Community Corner
Juliana Ramos' Family: 'Never Expect Anything'
Patch captures moments of Juli's daily fight to recovery, as her family recalls the night of the accident, their struggle watching her fight through a painful, grueling recovery—and their hopes for her future.
Juliana Ramos might never be the same person she was before Oct. 2, 2009. She might never be as bubbly, or outgoing, or as infectiously enthusiastic. She might not be able to walk down an aisle to her love Chris Medina, or run alongside her younger siblings.
Since suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2009, those possibilities are gleaming nuggets of hope through rigorous therapies, grueling stretches, and dark days in Ramos' road to recovery. She has been forced to re-learn the most ordinary of tasks—brushing her teeth, feeding herself and walking.
But everyday, Juli shows her supporters she's nothing short of extraordinary.
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As much as her life has changed, so have the lives of her family and friends. Before the accident, with her big, brown eyes, booming personality and bright smile, Ramos attracted most, if not all, of the attention in any room. And she still does.
Family members, therapists and community members are all devoted to Ramos' fight for recovery. If Juli's frustration overwhelms her, her family is there to urge her forward. Every time the stretches tear at her contracted muscles, Medina reassures her that she can do it. Her family and community are a united front fighting to unlock Ramos from her body. Occasionally, in moments of pain and frustration, Ramos breaks up with Medina or tells Barnes she hates her—but both know she doesn't mean it, and they're not about to leave her side.
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"I try to remind her of who she was before, who we were together before," . "...This isn't going to be forever."
"It's taught me never to expect anything," said Chris Medina. "Always strive for something, but never expect to win, never expect to get it. Be happy with what you have at the time."
Barnes permitted Patch to join Juli for a day of her therapy. Patch captured her hard work, frustration, focus—and sass—throughout the day. The day that we joined her, Ramos underwent hyperbaric oxygen treatments and physical therapy. Other days, she enjoys aquatic therapy, Botox treatments to her contracted muscles and other therapy.
To support Juli, visit www.forjuliana.org. The website includes blog entries written by Barnes, donation and fundraiser information. You'll also find ticket information for Benefit with a View, the family's April 13 fundraiser to be held at 115 Bourbon Street. The fundraiser will include performances from five former Idol contestants and Medina's band The Able Body.
