Julie Lane-Champagne in her Health Journey

   Help Us help our friend Julie!!    

    Julie Lane Champagne was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy-C (affecting her cerebellum) in November of 2022. MSA-C is a rare progressive disease which is characterized by motor and autonomic nervous system dysfunctions(ie-including a person’s breathing, digestion,swallowing, balance, mobility and bladder/bowel control. This is a rare, neurodegenerative, progressive, terminal illness for which there is no cure and limited treatment options. Most doctors and other medical professionals have not heard of this illness. Prior to her diagnosis, Julie saw three different neurologists and it wasn't until her fourth neurologist who specializes in MSA-C that she was finally diagnosed . She is now under the treatment of a MSA specialist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. In Julie 's case she has MSA-C. It affects her cerebellum and autonomic nervous system function. It has already progressed, affecting both her speech and mobility.  

     Julie is a 1988 BS and 90' MS graduate in Physical Therapy from Springfield College. She has been a practicing physical therapist for almost 33 years and has had to retire because of her diagnosis. The financial burden, even with health insurance, has been an added stress upon Julie and her family. Her husband Dave recently recovered from reconstructive ankle surgery and has just returned to work . Their daughter Sarah, is a sophomore at Springfield College. 

     Julie is a warm, and loving person who has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever known. Her perseverance and faith have carried her this far on her journey. Julie is an extremely humble and giving human being. She has given so much to others through service, kindness, and compassion. Your help and support would be so appreciated to aid with her family's financial strain. Any donation to help support Julie and her family would be a welcome blessing!