Overcoming Adversity
Working with Narcolepsy: Part I – I Fought the Nap and the Nap Won.
On Friday, I was so surprised to be awarded a Values In Action (VIA) award for “Excellence” at work! As I approached the stage, the presenter read the comments from my nomination: Julie is always excited to take on any new task. She approaches her work with enthusiasm, regardless of how big or small the assignment is.…
Read MoreMeet Owen, 11 Year Old Boy Living with Narcolepsy
Recently, I received a video from a mother of a young boy with narcolepsy. Warning: I cannot watch this video without crying. Brooke describes: “My 11-year-old son, Owen, was diagnosed with narcolepsy last spring. It was and is scary, and there just isn’t a lot of information out there, especially positive information! So you have…
Read MoreProject Sleep Awards 10 Scholarships to Students with Narcolepsy Entering College
While crossing the finish line of the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon was an awesome moment, my biggest prize came yesterday when Project Sleep gave out TEN scholarships to students with narcolepsy through the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship program. Meet the 2015 Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship Recipients: View Scholarship Awards Announcement View/Download…
Read MoreYOU CAN AND YOU WILL (Marathon Part II)
As I crossed the start line of the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon, runners started passing me. I laughed when a pack of Elvis(s) passed me. Typical. “Slow and steady. No one to beat. Nothing to prove,” I told myself. My shirt was drenched with sweat within 3 miles. Soon my hands raisined and…
Read MoreWake, Julie. It’s Late and We’ve Miles to Go Together. (Marathon Part I)
The week of the marathon, I forgot I was running a marathon. “Have you booked your hotel yet?” my co-worker, Betsy asked me on Wednesday. “Uh, no, but I will…” My mind was preoccupied with other efforts, the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship and Sleep Walk Dallas. So, I was last minute about everything –…
Read MoreThe Final Countdown… REM Running a Marathon this Sunday!
On my final training run tonight, I got to thinking — last time I ran a marathon, I ended up writing a book about it. I wonder what the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon has in store for me! So far, this marathon experience has been a wild ride. I started training in the midst of…
Read MoreRaising Narcolepsy Awareness at Nova Southeastern University
Grand Rounds is the important educational tradition of doctors and healthcare professionals getting together to learn about evolving areas which may be outside of their core practice. However, patients are rarely invited to participate, so sharing my narcolepsy journey at Nova Southeastern University (NSU)’s Grand Rounds on May 8, 2015 was a HUGE honor. This is why, just 24 hours…
Read MoreThe Doctors Show Features My Story with Narcolepsy
Tune in to the Doctors TV Show this Monday Feb. 9, I’ll be sharing my journey with narcolepsy – including sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations . See full information here. Watch TV interview online: Crafting an honest and accurate portrayal of narcolepsy with the Doctors TV Show was a lot of fun. I was blown away…
Read MoreRunning a Marathon for Narcolepsy Scholarship
It’s official! I’m training to run the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon on May 31, 2015 to support the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship. Please consider supporting in one of two ways: Purchase a NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE t-shirt or sweatshirt here. Deadline: Feb. 15. Delivered in time to wear for National Narcolepsy Day/Suddenly Sleepy Saturday March 7,…
Read MoreMeet Collin and Conner – An Amazing Friendship
Meet Collin and Conner, two friends in the 5th grade in Columbus, Mississippi. I’ve always loved thier NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE photo, but recently learned about the friendship behind the smiles. Collin was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at age 8. Despite the challenges he faces, Collin has stayed active as a student and athlete. He…
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