Julie Jarvis has a rare and little-known chronic disorder called syringomyelia; often abbreviated SM. Fluid pressure inside her spinal cord is unrelenting and building, causing chronic pain, numbness and muscle weakness. Borgess has been a partner in her efforts to cope with her condition. “We researched other medical centers and only Borgess came up with an answer,” she says.

Jarvis refuses to let her chronic pain keep her from living, or taking care of her horses at her rural Hastings home. “No matter what one is dealing with in this life you must stay positive,” says Julie, who is in her 50s. Jarvis was so moved by her care experiences at Borgess that she and her family have established a restricted fund through the Borgess Foundation, dedicated to the support of scientific and medical research on effective treatments - and perhaps a cure - for SM and other spinal cord conditions and injuries.

Julie has gracefully accepted her painful reality, but hopes that further research will lead to a brighter future for others with SM. The fund that bears her name helps support the Borgess Research Institute (BRI), which provides comprehensive and centralized research services to enable physicians and other scientists to seek improved patient care.
For more information about “Julie’s Fund,” - call 269.226.8100.

Read Full Story (Benevolent Voice Spring 2008 )