Why I Give: The Julia Bargman Hope Foundation

“Coach B” never gave up. Not on her students. Not on herself.

An inspiring teacher since 1993, Coach B, whose name is Julia Bargman, taught physical education and eventually became a counselor at Smithville Middle School.

She led and educated students in the Smithville School District as the high school’s assistant cross-country coach and middle school track coach. Students who sometimes didn’t believe in themselves always had Coach B in their corner.

In 1996, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, it was a student who sent her a bouquet of flowers that said, “You can do this.”

That belief, that mantra, set Julia on a race to leave cancer in the dust. Coach B spent the days receiving chemo and the afternoons and evenings coaching at practices or meets. The strength she showed motivated her student athletes to keep going, keep fighting.

The Julia Bargman Hope Foundation was established to honor Julia’s legacy as a passionate coach and fearless advocate.

And every October, Julia’s Warriors Run for Hope raises money to benefit organizations Julia valued, including Saint Luke’s North Breast and Imaging Center.

To date, they have donated $110,000 to the center and have helped more than 1,000 women receive proper clinical breast exams.

Learn more about how you or your organization can support Saint Luke's Foundation.