Julie Harris

Hello Friends and Supporters! Less than two weeks and we will be back in New York for my one year post-op appointment. Wow!! What a ride it's been. My official one year mark is November 17th. In some ways, this last year has flown by, but those first few months... oh my! I'm so excited for the next chapters in my life. I get to live life in a new body, one that has previously endured so much pain and trauma. Now, I get to go on living with virtually no physical pain and I get to focus on new goals. Although I am covered in scars, they are what has shaped me into the person I am today. I haven't done any updates for quite a while and a big part of the reason was, I just wanted to get back to my quiet little life. This journey has not been easy. Sometimes I felt lost, broken, and beyond frustrated. In the first few months I didn't recognize myself. But that little voice inside said, "just keep going." So this summer looked different than most summers. I am still getting my strength back but I am so thrilled to finally be feeling awesome again. I spent some time on the CDT for the very first time, less than a month ago with a good friend. I can't wait to get back on the CDT again! Back in July (?), I attended the Symphony Under the Stars in Helena. What a blast that was! The icing on the cake was being able to sit in the car and during the show with minimal pain. My favorite activity this past year... hiking! Big shocker. I'm getting stronger and my stamina is coming back. I've had two back-to-back days in the last month and it didn't completely wipe me out this time. When they say it takes a full year to recover, they really weren't exaggerating. Once I have a chance to catch my breath and process what we find out in NY, I will do another update. My appointment is on November 4th. We are finally going to spend a couple of days sightseeing this time! We have been all-business every time we've flown out there, so we get to take in more than just the hospital this time. Woo-hoo!! "Quit" is not in my vocabulary. I will continue to pursue new and old passions and make the most of this one life. I will never forget the love, support, and kindness people have shown me. I know that without your help, I would not have made it through this last year. I'm forever thankful and always grateful. Thank you!!