Soon after Julia’s 21st birthday, she went to the ER with extreme side pain. After several scans, blood transfusions, and tests, a large tumor was discovered. Surgery was scheduled, and at that time, doctors believed there was a 99% chance it wasn't cancerous. On October 5, 2021, Julia had surgery at UCD Surgery Center to remove the tumor. We were shocked to learn the news that the tumor was cancerous. The cancer cell type was so rare that UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center sent biopsies to Brigham and Women’s Hospital for further analysis. It was determined by the lead tumor profiling department and tumor board that it was so rare they didn’t have an exact cell type name for her particular type of cancer.
There was good news for an entire year as subsequent quarterly scans at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center came back with the "all clear" news. We celebrated her first surgery anniversary and being cancer free on October 5, 2022. Unfortunately, in December 2022, before moving to bi-annual checkups, the results came back and we were devastated to learn they found more tumors. After numerous appointments, more scans, oncology consultations, and tumor board review, it was decided Julia would need more surgery in April 2023.
As you can imagine, Julia has had difficulty working regularly and attending school because of the lengthy recovery period after her initial surgery and ongoing disruptions in her schedule. Despite all this, Julia is her typical positive, silly, joyful self. She has been so strong and determined. We think many would agree she is a light in this world and an inspiration to many. Any funds received will be used for medical bills, transportation, food, co-pays, and other essential expenses while Julia is unable to work full time. We are very careful with the funds that have been donated and will continue to use donations only when needed and are so very grateful! Thank you all for praying, sharing, and being a part of this journey with us. We are hopeful and encouraged by your faith, love, and support.
There was good news for an entire year as subsequent quarterly scans at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center came back with the "all clear" news. We celebrated her first surgery anniversary and being cancer free on October 5, 2022. Unfortunately, in December 2022, before moving to bi-annual checkups, the results came back and we were devastated to learn they found more tumors. After numerous appointments, more scans, oncology consultations, and tumor board review, it was decided Julia would need more surgery in April 2023.
As you can imagine, Julia has had difficulty working regularly and attending school because of the lengthy recovery period after her initial surgery and ongoing disruptions in her schedule. Despite all this, Julia is her typical positive, silly, joyful self. She has been so strong and determined. We think many would agree she is a light in this world and an inspiration to many. Any funds received will be used for medical bills, transportation, food, co-pays, and other essential expenses while Julia is unable to work full time. We are very careful with the funds that have been donated and will continue to use donations only when needed and are so very grateful! Thank you all for praying, sharing, and being a part of this journey with us. We are hopeful and encouraged by your faith, love, and support.