Julia was diagnosed in 2006 when she was a little over 3 years old. Our journey began with a helicopter ride to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on Memorial Day for emergency shunt surgery. On June 6th she underwent a craniotomy in order to obtain a biopsy of the tumor, which was located between her cerebellum and brainstem, deeming it inoperable. The results came back that it was an ATRT, a very rare and aggressive tumor with a grim prognosis.

She started treatment on July 12, 2006 here at the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, under the care of Dr. Anna Janss and the "lump in the head" team as they refer to themselves. She has undergone 17 rounds of chemo (each 3 weeks) and 6 weeks of radiation. Her protocol has been very intense and she has done well. On the weeks that she is not receiving chemo we visit the Aflac Cancer Center on Mondays and Thursdays.

We have met so many amazing people on this journey at the Aflac Cancer Center; we have made lifelong friends. The staff is an incredible group of individuals who put there heart and soul into their job, making us feel so loved. The care and attention they give us is amazing.

Julia loves to play princesses, dollies, dress-up, ballet, swim and play with her twin sister Claire. Julia is the most courageous, resilient and sweetest 3 year-old (along with her sister). Having cancer changes your entire perspective on life. Priorities shift and simple things once taken for granted become very important. We have been amazed by the support we have received from friends, family, and strangers.