Julie’s Story

Meet the Models, SoCal: Julie

Julie had been down this road before—biopsies, scans, and follow-ups for six years. With dense breast tissue making every image inconclusive, each year brought more uncertainty and more anxiety. So when her doctor finally called with the news—stage 0 DCIS—she didn’t feel fear. She felt relief.

“In my mind, it was either they’d find cancer one day, or I’d spend the rest of my life getting markers injected into my breasts. I was finally going to get these problematic breasts removed.”

Julie moved through her diagnosis with clarity and calm, thanks in part to her dear friend and breast cancer survivor, Nicole Fisher, who jumped in immediately—offering guidance, connecting her with trusted surgeons, and staying by her side through every decision. Julie chose to wait before telling others, wanting to understand the full picture herself before worrying those she loved. When she did share, it was with assurance and strength.

Support poured in. Meals. Gift cards. Cozy post-op clothing. Her community made it easy for her to rest while knowing her family was cared for. She even recorded video updates in a group text thread, giving her space while keeping loved ones close.

“People sent me gifts with drain pockets, zip-up bras, food for my family. But the best part? Most didn’t expect a response. They just said: ‘No need to write back—just know you’re in our prayers.’ That was such a gift.”

Julie also credits Juven, a recovery drink recommended by her surgeon, with speeding her healing process. She took it for two weeks before surgery and a month after, and swears by it.

Today, Julie looks back with gratitude—not just for the early diagnosis, but for the way her people showed up with quiet care and without expectation. She wants others supporting someone with cancer to remember:

“Check in. Send the food. Drop the flowers. But don’t ask for a reply. That freedom—to just receive without needing to respond—is its own kind of healing.”