Hero Story

Our Very Own Michigan Hero, Julia Jablonski, In Her Own Words:

I had always found joy in spending time with my grandparents, and when my last living
one died, it left a tremendous void in my life. I had to find a ray of light to get out from
under the dark cloud. To honor these relationships and remain interwoven in the lives of
those who could still impart such wisdom, in the Summer of 2022, I began a registered
501(3)(c) nonprofit called Blooming Pals. This foundation brings flower arrangements to
the elderly living in nursing homes, senior complexes, and to shut-ins. Unfortunately,
our senior citizens, those I revere as life’s best teachers, are often the forgotten
population. Whether it’s because families no longer live close by, physical ailments
keep them from getting out, or from the death of spouses and friends that made up their
social network...this all contributes to making them feel especially lonely and dejected.
I knew it would uplift my soul and theirs to bring a smile to those feeling blue.

I outreached into my neighborhood to gain support for my mission. I ascertained the
assistance of Krogers, my local grocery store. They continually give me their flowers
once they are deemed past their prime but are still beautiful and useful. A metaphor
indeed! In addition, nearby wedding venues and funeral homes supply me as well.
Donated vases are reused and repurposed. Weekly, I put together individual bouquets,
which always include handwritten notes of loving sentiment. I have surprised over 700
people thus far with unexpected kindness. I take the time to hear and share stories,
feeling privileged to build friendships with those who have paved the way before me.

Like great advice, a worthy mission should be shared. I decided to take my non-profit to
an elevated level. I knew many others could be energized to make a difference in the
lives of senior citizens. Blooming Pals needed to be grown and cultivated. With fervor, I
have contacted friends living throughout my state and planted the seed! I have inspired
them with my firsthand accounts of the joy given and received, spending time with the
elderly. I’ve guided them through the steps they needed to take to establish this same
foundation where they live. To date, there are a multitude of Blooming Pals chapters in
the beginning stages.

If I hadn’t dreamed up a way to power through the grief of losing my grandparents, I
would have never dreamet little ol’ me had the power to bring about such positive
change. By doing the legwork on my own, I developed expertise along this venture
without even realizing it at first. I left my comfort zone and effectively communicated
with businesses to contribute to my cause. I led others to begin their own journey of
gracious servitude. My self-confidence even grew leaps and bounds. Yet, even more
paramount to these skill sets acquired was the realization of life’s true meaning. In the
words of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To know that even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” I couldn’t have said it better
myself.

I want my generation to know they don’t have to be a rocket scientist or cure a global
disease to make a significant impact on society...nor does a million likes on social
media measure its worth. Making the difference in the life of even one person is an
amazing feat. You can be from a big city or a small town such as the little up north
community where I reside. It doesn’t matter where you're from, take a chance on
yourself like I did. Turn a negative into a positive. Know that there will always be
naysayers, but once you find what sets your heart and soul on fire, go out into this world
and do what you thought could never be done. You’ll surprise yourself and others along
the way!

Furthermore, as I step into the next chapter in life, college, I hope to make an impact in
the public health sector on the pre-med track. I will be attending the University of
Michigan. There I know I will grow exponentially intellectually, socially, and as a global
citizen. I want to reduce barriers for the underserved so they can access the healthcare
they need and deserve. I am impassioned to help solve the inequities in the healthcare
system and reduce the barriers for the underserved I was honored to be selected as 1
of 12 students to participate in the inaugural SPARK (Stewardship Prevention Antibiotic
Resistance and Knowledge) program at the Detroit Medical Center. This was a
six-week internship, under the leadership of Dr. Teena Chopra, Head of Infectious

Disease and Epidemiology. I did outbreak investigations, rounded with physicians,
engaged in didactic lectures, and researched vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Chopra was so
impressed with my work ethic and research, she personally reached out to me to
become a Vaccine Ambassador. I was trained extensively at the Detroit Medical Center.
Additionally, I have joined the Blue Water Immunization Partnership in my home town of
Port Huron as well. Currently, I travel to high school health classes to give
presentations on the history of vaccines and how vaccines have prevented childhood
diseases. Our state is experiencing the lowest vaccination rate in a decade. The
outbreak of measles virus has especially become a growing concern. Kids listen to
other kids, therefore,I arm my peers with knowledge so they can make the best choices
for themselves moving forward.