Help Julia Create Lasting Memories with Her Kids

Update from Julia – June 13 

No big updates, but I’ll be seeing my oncologist Tuesday before my next chemo session to make sure everything is good to continue with treatment. 

 On Sunday, one of my surgical sites opened up after I was submerged in water. We really thought everything was healed from my reconstruction, so that was an unexpected setback. I also developed sores on my feet and some swelling—could be chemo side effects, or maybe I was just on my feet more than I realized.  

This week was the first time I let myself think about what would happen if I had to stop chemo so soon. I would love for the stomach pain to let up, for my eyes to stop burning, for the pain in my legs to ease, and to not feel this tired all the time. 

But then I remember how my body was before I started steroids—how fast things were declining—and I know I’ll keep pushing through these side effects if it means avoiding that place again. 

Thank you for being here and supporting me through all of this. Every message, donation, and share means more than I can say.  

 —Julia

Hi, I’m Nicole, and I’m raising funds for my best friend Julia—one of the strongest women I know.

Three years ago, Julia was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she was raising two beautiful children, Ryan (now 11) and Avaly (now 6), and doing her best to balance motherhood with the fight of her life.

She went through treatment after treatment, surgery after surgery—all with the hope that one day she could say, “I’m cancer-free.” And for a while, she got to say those words.

Then, earlier this year, everything changed.

At a routine checkup, she casually mentioned some numbness in her fingers. It seemed like carpal tunnel at first… but her doctor knew something wasn’t right. An eye exam, an MRI, and a whirlwind of appointments later, Julia was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

By March 21st, she was in surgery—not to remove the tumor completely, but to resect it and relieve the dangerous swelling it was causing. The tumor involves two sinus veins, making it impossible to fully remove without risking critical brain function.

There is no cure. Only maintenance.

Julia begins chemotherapy on April 15th: two weeks on, one week off, indefinitely. Her medical team estimates 10–12 months. But Julia? She looked at me and said:

“I am not dying today.”

That’s who she is—resilient, loving, and fiercely devoted to her children. Even on her hardest days, she continues to show up for Ryan and Avaly. She continues to smile. She continues to fight.

This GoFundMe is to help Julia make the most of the time she has—to create memories, not stress over money. Whether it’s help with medical costs, daily living expenses, or simply giving her the ability to say yes to special moments with her kids, your generosity can make an immediate impact.

If you can give, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Julia’s story is one of courage, grit, and unconditional love—and I’m so grateful you’re here to support her.

With love,

Nicole