Our journey with cancer began when Julia was just 1.5 months old. We noticed her eyes drifting, but our concerns were dismissed for months. By the time we finally got answers, we were told she had the worst-graded tumors in both of her eyes. We were also told she would likely not survive. The only treatment option was in New York—at our own expense.
Now, seven years later, Julia is still fighting. She lost her right eye nine months into treatment, and every day, we fight to save the vision in her remaining eye. She has endured more than 200 rounds of anesthesia, over 20 surgeries, and even a moment when her heart stopped during surgery. She has never reached remission—yet—but she continues to face her battle with incredible strength and grace.
Cancer has changed every aspect of our lives. Julia is blind, she has missed so much school, and we have had to fight tirelessly for both her medical care and her right to an education. Financially, it has been devastating—we have moved multiple times to keep up with bills, and I haven’t been able to return to my nursing career because of the constant travel to New York for treatment. Through it all, our faith has been our foundation. We have lost friends and family along the way—some people just don’t know how to handle the weight of what we live with every day. But we choose grace, and we choose to make the most of the life we do have.
Despite everything, Julia radiates kindness, warmth, and joy. She is the harmony in our lives—a beautifully spoken, gentle soul who loves her brothers fiercely and adores animals. She finds joy in playing, being silly, and embracing life with an unbreakable spirit. Her story is still being written, and we are so proud to be by her side as she fills it with love, laughter, and resilience.
Hope session by Shyla Brown Photography | Instagram