Meet our 25th Anniversary Ambassador: Julian
Julian’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and gratitude: a journey shaped by medical complexity, strong family support, and a deep appreciation for life. We recently had the chance to sit down with Julian and his mom to learn more about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the role COTS has played in their lives.
Julian is quick to share his interests and passions. When he’s not navigating medical appointments or recovery days, he loves staying active and expressing himself creatively. Baseball is one of his favourite sports: he plays with the Challengers and proudly cheers for the Toronto Blue Jays. He has also begun participating in Special Olympics and hopes to become more involved as his health allows.
Creativity is another big part of Julian’s life. He enjoys cosplay and dressing up as characters from Marvel and K-pop, as well as creating video edits using CapCut, and expressing his sense of style through fashion and jewelry. Music is especially meaningful to him, and he loves listening to and playing guitar.
Julian’s journey began just one week after he was born. His mom, who was only 23 at the time, found herself facing the unimaginable when Julian became critically ill and was placed on life support. He was transferred from BC Children’s Hospital to Edmonton for a heart transplant, a traumatic experience that shaped the early years of their life.
On the way to Edmonton, Julian suffered a stroke and was later diagnosed with seizures. By the age of seven, he underwent brain surgery to help control them. While the transplant saved Julian’s life, it also marked the beginning of a lifelong medical journey involving regular bloodwork, medications, hospital visits, and ongoing monitoring. As Julian explains, “It doesn’t really end when you get a new heart.”
Julian speaks thoughtfully about what it means to be a transplant recipient. He describes his new heart as a gift, one that was given during a deeply difficult time in another family’s life. This understanding has shaped his outlook and gratitude for being alive. If he could go back and say something to himself just after his transplant, Julian says simply, “be grateful to be alive and live life to the fullest.” With a smile, he adds a few jokes about growing up, moving out someday, and eventually making his mom a grandma.
COTS has played a meaningful role in Julian’s life, particularly by creating opportunities that prioritize joy, connection, and inclusion. Julian especially values attending events alongside his siblings, creating shared memories outside of medical settings. Some of his favourite experiences include COTS Camp Latona, where he made close friends and loved roasting s’mores, as well as special events like Driven, where he experienced riding in a McLaren, and attending a Canucks game as a VIP. Seeing his story shared on the big screen and receiving a standing ovation were moments he will never forget. COTS also sponsored his participation in the BC Transplant Walkathon, where he met other families with powerful stories and even won an award.
Julian is surrounded by a strong and loving support network. He is especially close to his two-year-old sister, who plays an important role in his life. His mom also speaks warmly about a close friend, whose son has worked as Julian’s life skills worker for the past year and a half. Their families, as well as Jeannine’s parents and his other siblings, are an important part of Julian’s extended support system.
For Julian’s mom, parenting a transplant child is an ongoing journey filled with uncertainty, advocacy, and resilience. In recent years, Julian has faced increasing medical complexities, including seizures, autoimmune complications, and repeated hospitalizations. Being immunocompromised means illnesses can last far longer and be more severe than they would be for others.
She speaks openly about the PTSD many parents of transplant children experience, constantly questioning whether to trust their instincts or whether they are overreacting. Balancing Julian’s health needs while ensuring his siblings can spend time together and create joyful memories has always been a priority.
Accessing support has been essential. A knowledgeable social worker helped her navigate assistance programs, making it possible to work part-time, manage housing, and homeschool Julian during COVID, when the public school system became too difficult to navigate alongside his medical needs. Spending time in nature, walking their dog Sirius, going to the beach, and relaxing with Netflix have all been important ways she cares for herself, while continuing to care for Julian.
When asked what advice she would give to another parent whose child is undergoing or has recently undergone a transplant, Julian’s mom emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support. Finding a community, connecting with a knowledgeable social worker, and advocating within the healthcare system can make a profound difference. She also encourages parents to “find your people,” those who understand the experience and can offer empathy, perspective, and hope.
For Julian and his family, COTS represents understanding, compassion, and long-term support. It is an organization that recognizes transplant journeys are not instant fixes, but lifelong paths. Through meaningful experiences, family-centred support, and genuine connection, COTS has helped improve Julian’s quality of life and reminded his family that they are not alone.
With his creativity, determination, and bright spirit, Julian continues to show what it means to live fully while navigating a lifelong transplant journey.