The Julia Effect

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We want to share what we are now calling “The Julia Effect”. We are rendered speechless at the amazing offshoots that have transpired in Julia’s honor and memory. It makes us incredibly humble to know these selfless acts of kindness and generosity are being done by children for children. The Julia Effect began in Maryland in early 2013 with a wonderful story: A friend of Julia’s grandpa wrote this email to him. He never met Julia but was inspired by her story: I don’t know if you have had a chance to go by Evergreen Cove lately, but I wanted to let you know that the memorial plaque and post for Julia has been erected and it looks lovely. We are still going to put a small butterfly on the top of the post, and we are deciding between copper or carved wood.

On the first day after setting the post, I noticed one of our rowers had gone over and was reading the plaque. He then walked out to where I was on the dock, put his oars down, sat down in front of me and said “So, tell me about Julia” He listened as I told him Julia’s story and then after a moment of reflection he said “This is a nice place for her memory to live” ….  A very thoughtful young man, and I agreed with him.

We then gathered the rest of the team and let them know about Julia and how she would always be a team mate and to go ahead and rub the top of the post as you head out on the water for strength.
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Today was our last day of rowing for the spring season. We were lucky to have 33 really great kids on the team. (this is only about half of them in the photo), and we are proud to say that we had one of our best season’s to date. Many win’s, lots of potential, and a bunch of kids who have fallen in love with the sport of rowing. We are delighted and thank you for letting the memory of Julia’s strength guide us!!

Chris Gill, Sarah Mackenzie, and the Freedom Rowers team of kids


The Julia Effect Continues:
  • Bryce Schopfer, Sloan Gubner, and Elijah Ayers collected donations for the Julia’s Wings Foundation in lieu of birthday gifts.
  • The New Milford High School Green Wave Dance Team performed their 1st event in April 2014 in loving memory of Julia. All of the proceeds from the recital were donated to Julia’s Wings Foundation.
  • Cami Long, Julia’s hockey teammate , worked on a school project at Washington Montessori since September 2013. It was called a Hero’s Journey. The assignment required each child to pick something that they want to change or work on. Cami chose a way to mix her art skills and raise money for Julia’s Wings Foundation!
  • Julia’s friends, Tori Seiden and Kelly Quinn and Hazel Garrity who never met Julia but was inspired by her story, all cut 8” off of their hair and donated it to Pantene beautiful  lengths in memory of Julia.