Juliana Strong

Hi All. 

A couple months prior to Juliana’s first birthday, the Cox family received news that she has some developmental delays that required further workup. After physical therapy appts,  doctors appts and a brain MRI, she was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy in July 2020. A lifelong neurological disorder requiring intense therapy, with hopes she will be able improve function to her right arm and leg. She had been doing fantastic, working on improving her function and even starting to walk with assistance. On January 11th, 2021 she developed a seizure (which we all had hoped was secondary to her CP), underwent a cat scan and was found to have a 1.25" tumor that had rapidly grown in less than 6 months. The Cox family's life was turned upside down. Juliana was airlifted to John Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St Pete. Underwent further testing including an MRI which indeed confirmed a rapid growing tumor that was not there in July and was suspicious for an aggressive brain cancer. Sweet Juliana underwent brain surgery on January 13th, and the neurosurgeon was able to remove the entire tumor successfully. She was such a trooper post operatively, doing fantastically well recovering and was discharged home two days later. On January 19th, Kristina and JD received the news that no parent should ever receive, pathology confirmed a rare aggressive brain cancer called atypical teratoid/ rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). The Cox family has a difficult road ahead with difficult decisions no parents should make. Time is precious with sweet Juliana and we want Kristina, JD and sisters Aria and Peyton to be able to share and make memories with JJ during the time she has here on Earth. Thank you for the prayers and support.