The Unwinding of the Miracle: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Everything That Comes After

Meet Julie Yip-Williams: a remarkable woman who turned life's challenges into inspiration. She was born in Vietnam, and her journey was far from ordinary. Despite facing health issues right from the start, Julie's spirit shone brightly. Julie's Early Years Growing up in South Vietnam, Julie was blind due to congenital cataracts. Even as a baby, her life took an unexpected turn when her grandmother suggested a herbalist to end her life. But destiny had bigger plans. In 1979, she fled Vietnam on a fishing boat with her family, seeking refuge in Hong Kong before settling in California. Despite vision-improving surgery, she remained legally blind. Education and Beyond Julie's determination led her to Williams College and then Harvard Law School, where she earned her degrees. Her career took her to New York City, where she worked in corporate law. However, life had more in store for her. A Journey of Resilience In 2013, Julie was diagnosed with colon cancer. Instead of succumbing to despair, she began a blog to share her cancer journey, hoping to leave a legacy for her daughters. During her final months, she recorded podcasts to capture her voice and experiences. Turning Words into Legacy Julie's blog and other writings were compiled into a memoir, ""The Unwinding of the Miracle: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Everything That Comes After."" This book, edited by her friend Mark Warren, was published posthumously. It's a moving account of Julie's life, frequently compared to other impactful memoirs. Family and Farewell Julie married Joshua Williams, also a lawyer, and together they had two daughters. Her story took a heart-wrenching turn when she passed away from colon cancer in 2018 at the age of 42, surrounded by loved ones in her Brooklyn home. Julie's legacy lives on through her writing, inspiring countless people facing challenges. Her courage, resilience, and determination remind us that even in the face of adversity, hope and strength can shine through. As many of you generously support those battling illness, Julie's story serves as a reminder of the difference we can make in each other's lives.