- J
- L
- E
7/16/21:
We honored Julie today, through tears and laughter. We shared memories of her beautiful soul and the light she brought to so many and we celebrated all that she was to all of us.
If you'd like to make a donation in Julie's name, please consider one of the following charities/events:
Head for the Cure which has previously recognized Julie, with an award: http://events.headforthecure.org/goto/JulieLove
Run Fore Cancer which is being held in Julie's honor this year (join in-person or virtually on team RunningforLove): https://raceroster.com/registration/35254/wqykfc6j3c47x5ry/registrant/1
Rest in Peace 6/23/21
Julie being prayed over by her Christian Sisterhood, the weekend before her 3rd brain surgery.:
On May 19, 2018, Julie Love ran a 6.55 trail run in the hot, desert heat and ended up in the hospital later that day, paralyzed on her left side with a brain bleed. The diagnosis: Glioblastoma; the prognosis: terminal.
Doctors originally gave Julie 14 months to live, as the cancer she has is one of the most aggressive there is. It takes whoever it can in its path, but Julie will hear nothing of it, she came out swinging from the get-go and hasn't stopped since. Julie is strong in her faith and nothing less than the fiercest warrior I'm honored to know. She’s had brain swelling, she’s undergone brain surgery,
she’s endured both chemotherapy
and radiation therapy,
experimental treatments,
as well as months of a monthly, 5-day course of oral chemotherapy and yet, she has NEVER given up hope. Sometimes she's just ornery and stubborn, taking a stand and refusing to let this horrible, unrelenting disease take control of her but she makes no excuses, not one. A diagnosis of this nature would be a good excuse for most, but not Julie.
While she was forced to resign her position with the Police Department and go on disability, she's never stopped serving her community. Julie continues to give back by serving as the President and current board member at Coast Guard Family Assistance Fund, winning awards for more than 10 years of continued service.
She’s completed a multitude of half marathons, 10k and 5k races since her diagnosis.
Not even the excruciating desert heat keeps her away. Her determination and commitment is unmatched and every medal she earns is a reminder that she is a blessing and a force to be reckoned with. Julie has defied the odds; 28 months after diagnosis, she's still with us today.
On Saturday, September 26, 2020, Julie awoke to find severe weakness in her left side, a previous symptom of an active tumor. She had recently experienced several falls and was using a cane to get around and walking sticks to persevere in her races. She was scheduled to participate in a Run Fore Cancer 5k race with friends, that morning. Julie did not let the weakness stop her. With the help of a dear friend, she crossed the finish line.
The following day, Julie began to experience seizures while at worship. Another dear friend got her home and resting but the seizures wouldn't relent and she was taken to the hospital and admitted into Neuro ICU. You see, the tumor was back. It came back fast and with a vengeance. It was much larger, deeper into the brain mass and taunting her with her life. The Dr. said the only way she would survive would be to have another brain operation to completely remove her tumor. IF she survived the surgery, she would have paralysis of the left side of her body.
Strong in her faith, Julie trusts that God has a path for her and that when her purpose has been served he will welcome her, with open arms, to Heaven. Her friends and family, they know her purpose has not yet been fulfilled. It's not her time. She's touched so many lives that she's had 1000's carrying her in their thoughts and prayers. And by God's grace, Julie survived the surgery. Coming out fighting, like she always does, Julie awoke within 30 minutes of being in recovery and was asking to see her son. One day after surgery and Julie is already sitting in a chair and doing physical therapy.
Julie has a long road to recovery. She'll go to a rehabilitation facility prior to being allowed to return home. There, she will learn how to cope and care for herself with partial mobility. Over time, with enough rehabilitation and a small miracle, Julie may gain some mobility back. Right now, nobody knows.
Julie will have to endure both Chemo and radiation again. Something no one should ever have to do.
As you can imagine, Julie's medical bills are insurmountable. With having no choice but to resign from her job, she no longer had health insurance to cover her treatments. She paid large insurance premiums for Cobra which did not provide full coverage and as a result, the medical bills just continue to multiply.
Julie fights the good fight better than anyone I know. She continues to smile and stay positive, she does not complain, she continues to serve, she is a miracle and an inspiration like no other I've had the privilege of knowing.
The stress of the disease, alone, and knowing it is terminal is more than the majority can handle. Our hope is that through the kindness and generosity of friends, family, those she's served and mere strangers, we can raise enough funds so that Julie can focus on recovery.
Julie thanks you, in advance, for any contribution you can give to help with her medical funds. God Bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Julie Love
Beneficiary