Julia's Fight against Brain Cancer
Donation protected
My niece Julia is a beautiful 17-year-old junior in high school. She is an extremely bright young lady, who made straight A’s while taking honors and AP courses in school. She loves drawing, tubing on Lake Norman and our family’s annual beach trips to Oak Island.
In late February, Julia was having a hard time concentrating in school, having headaches and falling down for no reason. Her mother, Stephanie Harpman, took her to the ER on March 6th and started undergoing every test imaginable. At first, the doctors diagnosed her with ADEM, then Schilder’s Disease, but then felt it necessary to perform a brain biopsy of the “mass” to confirm the diagnosis. However, Julia didn’t wake up from the biopsy. They had to perform emergency brain surgery to remove the mass that was putting pressure on her brain. The mass turned out to be a cancerous tumor and she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Cerebri - Grade 4.
Unfortunately, Glioblastoma Cerebri is a rare, highly aggressive cancer that does not respond well to traditional therapies like radiation or chemo. There are less than 100 cases diagnosed in the US each year, and because there are so few cases, there is little research into this particular cancer.
Because of this news, Stephanie and Julia have decided to pursue an alternative treatment plan that will kick start her immune system and help it to FIGHT the cancer. Unfortunately, this treatment plan is NOT covered by insurance. The medication alone will cost around twenty thousand dollars, not to mention the other mounting medical bills from being hospitalized for 6 weeks.
The tumor and remaining cancer cells affected the left side of Julia’s body, she is unable to walk and her remaining motor skills have been compromised. Despite these circumstances, Julia has a beautiful disposition and never complains. If you ever ask her how she is doing or feeling, she always flashes her gorgeous smile and sweetly replies, “I am good.”
Because she needs around the clock care and daily doctor visits, Stephanie has given up her full time job to take care of Julia. Tim, Julia’s Stepdad, is a teacher at a local high school and is now the sole provider for the household.
The goal of this GO FUND ME account is to raise the money to pay for the alternative treatment. Any donation to help with the rising medical costs is greatly appreciated. Another way that you can help Julia is to PRAY for complete healing in her body. Stephanie, Tim and all of the extended family are extremely hopeful that this new therapy, coupled with the Lord’s healing, will restore her to perfect health. Her work here on Earth is not finished and we are excited to see all she will accomplish in the years to come. Despite the diagnosis, “We will fight and we will win!”
On behalf of all our family, we sincerely thank you for your support, prayers, and love.
In late February, Julia was having a hard time concentrating in school, having headaches and falling down for no reason. Her mother, Stephanie Harpman, took her to the ER on March 6th and started undergoing every test imaginable. At first, the doctors diagnosed her with ADEM, then Schilder’s Disease, but then felt it necessary to perform a brain biopsy of the “mass” to confirm the diagnosis. However, Julia didn’t wake up from the biopsy. They had to perform emergency brain surgery to remove the mass that was putting pressure on her brain. The mass turned out to be a cancerous tumor and she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Cerebri - Grade 4.
Unfortunately, Glioblastoma Cerebri is a rare, highly aggressive cancer that does not respond well to traditional therapies like radiation or chemo. There are less than 100 cases diagnosed in the US each year, and because there are so few cases, there is little research into this particular cancer.
Because of this news, Stephanie and Julia have decided to pursue an alternative treatment plan that will kick start her immune system and help it to FIGHT the cancer. Unfortunately, this treatment plan is NOT covered by insurance. The medication alone will cost around twenty thousand dollars, not to mention the other mounting medical bills from being hospitalized for 6 weeks.
The tumor and remaining cancer cells affected the left side of Julia’s body, she is unable to walk and her remaining motor skills have been compromised. Despite these circumstances, Julia has a beautiful disposition and never complains. If you ever ask her how she is doing or feeling, she always flashes her gorgeous smile and sweetly replies, “I am good.”
Because she needs around the clock care and daily doctor visits, Stephanie has given up her full time job to take care of Julia. Tim, Julia’s Stepdad, is a teacher at a local high school and is now the sole provider for the household.
The goal of this GO FUND ME account is to raise the money to pay for the alternative treatment. Any donation to help with the rising medical costs is greatly appreciated. Another way that you can help Julia is to PRAY for complete healing in her body. Stephanie, Tim and all of the extended family are extremely hopeful that this new therapy, coupled with the Lord’s healing, will restore her to perfect health. Her work here on Earth is not finished and we are excited to see all she will accomplish in the years to come. Despite the diagnosis, “We will fight and we will win!”
On behalf of all our family, we sincerely thank you for your support, prayers, and love.
Organizer and beneficiary
Shana Brooks
Organizer
Troutman, NC
Stephanie Harpman
Beneficiary