Dr. Julie Dee, a respected anesthesiologist and mother of three, never
imagined that her third pregnancy would change her life in ways she could never have
foreseen. What began as a joyous occasion quickly spiraled into a nightmare, one that would
ultimately lead her down a path of addiction, loss, and, finally, redemption.
During her third pregnancy, Julie faced severe complications that left her and her unborn child
in a precarious state. Unable to keep food down, she relied on IVs for nourishment, battling
through each day with the hope that both she and her baby would emerge unscathed. But the
real test came during labor, when a doctor rushed into the room with a terrifying
announcement: “We are going to lose this baby.” Her child was born with life-threatening
health issues and had to be airlifted to a nearby children’s hospital immediately after birth.
Julie, despite her weakened state, was released from the hospital almost immediately, so she
could be with her newborn son. There was no time for her to recover from the ordeal of
childbirth; her focus was entirely on her baby, who spent several agonizing weeks in the
hospital. When she finally brought her son home, the physical toll of the pregnancy and the
constant stress manifested in a new and debilitating condition: restless leg syndrome. Unable
to sleep and desperate for relief, Julie’s exhaustion only deepened.
Julie soon returnined to work as an anesthesiologist. One day, while attempting to intubate a
patient with restless leg syndrome, a colleague suggested using a small amount of Fentanyl to
ease the patient’s movements. In her exhausted state, Julie followed the advice. The drug
worked, the patient’s movements stopped and the surgery was able to be performed.
However, its effect on Julie was immediate and devastating. In desperation she tried Fentanyl
so she could finally get some rest. After that first use, Julie was hooked.
Addiction quickly consumed her life. What began as a way to cope with exhaustion became an
all-encompassing obsession. Julie’s thoughts were consumed by how she could obtain more
Fentanyl. It wasn’t long before her addiction cost her everything—her job, her professional
reputation, and nearly her family. A SWAT team raid on her home marked the lowest point in
her struggle.
Throughout it all, Julie’s husband, Mike, a fellow physician, stood by her side. He enrolled her in
two of the country’s most well-known drug rehab centers, but neither provided the help Julie
so desperately needed. The failure of these programs left both Julie and Mike feeling
disillusioned and hopeless.
However, with the unwavering support of her family, her church, and a 12-step program, Julie
began to rebuild her life. It was a long and arduous journey, but through faith, determination,
and love, Julie eventually overcame her addiction. This personal battle ignited a new passion in
both Julie and Mike—a desire to help others facing similar struggles.
Together, they founded Hope River Ranch, a drug rehabilitation center nestled in the serene
mountains of northern Utah. Spread across 2,500 acres of pristine wilderness, Hope River
Ranch offers a unique approach to recovery, one that combines the healing power of nature
with structured goal-setting in four key areas: spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social.
Patients engage in activities like mountain biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, gardening,
cooking, photography, and crafting, rediscovering the joy of life as they work towards sobriety.
Hope River Ranch is more than just a rehab center; it is a place of renewal and hope, born out
of Julie and Mike’s desire to give others the chance to reclaim their lives, just as Julie has
reclaimed hers. Their story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human
spirit’s capacity to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
August 26, 2024
