Help Julia Fight Breast Cancer and Stay on Her Feet

My mother - Julia Carlson - has always been the kind of person who shows up; for her family, her friends, her customers, and her community. Whether you know her from her 30 years of selling Avon across West Michigan, her warm presence in the Catholic Daughters, her fundraising efforts to advance breast cancer research through Making Strides, or her 15 years of running a cosmetics shop in Kalamazoo, chances are she’s made you feel seen, supported, and cared for.

Now, my mom needs OUR help.

In June of 2025, Julia was diagnosed with breast cancer - Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Her diagnosis is stage 1 on one side, stage 2 on the other. Her first chemotherapy session was on August 27th, and while she’s facing this battle with courage, the side effects have been devastating. She’s already been hospitalized due to complications, and her initial chemo port was improperly installed, requiring corrective surgery before she can continue treatment.

Julia is expected to undergo a total of 4 to 6 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy and up to six weeks of recovery. She’s already missed work due to her illness and, heartbreakingly, does not qualify for FMLA. After closing the Kalamazoo Avon Beauty Center store at the end of 2024, she’s been selling Avon from home, but it’s simply not enough to cover her bills, especially as her continued health problems force her to step back even further.

This fundraiser is about helping Julia stay afloat while she fights for her life. It’s about keeping the lights on, securing Julia's home, and giving her the space to heal without the crushing weight of financial stress.

Funds donated to this cause will be used to pay for utility bills and mortgage payments, medical expenses related to treatment not covered by insurance, and other unexpected costs that will need to be covered while Julia is unable to work.

If you’ve ever laughed with Julia, leaned on her wisdom, admired her tenacity, or simply shared a moment of kindness, please consider donating. Every dollar helps, every share matters. Let’s show Julia the same love and support she’s given so freely to others.

Thank you for standing with her.