Julia Needs Our Help ❤️

AUGUST 2023 UPDATE by Jill Paul:

So many have asked about Julia ❤️ Thank you so much. Sometimes I just can’t talk about it, or I get emotional (you’ll have to excuse my mama worry moments) but I ALWAYS appreciate the concern and prayers for her.

Here is an update since her last surgery on 4/18/23. The Dr moved Julia’s scan results appt up to 8/4/23. Urgency when you have cancer isn’t usually a good thing and it wasn’t. The scan showed more evidence of cancer. As soon as insurance is cleared Julia will receive an IV port and chemotherapy will start.

It’s a struggle to find good news in all this but I do believe there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

We are thankful…

-Overall Julia has been feeling good- you’d never know she has cancer. So when I say she’s good or OK that’s true-except the cancer.

- She has insurance.

- Her Dr has been consulting with a Dr at MD Anderson Hospital in Texas. Number one cancer hospital in the NATION!

- Although she had to drop most classes for college, she is still hoping to take 2.

- I have enough time on the books at work to help her through all this.

Things to pray for….

-Healing

-A cure

-Minimal or no side effects to chemotherapy -Expenses. Julia can’t work a steady job (we’re trying to help Julia get disability to help with her expenses, but I’m sure you know how difficult that is for someone who really needs it)

-Julia’s classes-she really would like her life to be as normal as possible.

Since Julia can’t work steady(she’s doing side jobs when she can), I’m sharing her GoFundMe account again. For everyone who has donated it truly has been a lifesaver these past few months and it is so appreciated!

https://gofund.me/e8b6d290

Sorry this is so long but I wanted to share a little story about Julia…..

For those of you who don’t personally know Julia and her sweet, kind, strong self, I wanted to give you a small example of just how amazing she is. After hearing any news it usually takes several hours or even days for reality kick in. I was sitting at the table the day after this recent news and an overwhelming sadness came over me. I thought how would I feel if I knew right now I would lose my hair?! Especially at 23 years old!? I’m not too picky about my hair BUT the thought of losing it, and knowing the percentage is pretty high it would happen, was a thought that was hard to swallow. A co-worker had mentioned a device called a “cold cap” that helps with hair loss during chemotherapy. I had mentioned it to Julia but then when researching found out it was way too expensive. I felt bad for mentioning it to her and had to break the news it was too expensive. After telling Julia it was something we couldn’t afford she said, “It’s ok mama, I was just going to let one of my friends cut my hair to my shoulders and another friend do a pixie cut later.” She already has a plan to deal with her hair loss(if it happens) and a fun one at that! This is just one example of how strong she has been through all this. I’m so very proud of her! She’s stronger than me!

Please continue to pray ❤️

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" Matthew 18:20

Original post:

I am honored to send this request on behalf of Julia Paul's family. Julia Paul and her family are near and dear to so many of us. She is only 22 years old and battling cancer. I can't think of anyone more courageous, loved and worthy of help. Let's join together and bless Julia.❤️

"As many of you know in October 2021, Julia Paul had a cancerous tumor removed. Her family and friends have helped with the ongoing, increasing financial burden, but the time has come that it is too overwhelming. We are humbly reaching out to our family, friends and community asking for help and support to cover some of her medical expenses not covered by insurance, needs associated with travel, lodging and other essentials during this difficult time.

Julia has another cancer surgery in April, 2023 at UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center. Julia will have a long road of recovery ahead. All funds donated will be used to provide for her needs as mentioned above. Please feel free to share Julia's GoFundMe page if you wish." ❤️

Julia’s Cancer Journey:

" Soon after Julia’s 21st birthday, she went to the ER with extreme side pain. After several scans, blood transfusions, and tests a large tumor was discovered. Surgery was scheduled and at that time they believed there was a 99% chance it wasn't cancerous. On October 5, 2021 Julia had Surgery at UCD Surgery Center to remove the tumor. We were shocked to learn the news that the tumor WAS cancerous. The cancer cell type was so rare that UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center sent biopsies to Brigham and Women’s Hospital for further biopsy and follow-up. It was determined by the lead tumor profiling dept and tumor board it was so rare they didn’t have an exact cell type name for her particular type of cancer.

There was good news for an entire year as subsequent quarterly scans at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center came back with the "all clear" news. We celebrated her 1st surgery anniversary and being cancer free, on 10/5/22. Unfortunately in Dec 2022 before moving to bi-annual checkups, the results came back and we were devastated. They found more tumors. After numerous appts, more scans, oncology consultations and tumor board review it was decided Julia will need more surgery in April 2023.

As you can imagine Julia has had difficulty working regularly and attending school because of the lengthy recovery period after her initial surgery and ongoing disruptions in her schedule. Despite all this, Julia is her typical positive, silly, joyful self. She has been so strong and determined. We think many would agree she is a light in this world and an inspiration to many.

Thank you so very much for praying, sharing and being a part of this journey with us. We are hopeful and encouraged by your faith, love and support."

The Paul Family❤️