Julian’s Journey

Hello friends, family, and neighbors—

Please take a moment to consider my family as they face this unforeseen circumstance. My Aunt Denise would like you to know:

”Most of you know of my grandson, Julian. He lives in the UK with my daughter, Lily.

Julian is 4/ 1/2 years old and is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Before I tell you about his diagnosis, let me first tell you my favorite things about him:

Julian loves to sing and to be sang to— I can hear his little voice from afar as we FaceTime. He is bright, affectionate, and happy. “Oh the Places You’ll Go” is his favorite book. Julian has an infatuation with globes and maps. He is supposed to start school this fall, which would be an exciting new world for him to explore.

For now, those school days are on hold. Instead, his Mommy, Lily, is reading him a new story: the doctors will soon place a port in his chest and back. This is to help Julian grow big, strong, and better.

Months ago, Julian’s new reality began— he had trouble walking and was in lots of pain. Suddenly, he wasn’t able to walk at all. At first, the doctors said it was growing pains. After lots and lots of tests and scans, we now know the source of Julian’s symptoms: cancer. And although it can be a big and scary word, we are hopeful for the best outcome. The doctors say it is curable and treatable, but will require an intense two year treatment.

Julian remains bright and happy as we transition into this two year period of treatment. He is on the autism spectrum, which complicates his ability to handle the stress that will be imposed on his little, frail body.

Our family’s hope is to give Julian and his Mommy, Lily, the best support system possible. This is complicated by the ocean between us. We live in the states (MiMi and Pop). We want to be there with Julian and take turns helping him with his daily care. Pop is starting a new job and won’t be able to travel for a while. Lily wants her mom and Julian is asking for his MiMi. They were supposed to move here with us in the states this summer so they could start a new chapter in their lives.

Lily is the main support for Julian at the hospital and for his day to day needs. The hospital will provide a bed for her, but she is responsible for meals and anything else they both will need.

Our immediate goal is to travel to the UK to stay with Lily and Julian in order to provide care and support. It is a financial speed bump we never saw coming.

We humbly ask you, our community, for financial support as we navigate this task.

We ask for help to pay for airfare and hotel accommodations near the hospital so we can take turns helping and supporting Lily and Julian. Once he is able to go home, we will take turns with his care and transporting him to his many appointments.

We know this is the start of a two year period of many ups and downs, but we remain grateful there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for reading Julian’s story. Our family is grateful for your positive thoughts, support, and encouragement.”