Why I’m Running: Julie Farrugia is running Boston to ‘save’ her life

"For me, running doesn’t just make me feel more alive, it saves my life."

Julie Farrugia. Courtesy

April 7, 2018

2 minutes to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston on April 16, 2018. Are you running Boston? Here’s how to share your story on Boston.com.Name:

Julie Farrugia
Age: 30
From: Los Angeles
Bib #: 12786

I suffer from recurrent neurocardiogenic convulsive syncope. The triggers for fainting vary — from dehydration, to pain, stress, etc. Most people who experience vasovagal episodes, or transient losses of consciousness, experience them infrequently, sometimes only once in their lives. Since I was 18 years old, I have lost consciousness about twice per year. The faint itself is not perilous, but the fall that results from the episode carries a high risk of injury. I have fallen forward in the shower, chipping my cheekbone. I have fallen backwards into the corner of a dresser, splitting my head open. Three years ago, I fell and landed in a sitting-up position with my head hanging forward, preventing oxygen from returning to my brain. I was unconscious for too long, and I had a seizure, which, according to my doctors, was my body’s attempt to wake itself up. Had my roommate not found me, I could have been brain damaged, or worse. I have had approximately 10 concussions. I have been bruised, cut, and paralyzed. I have seen the best cardiologists and neurologists in the country. I have racked up countless ambulance miles and spent many sleepless nights in the ER. While there is no “cure” for my disorder, I do my best to self-treat. Doctors recommend avoiding stress, staying hydrated, consuming sodium, and getting regular cardio exercise. As a litigation attorney, I cannot live a stress-free life, but running keeps my brain sane and my heart strong. After my seizure, I ran every day for a year. In doing so, I qualified for Boston by running the Chicago Marathon in 3:22:59. For me, running doesn’t just make me feel more alive, it saves my life. And I cannot think of a better way to celebrate that than by running the Boston Marathon.