My name is Mariel Balzotti and I am starting this fundraiser to support my dear friend Julia Lippolis as she copes with a malignant brain tumor.

On July 18, Julia ended up in the ER when an MRI found a massive tumor in her brain. After many doctors and many tests, she had brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Since the tumor involves the language centers of her brain, they were not able to remove all of the tumor. This week Julia begins weeks of daily chemoradiation to try and shrink the remaining tumor. She will most likely need more chemotherapy after this and potentially more surgery in the future.

Julia works as a pastry chef and due to the physically demanding nature of her job, she has been unable to work since her diagnosis and will be unable to work for some time. She is still covered by insurance but will need to reimburse her employer for her healthcare costs as long as she is on medical leave. Medical bills are piling up and she will still need to pay for food, rent and other life expenses.

At the same time, Julia’s father John is on his own cancer journey as he is being treated for myelofibrosis in Minnesota. Her mother Lea is traveling back and forth between her daughter and her husband to care for and support them both.

The funds from this fundraiser will go directly to Julia to help with her medical and life expenses. Any amount will help. Let’s help take some of the burden off the shoulders of this wonderful family.