On 12/23/22 our sixteen-year-old daughter, Julia Doppelhammer, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Our family was completely blindsided by this medical diagnosis.  In February, March, April of 2022, Julia had several ENT appointments at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Albert Lea and Austin to check on some swollen lymph nodes in her neck.  At each of those appointments, we were informed by her medical providers not to worry because they were not cancer. Her providers mentioned that a biopsy could be done, but that a biopsy would likely not be definitive and did not encourage her to have one done.

At the end of May of 2022, our family relocated to Rochester.  As time went on, and the swollen lymph nodes remained, Julia decided to have a biopsy done.  Despite having been told multiple times that “she was not dealing with cancer,” the biopsy came back malignant Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  

Since Julia’s diagnosis, we have spent countless hours at Mayo Clinic and St. Mary’s hospital.  We are fortunate to have access to the best medical care within only a few miles of our home.  We have received an incredible outpouring of support from friends and family.  Although we would like to personally share this medical diagnosis with each of you, we hope everyone knows that this is not possible.  Please continue to send positive thoughts, prayers, and an outpouring of support for Julia and our family. 

Dave, Melissa, Julia, and Evan