Everyone Needs a Julie.

It’s a phrase everyone close to her uses, almost a running joke through the years, because Julie is always there for everyone. She’s a fixer — when someone she loves has a problem, she jumps into action without hesitation. When I needed a heart transplant, she immediately committed to being my caregiver, giving countless hours of her time, energy, and love to make sure I made it through — emotionally and physically.

But now, Julie needs a Julie. It’s our turn to be hers.

Now she’s facing her own fight. Both of her biopsies came back positive for breast cancer, and her left breast alone has 10 centimeters of cancerous tissue. The first step is a double mastectomy on September 5th — a surgery that will take away more than cancer. It will pernamently take away a part of her. It’s a life-saving step, but also a deeply emotional one, followed by a long road of recovery, a second surgery in January, and ongoing care into next year.

Her out-of-pocket medical costs for treatment are $8,600 this year and another $8,600 next year — $17,200 total — and that’s if everything goes perfectly. This fundraiser is just to cover as much of her co-pay as possible. It doesn’t even touch the income she may lose while she’s out of work or all the other costs that come with a diagnosis like this (but she refuses to ask for more than the copay help).

We can’t fix the cancer, but we can help make treatment possible. Even $20 would mean the world to her right now, because it’s not just money — it’s breathing room to focus on healing instead of paying for treatment.

Julie has always been the one showing up for others. Let’s show up for her now. Please give if you can, and if you can’t give financially, your prayers, love, and encouragement are just as meaningful.