At the age of 32, just two months before her 33rd birthday, Julia was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She was suddenly propelled along a medical journey she never thought she would have to go through. Throughout the course of her treatment, Julia underwent 16 rounds of chemo, a bilateral double mastectomy, and several lung surgeries.
Julia had a great support system of family and friends at home, along with a strong connection to her faith. Recognizing the only thing missing was the support of others that understood what she was going through, she found Gilda’s Club while researching where she could connect with other young people diagnosed. She entered our red door to attend our Young Survivors and Women of Color support groups, and it wasn’t long before she found additional programming. “From there,” Julia says, “I started attending social outings and sporting events, as well as webinars related to my type of breast cancer, focused on improving my health and well-being.”
2022 saw Julia giving back by modeling at Bras for a Cause, a unique fundraising event where breast cancer survivors take to the runway in art bras to raise funds for Gilda’s Club. “I’ve made new lasting friendships with fighters and survivors that I now call family,” Julia shares.
“The most beneficial part of Gilda’s Club has been the multitude of supportive programming, resources, and activities that uphold those diagnosed and encompass the entire family at no cost. Gilda’s Club is essential in the cancer community…it makes an impact and imprint for our community to thrive during our darkest moments leading into our victory of survivorship.”
