Julia first discovered a
lump in her breast late in 1999 while showering. She went
to see her doctor twice before an ultrasound was taken in
2000. After a needle biopsy, the diagnosis of stage IV breast
cancer was confirmed. Her lumpectomy was performed on February
9, 2000.
Julia found it difficult to tell her
friends and family about her cancer and her treatment because
she worried it would be so upsetting to them that they would
fall apart. For three and a half years she went about her
life as if the cancer weren’t there. She had her surgeries
and endured her treatments courageously and very quietly.
She wanted to continue living her life and finding joy where
she could. She had hopes, dreams and plans like anyone else.
She was indomitable. For support, she turned to the Wellness
Community.
Julia returned to Mexico several times
during her illness. She wanted to keep her mind off her
illness and she loved showering gifts on her family and
friends, on those less fortunate. She cared about her culture
and strived to maintain her Hispanic roots.
In her memory, her family and friends
have decided to raise money for a program for underserved
women at the Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Clinic Women’s
Cancers at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los
Angeles. Julia’s legacy of love and life keeps her
memory alive; it keeps her loved ones thinking about Julia—larger
than life and so much more than her breast cancer diagnosis.
Through the Julia Campos Memorial Fund, Julia is still showering
gifts on those less fortunate.
