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Jules Laurita-Smith

Prior to October 21, 2017, Jules was enjoying the happiest time in her life - on track to graduate high school a semester early (still did), enjoying a budding career as a singer/songwriter and singing and playing bass in a band (still is), working as a barista (sadly, not), accepted to college for fall of 2018, and generally loving life and being a healthy, positive, blossoming, joyful 17, now 18 year old.


A massive series of seizures landed her in the ER, and a suspicious MRI prompted transport to Children’s Hospital in Denver. Many more tests, and a subsequent biopsy revealed a diagnosis of a cancerous glioma brain tumor, mostly in her right frontal lobe. At first deemed inoperable, many second opinions, sent out across the country and even to Europe, suggested otherwise. After a trip to NYC to meet with a specialist, many more tests, consults and an enormous amount of conflicting and varying information and opinions, she was able to get on the schedule of a neurosurgeon in Denver, Dr. Kevin Lillehei, who removed most of the tumor on 12/8. 


She was a “rockstar” going in, during, and after the surgery with amazing courage and a sense of humor throughout. She did so well, she was discharged in three days and was able to begin recovering at home, celebrating her 18th birthday, graduating, and enjoying the holidays, her favorite time of the year. 


Unfortunately, cancerous tumor is still present in areas that could not be touched by surgery. The treatment plan is being formulated with radiation and chemotherapy stretching over the next year.  Outside assistance with nutrition and supplemental therapies and a procedure that will protect her fertility will need to be paid for ‘out-of-pocket’.  In addition, possible inclusion in clinical trials are being explored around the country, none of which will be covered by insurance and can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

This gofundme page was set up by a dear and supportive friend and the overwhelming support thus far has helped tremendously, though we are now discovering that this is barely the start of what is going to be a very, very long and complicated journey.


So much of what is required to beat this cancer and ensure that Jules blesses the world with her amazing spirit through a full and long life, is unfortunately, NOT covered by insurance, and so we humbly and so greatly appreciate any and all support so we can give her the best opportunity to fight this and for us to be able to focus on what is most important- Jules and her full recovery.


Please share this link.  

With deepest gratitude.

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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $150 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Dona Laurita
Organizer
Louisville, CO

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