Julie’s Battle: Stage IV Colon Cancer

Hi there - our names are Laura and James, thank you for taking a few moments of your time to read this message. 

On Friday December 13th we were told that our mom, Julie, was diagnosed for a second time with stage IV Metastatic Colon cancer. This is a battle that no one should have to face, let alone face twice. She has been in pain for months and this month her doctors were finally able to discover the root of the cause. 

For those that know our mom, you know she is made of iron, doesn’t put up with any BS, and will never once go down without fighting tooth and nail for what she deserves. Her strength fills us with hope as she begins her battle with chemotherapy, possible surgeries, and other required treatments. 

Julie is the kind of person who rarely leaves a day unfilled, spending time with her best friend Rocco the rescue dog, beach walks, hikes, and spreading her extensive knowledge of physical fitness to other women through personal training here in Marin County. The past two years have been big for her, with the main event being a move onto a live-aboard boat in Sausalito. She also started her own personal training business Third Act Fitness, and we could not be more proud of her. She is a major inspiration to us both, and to her peers. 

Unfortunately, the boat life is unable to accommodate her upcoming needs as she starts her treatment. Chemotherapy is a vicious treatment and will cause a great deal of discomfort and nausea. She is already in constant pain with the location of her tumor, and needs a space to lay down or sit comfortably. Of course her boat is cozy, but at this time it is not going to be an ideal living situation. She needs running water, a bathroom, and insulation from the elements. All of us are devastated that she has to move away from something that she’s worked so hard for the past few years. But we know in no time Julie and Rocco will be back on the boat enjoying Sausalito Sunsets. 

For those of you that know our family, you know we will stick together no matter what, and try to problem solve within. But at this time, we are asking our community for help. We cannot sit by and watch our mom suffer, trying to manage her physical health, mental health, pain, and expenses on top of everything else. Our goal with starting this GoFundMe is to lighten any financial burdens placed on her so she can enjoy a more appropriate and comfortable living situation. We hope to find her a place closer to her treatment center in Terra Linda. A temporary living situation that will provide a safe space for her to heal, enjoy time with Rocco, her kids, and other visitors. We want to be with her through the darkest nights and be able to travel as little as possible for her medical care. 

Previously when our mom had cancer, our family had the blessing of an incredible support system of people to help, providing meals, rides, pain management, and childcare. We were sheltered from the true gravity of the situation when we were 10 and 8 years old. Now that we (Laura 21, James 20) are old enough to help her fight, we will not let her go through it without using everything in our power to help. 

As her family, we want to do everything we can to support her physically, mentally, and spiritually. We are pleading our community for support of any kind while she faces this cancer once again. Any donation big or small will make a massive difference in her quality of life at this time. We will never forget your kindness and gratitude. If you are unable to donate, please share this page. 

F’ Cancer

Thank you for your time, 

James, Laura, Shirley, Neil, Michael, Rocco and Julie <3