Families

Meet Julia

by Avis Matsuda, St. Baldrick's Foundation
January 2, 2018
Julia

When you meet Julia, you know right away there’s something special about her. Perhaps it’s her bright smile or her exuberant joy and compassion for others. But this 11-year-old girl is super!

In fact, that’s her family’s favorite nickname for her — “Supergirl Julia” — given in honor of her courage and determined spirit during her cancer journey.

Julia poses for a photo

When she was 8 years old, Julia was diagnosed with a grade 2 ependymoma in her brain. She bravely endured three major brain surgeries, five minor surgeries, eight rounds of chemotherapy and two months of radiation.

Julia with sign

Her tumor has remained stable through recent scans and Julia has bounced back to do all the things she loves best.

Julia with her mom
Julia poses with her mom

Supergirl Julia is super talented – she sings, plays the piano and ukulele, and dances. She loves to create imaginary stories and songs with her dolls and stuffed animals. She is a Cadette Girl Scout, as well as a member of two youth leadership organizations in her community, the Junior Beta Club and the local chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.

Julia has a strong faith and is active in her church, where she especially enjoys participating in the children’s ministries.

Julia stands in a field

It’s no wonder that everyone who meets Julia comes away feeling encouraged and uplifted. Her family calls them “Julia-isms,” because she is known to share something profound, inspiring or just plain funny that touches people’s hearts. This young girl hasn’t let cancer dim her bright future or cloud her sunny outlook on life.

Julia is one of five St. Baldrick’s Foundation 2018 Ambassadors, representing the thousands of kids touched by cancer each year. Say hello to our next 2018 Ambassador …

Meet Kellan

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