Julia Linn was not supposed to live past age 40. Diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at age 11, by age 34 the disease had ravaged her body: kidneys failed, going blind, heart disease, and extensive nerve damage.

The choice she was given: dialysis as a diabetic would give her maybe 5-6 years of a compromised life.

Or: a dual organ transplant with a kidney and the very experimental pancreas transplant with outcomes as extreme as a healing from the diabetes and failing kidneys – to death by stroke, heart attack, infection before, during or after a 12-hour surgery with no guarantees.

Julia could no longer live with diabetes. If that meant risking death, she was ready to accept it. She took the risky double organ transplant as her only option and on July 27, 1991 was given the gift of life by Gina who died in a tragic car accident at age 25.

The organ transplant cured her diabetes, gave her a healthy kidney, and this precious Gift of Life reversed many complications to tolerable, except the heart disease. This had advanced and a triple cardiac bypass was necessary for Julia at age 48. More complications and her thyroid removed at age 50.

Exactly 30 years after the organ transplant that saved her life, Julia stepped on stage as a National Physique Committee (NPC) athlete in bodybuilding, Masters 60+ Bikini category. She won first place. She had begun a years-long wellness journey out of gratitude for being alive, being able to move, being able to live, love and laugh. She continues to train and compete at age 66.

Though the transformation of her physique is remarkable, it’s the inner transformation that was the most profound. It took place after years of setbacks, challenges, loss, and a lucid near-death experience.

Julia shares a message of hope, possibility, resilience , and the immense power of your thoughts. The key to truly navigating into your best possible life is within you and totally within your power.

This is a fascinating story of an adventuresome woman who overcame a difficult childhood, and extreme T1 diabetes complications. She was not expected to live past 40. An early recipient of a kidney/pancreas organ transplant changed all that. At age 62 her goal became optimal health. After two years lifting weights, her energy levels were so high, and physique so transformed, she competed in a bodybuilding contest at age 64 (and won.)

Many women over 40 think it’s not possible to reclaim health and a strong physique. Julia proves that it is. It starts with gratitude for life, and the Power of Self-Love.