I didn’t want to write this request. I’m actually in denial. But I need to do something to help the Cotta family.

Above is my friend Julie Cotta. And in this picture with Julie is Julie’s son Bryan Cotta . Bryan is 26 and on March 8, 2024 Bryan was diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. The cancer is in his bones, lungs, adrenal glands, pelvis, spleen, abdomen, and 8 masses in his brain. And to make this story even more tragic 10 months ago Julie lost her husband Ray of 26 years to cancer. And now this.

Currently Bryan is in the hospital struggling to breathe and his heart rate is abnormally high. So I feel I have to reach out now to help her. I cannot imagine losing my husband let alone my son. Two family members diagnosed with cancer in under a year is unconceivable.

Julie made her living making people feel beautiful. She was a hair dresser. When the pandemic hit and Julie was no longer able to continue to operate her hair salon. She made the difficult decision to shut down her shop and chose to go mobile. Unfortunately it was only temporary. However, when Ray was diagnosed with cancer on February 14, 2023 she stayed home to care for him until he passed on June 11, 2023.

The Cotta’s have a strong faith and live a simple life, never living over their means. Her husband Ray was a police officer. He was medically retire after 34 years of service. Bryan worked as a firefighter and then found his true passion as a lineman and entered into an apprenticeship program in November, 2023. Bryan was dedicated to his new profession and is a hard worker. Through this tragedy Bryan and his girlfriend Bridget found out they were expecting. Their baby is due October 2, 2024. Bryan’s best friend graciously set up a go fund me for both Bryan and Bridget. The money raised is going towards Bryan’s medical expenses and to help Bridget during this incredibly difficult journey.

I don’t want to write this without including Bryan’s little sister Madylin. Mady is married to Nolan and her husband serves in the US Air Force. She currently lives in Maryland. This is very difficult for Mady and Nolan as they live across the country.

Julie was just starting to find her new normal after Rays death in caring for sick people. Julie never envisioned she would now care for her son. And because Bryan needs constant care she can only work three days a week. When Bryan is not in the hospital he is home with Julie.

Julie’s unwavering faith is getting her through this extremely difficult time. And I know l cannot heal Bryan’s cancer and I cannot take the pain away from Julie as she cares for her son. I can only try to make the suffering less painful. Financially it’s hard and Julie is doing what she can.

I’m hoping that everyone who sees this can help Julie care for her son as she cares for so many others. Julie is an amazing woman, and has raised outstanding children. I’m honored to know Julie. Honored to call her my friend.

Im reaching out to the universe to help The Cotta’s. I know life is tough and life is expensive but if you can find it in your heart to help the Cotta family I would be eternally grateful.

God bless the Cotta family and may God bless you. #COTTASTRONG