life experiences, and now have bravely shared their experience with friends and family, many for the first time. I send you my heartfelt love and support."
"I wish I could thank each and every one of you individually. Thank you. Christine"
People applauded Dr. Blasey Ford's decision.
They also shot back at those who claimed Dr. Blasey Ford only sought money and fame in coming forward with her allegations against Kavanaugh.
Although some still wanted to use the opportunity to attack Dr. Blasey Ford.
But were quickly shut down.
Dr. Blasey Ford will update the GoFundMe page with the final decision on what organization(s) will receive funds.
@PreetBharara/X
@RepBrendanBoyle/X
@twesq/Bluesky
@christopherharris/Bluesky
@evangelinewarren/X
@FrankC164/X
AMC