Help Julia Fight Leukemia

Sometimes even the most independent person needs a little help! Our dear friend Julia Kennedy felt fatigued and was battling mysterious fevers towards the end of December 2021 and into the new year. On Thursday, January 20th, Julia went to Urgent Care; they ran a few blood tests and recommended she go immediately to the ER. A trip to the ER the following day led to the diagnosis of Leukemia. Since that day, Julia has been an inpatient at the cancer wing of Barnes Jewish Hospital. She has undergone two regimens of 24/7 week-long chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions every 2-3 days, and multiple biopsies. Forty-six days later, Julia is still in the hospital being monitored for infection and is now awaiting a donor match and a clear path to a stem cell transplant.

If you know Julia, you know she is a creative soul who has carved her own path in life since she set out on her own at 17. Julia has moved across the United States and has thrived as a crafter, vintage reseller, and waitress, among other jobs that allowed her the freedom to be herself and explore her passions. Unfortunately, she cannot do these jobs from a hospital room, and while insurance currently covers the medical bills, the rest of her expenses are piling up. As the self-reliant person she is, Julia would never ask for help from any of us. Therefore, Nikki Zabicki and I are starting this GoFundMe so she doesn’t have to. There are other ways to help too. Please consider donating blood, platelets, or becoming a bone marrow donor, all of which are helpful to Leukemia patients. Battling cancer was an unexpected turn on Julia’s path in life, but one she is facing with strength, determination, patience, and an upbeat spirit like no other. Please help our friend Julia by donating whatever you can.