age 15 | diagnosed with Grade II Ependymoma brain tumor
Submitted by mom, Missy:
I am lighting up for my daughter Julia Katharine Alexander. She is a one-of-a-kind 15-year-old, who is rarely seen without a super bright smile on her face. She's just so full of joy, love, and compassion for others. Everyone who knows her can recall something profound, inspirational, or just plain funny that Julia's shared with them. At home, we call them "Julia-isms." :) Regardless of your encounter with this sweet girl, you leave feeling a little warmer and happier inside. On December 14, 2014, Julia was diagnosed with a Grade II Ependymoma brain tumor. Since then, she has bravely endured three major brain surgeries, five minor surgeries, eight rounds of chemotherapy, and two months of radiation therapy. While she is not considered NED (No Evidence of Disease), we are so grateful that her tumor remains stable.
Julia has tons of interests including reading, dancing, playing the piano, singing, exercising, and writing songs and stories. She is a rising 10th grader at Patriot High School. She is a member of the Manassas-Woodbridge Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., serves as a Senior Girl Scout, takes piano and voice lessons at InTune Music Studios, and loves to volunteer in her community. Most importantly, she loves The Lord and isn't afraid to share her faith. Julia enjoys attending service and volunteering in the Early Childhood Ministry at Park Valley Church, where she was baptized on May 21, 2016.
Among Julia’s greatest passions are advocating for more pediatric cancer research funding and working to bring a little sparkle into the lives of patients and survivors. Julia has attended four Childhood Cancer Action Days on Capitol Hill, served as a 2018 St. Baldrick’s Ambassador, and attended Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day at the Virginia State Capitol. She volunteers for fundraising events at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, where she is currently treated, and has organized several item drives for hospitals across our region. Most recently, she earned her Girl Scout Silver Award for one of her many projects supporting the Hopkins Child Life Program. Her compassion for little children is astounding, and she plans to one day become a child life specialist and dedicate her career to helping children in medical crises.
Julia is our powerful, creative, faith-filled superhero, and she will be victorious! Thank you for supporting Julia and the more than 300,000 kids worldwide who will be diagnosed with cancer this year.