Swimming Up Stream - Team Julie

We, the family of the one-and-only Julie Hardt, appreciate the love and support that many of you have offered as she navigates her diagnosis and treatment of a cavernous malformation located in the midbrain of her brain stem. This group of blood vessels has been bleeding, causing Julie stroke-like symptoms that have worsened to the point of needing an intensive, invasive, and risky surgery.

Julie's symptoms started mild, with headaches, double vision, and exhaustion. After discovering the cause, Julie had to immediately stop work - no longer able to drive, sleeps excessively, and fatigues easily. Over the holidays and into the new year, her symptoms worsened. A stutter appeared, recall was challenging, and soon her motor skills were compromised. It was clear that the bleed was worsening and surgery the best option.

Two care flights to UCSF from Reno, specialists, MRIs, hospital stays, pending neurosurgery, plans for rehab and recovery post-surgery, and eventual in-home professional care have added up to exorbitant costs and will continue to do so. Julie can no longer work, and Brenda is doing her best to manage her own work (which she can no longer do from home) while also caring for Julie's unpredictable medical needs.

Julie is a brilliant University of Georgia grad, PhD from University of Western Australia, former American Record Holder, coach of the Carson Tigersharks, coach of the 2024 Paralympic swim team, Pacific Swimming coach and swimmer (age group and Masters), wife of Brenda, and Dogmom of Freo. After all that she has given to the world of swimming and our community, here is our chance to give back to Julie.