Stand with Julia: Battling Cancer Together

There are people who come into your life and change it forever. My sister didn't come into my life though, I came into hers -- she's been with me from the moment I came into this world. She's been with me through every milestone, every tragedy, and every adventure. Julia's not just my sister; she's my heart's twin, my confidante, my daily laugh, and my anchor when the world feels unsteady. We talk every day, and each conversation is a reminder of how deeply connected we are; how similar we are in every way.

Julia wears may hats -- nurse, teacher, daughter, mom, sister, and friend -- but its the way she wears them that makes her extraordinary. As a nurse, she's healed with her hands and heart. As a teacher, she inspires young minds with (probably too much) patience and passion. As a mom, she's a superhero in leggings -- nurturing, protective, and endlessly loving. And to me? She's been my safe place, my partner in crime, my forever person -- since forever.

Julia is kind in the quiet ways that matter most, funny in that perfectly goofy way that turns any bad day around, and so full of love that being around her feels like coming home. Her spirit is wild and free, and her laughter is the kind that fills rooms and hearts.

Recently, at just 33 years old, Julia was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative invasive breast cancer -- a cruel twist for someone who is so young and has given so much of herself to others. Her doctors have taken swift action to coordinate her plan of treatment. She will undergo three months of 2 different types chemo and immunotherapy, another three months of 2 other chemotherapies, and finally a double mastectomy with later reconstruction.

It goes without saying that Julia and her family are going to need not only emotional and physical help, but also financial help covering the influx of medical bills on top of their normal household expenses. Since the type of cancer she has is so aggressive -- and in turn her treatment being so aggressive -- she will be forced to quit her job for the foreseeable future.

ALL amounts will be provided directly to Julia to help support her, her husband Josh, and their girls Sophie and Coco. Quite literally any amount that you are able to donate will be so so appreciated. Thank you, all!!