Neuroblastoma Awareness
Before Julianna’s diagnosis of Neuroblastoma on January 14, 2022, Juju’s family spent a lot of time in and out of doctor’s offices and the emergency room. The onset of her symptoms began with a loss of appetite and belly aches. Her mother stated that she dealt with frequent constipation. At first, they placed the blame there and assumed it was the result of her holding it and the pain was from having to go. But as the pain and crying became more frequent and more intense her parents felt something else was going on. She would cry out day and night to "help me, help me, my bewwy hurts." Screaming random words and names she's never even said before. From there, they received a plethora of diagnoses, none of which were correct. Her parents fought for more and more testing, because it just didn’t sit right with them. After meeting with a pediatric GI doctor, he could see the defeat in her parent's eyes and hear the pleas in their voices, he wanted to give this family answers. So, instead of chalking it up to constipation, although that's what he expected, he ordered extensive bloodwork. Because of this notion, they ultimately found the cancer. Juju was admitted for what they thought was Pancreatitis, which then led to the discovery of tumors.
Since then, Juju has not been able to be a normal kid. She has relapsed two times since her original diagnosis and has brought the entire south region together in prayer for her current battle. She is an inspiration to all and she is no doubt a hero to many! Through this battle she has had to endure countless hours of treatments, surgeries and many day-to-day battles. The side effects from the chemotherapy, including neuropathy, included nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, tooth decay and many more. Her mother and father are her greatest advocates and have created a Facebook page to document her journey. Juju’s page has over 10,000 followers, and she has landed herself on prayer lists across the nation. Her mother is a nurse herself and their page is raw and real showing all sides of cancer. This little girl’s story touches all who lay their eyes on it or hear about her. She has shown her beautiful smile time after time and reminds her parent’s “everything is gunna be aright.” Her family has relocated to NYC in order to get the best care possible for their daughter and still continue to make to make the toughest decisions that anyone has to face with her best interest in mind. They too are admirable.
Juju is moving mountains with her story. She has been featured on the runway for the Hugs4kids fashion show and she has been a Grand Marshal for a Mardi Gras parade She has danced with the Dancers of Hope and was named the first Bitty Bionic Babe, and she is now 1 of 5 St. Baldrick’s 2024 Ambassadors. Her reality is hard, yet her bravery continues to outshine the ugly. She is one of the strongest little girls around, and God is using her to bring awareness to pediatric cancer. In May of 2024, her family announced that Julianna has relapsed for a third time. She's currently fighting Cancer for the third time in 3 years. It's relentless, but so is she.
Her community has rallied for Julianna throughout the years in many ways. This warrior is not in this battle alone and has a huge village behind her. Her parent’s rely on their faith day in and day out to be what their daughter needs them to be. They remind many of the love that God has for all. They teach their daughter who to turn to at her lowest points by questioning her “ if she knew who would be watching over her and taking care of her when she didn’t feel the best and when things got hard?” Her reply, without hesitation… “God.”
Julianna you are loved by so many, miles and miles away… Please keep Julianna and all who are on this ugly path in your prayers. You are not fighting this battle alone.
