Julie was 37 years old when she lost her four-year battle with melanoma on December 21, 2007. She had many amazing qualities, including her incredible strength and perseverance, which she displayed through every obstacle in her fight against this disease. 

Julie's beautiful spirit shined through her sparkling eyes and contagious laugh. She had a sweet voice that would warm your heart and brighten your day. These are just some of the gifts God blessed Julie with. She shared them with her beautiful children, Adam, 14 and Matt, 11, and her loving husband Scott. Julie worked very hard for seven years to complete her degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University. She was a full-time, stay-at-home mom who was actively involved in the sports and other activities that her two young boys loved. She attended her college classes, mostly part-time, so she could take care of her family's needs. Julie graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of 2006, but was never able to fulfill her dream of teaching young children because of melanoma. 
There are so many ways Julie will be missed. Her eternal optimism, personal strength, caring nature, sense of humor and magnetic smile will live on in the family and friends she left behind. She touched the lives of everyone who ever met her and she will be deeply missed. We know that Julie would be proud of this foundation and its dedication to finding a cure for melanoma.

-Written by Jennifer Manzano and Kelly Ivan (Julie's sisters)