Julia Katharine Alexander is a one-of-a-kind 16-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 an 11th grader at Patriot High School, where her favorite classes include English, Child Development, and Employ. Julia is a member of the Manassas-Woodbridge Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and serves as an Ambassador Girl Scout. She loves to volunteer in her community and recently received her Girl Scout Silver Award. Julia isn't afraid to share her faith and 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. 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 crisis.
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. By sharing the gifts of your time, talent and money with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, you're supporting research to give all kids with cancer a better chance for a cure.
Donations given to the Supergirl Julia Mission Fund go directly to the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund lifesaving childhood cancer research around the world. The Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
These people make us smile - they're the doers and money-raisers on behalf of the Supergirl Julia Mission Fund for Ependymoma. They're shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to raise money on behalf of our Hero Fund! You’ll be paired with a staff member who will walk you through every step of the process, and you’ll have fun knowing you’re doing a great thing for kids with cancer.