NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio — Just before the start of the school year, we met with two educators at North Ridgeville Academic Center. Julie Bugala and Lucha Swindig have a connection that's unmistakable — a friendship spanning more than 15 years, strengthened by hilarious banter and an incredible journey of sacrifice.

"Our husbands are good friends too," Julie notes, explaining how deep their connection runs. Their close relationship even became a running joke at work.

"They wouldn't let us be in the same grade level," the pair laughs.

But their friendship would be tested in ways they never imagined. As Lucha puts it simply: "She got my blood in her now."

A DESPARATE SEARCH FOR HOPE

Five years ago, what started as routine medical follow-up for Julie became a life-threatening crisis.

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