Love & Support: Empowering Julia's Healing Journey
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Dear Friends and Family, we are reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and a humble request on behalf of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Julia.
Recently, after a on-going number of varied symptoms, she has been diagnosed with malignant tumors to grow in her spine, ovaries, uterus and other areas of the body, including the spinal cord and thyroid. Multiple hospitals have argued over it being carcinoma (as the previous biopsy was highly suggestive of) or hemangioendothelioma. We are now unsure if it is carcinoma. A CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of the L3 vertebral body would have been performed first, however, since it presents a high risk of hemorrhagic bleeding, rupture, compression, and worsening neurological symptoms, it was advised at this time not to. Instead, she will have to undergo another alternative endometrial and ovarian biopsy surgery as well as the possibility of a bone marrow biopsy and the final addendum report will be followed and then sent for multiple expert opinions. Because both are treated differently, chemotherapy will be on hold until the histopathological report confirmation is finalized but she will need radiation therapy and continued immunosuppressive therapy. We know this news has deeply touched many of you and to those already made aware prior; we want to provide a platform for our community to express their love and support for Julia during this difficult time.
Over the past year, her quality of life had steadily deteriorated due to a constellation of debilitating symptoms:
➤ severe abdominal and lower back pain
➤ abdominal distension
➤ debilitating fatigue
➤ seizures
➤ easy bruising and petechiae
➤ unintentional weight loss
➤ episodes of urinary and bowel incontinence
➤ leg weakness
➤ shortness of breath
➤ vomiting spells
➤ syncope episodes
➤ recurring infections that failed to respond to medication
➤ prolonged fevers over 99.8°F to 101.6°
➤ inability to regulate body temperature
➤ drenching night sweats
➤ brain fog
➤ memory impairment/memory loss
CA-125, which stands for “Cancer Antigen 125” is a tumor marker and protein that may be found in high amounts in the blood of patients with ovarian cancer. CA-125 is produced on the surface of cells and is released in the bloodstream. This protein is elevated in more than 80 percent of women with advanced ovarian cancers, and in 50 percent of those with early-stage
cancers.
Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of elevated CA 125, but cancers of the uterus, cervix, pancreas, liver, colon, breast, lung and digestive tract and cancers that have spread to the lining
of the abdomen (peritoneum), including lymphoma. also can raise CA 125 levels. These types of cancers usually occur along with the buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
The test for cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) may be used to:
● Check to see if treatment for cancer is working. If the level of CA-125 is going down, it usually means that the treatment is working.
● Follow up on a lump or mass found in the pelvic area.
● Check to see if ovarian cancer has returned.
● Check to see if the ovary is the main site of cancer. If a doctor has found a cancer that has spread to another part of the body (metastatic cancer), a CA-125 test may be done to find out where the cancer started.
Her oncologist ordered a positron emission tomography (PET) - CT scan to determine if there are any other abnormalities before proceeding with further treatment options.
Towards the end of August, after spiking high, persistent fevers, relentless coughing and vomiting, it was discovered that Julia contracted COVID and an antibiotic resistant infection, developed sepsis, as a result. Shortly after, her condition took a terrifying turn — she was struggling to breathe, her vitals quickly became unstable, lab numbers were alarmingly abnormal, and she was admitted in the ICU twice and placed on the mechanical ventilator (life-support machine). The intubation put extra strain on her heart and lungs and it took every ounce of energy she had.
Her other diagnosis to this date are:
● Cystic Fibrosis
● Epilepsy
● Gastroparesis
● Hereditary Cancer Syndrome
● Encephalopathy/Metabolic Disorder
● Heart V alve Regurgitation
● Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS)
● Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
This journey imposes a considerable financial burden. With no insurance coverage, the staggering costs of procedures and medications and the potential for a prior authorization denial process are unbelievably high that contribute to the strain she faces.
The goal for this fundraiser is threefold:
● To cover the immediate costs of medical expenses — inpatient admissions, prolonged hospital stays, and out of pocket prescription drug costs that insurance will not cover.
● To fund any additional interventions and specialized ongoing treatment that may be
needed going forward.
● To provide funds for transportation to appointments and to hospitals and living expenses as needed.
Here’ s how your contributions will make a significant impact:
Medical + Treatment Expenses: Assisting with past due, current, and any additional
medical costs not covered by health insurance - once she is able to acquire one, ensuring Julia has access to the best possible care. (Difficult to estimate at this time.)
● Estimate: $72,000
Living Expenses in California: Covering the costs of housing and daily necessities -
(including groceries and toiletries) for Julia while she will be there for treatment ($3,000 per month for 6-month rental)
● Estimate: $18,000
Flights, Hotels, and Ubers Expenses:
● Estimate: $5,000
Other unanticipated needs arise that may be used:
● Estimate: $5,000
Julia is grateful to her incredible teams both in California and Hawaii: the internal medicine specialists, oncology nurses/nurse practitioners, neurology, gastroenterology, nurses, phlebotomists, social workers, anesthesiologists, ultrasound sonographers, radiology technicians, patient care technicians, and more.
“Despite these unfortunate circumstances, I’ve never felt so cared for and loved in my life. I have received the absolute best care from nurses and doctors and many medical personnel and people who have continually shown up for me time and time again. You all have cared for me and helped me persevere during the darkest times in my life. It means more to me than you will ever know,” Julia states.
Julia and her family now wait in limbo as a team of internal medicine, gynecologic oncologist, naturopathic oncologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, neurosurgeons, and gastroenterologist assemble to work out the next steps of how to best approach these tumors and lesions. The complexity is incomprehensible, leaving possible outcomes currently unknown. While so much is yet to be determined, we know that walking the road of uncertainty ahead will be long and full of challenges, in the midst of drastic treatment plans.
Originally from Hawaii, Julia now calls California as her second home. Her case is complex and outside of her doctor’s and colleagues expertise and had been referred to HOAG Comprehensive Cancer Center and UCLA Medical Center in July and August where she started partial comprehensive treatment in California aimed at combating these tumors and managing her chronic illnesses. 2,500 miles away from home. She has had a port-a-cath placed and has undergone multiple rounds of infusions so far to help decrease the inflammation and raise her blood counts and she will continue to get them until she goes into full remission.
Julia and her family should have the power and freedom to choose how her ongoing medical care
incorporates integrative and holistic treatment approaches. With lifelong medical follow-ups and regular testing ahead of her, to receive the necessary long-term care and support, she is in the
process of moving to California, where her support network is significantly stronger and will likely need to live down there for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately, due to personal and private circumstances beyond her control, Julia has taken a temporary medical leave from her studies in-person and switched to online classes through her
university she attended in California while temporarily residing in Hawaii for the time being — to prioritize her overall physical and mental well-being before continuing the process of moving to California.
Finding Hope and Light In Gratitude
Julia is not one to ask for anything; however, in light of this, we humbly appeal to our community for support. This GoFundMe campaign aims to alleviate some of the financial burden weighing on her shoulders. Y our generous contributions and every donation - no matter how big or small - will alleviate the financial challenges Julia encounters and ensure that she receives the exceptional care necessary to overcome this.
As Julia puts all her focus and energy into complete healing, we ask for your support for this sweet girl. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
-Julia and all her loving family and friends
Venmo-
PayPal-
Organizer and beneficiary
Grace Barnes
Organizer
Irvine, CA
Julia Horowitz
Beneficiary