Family Holds Fundraiser For Wheelchair-Bound Brooklyn Girl Blessed By Pope Francis

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A community rallied Wednesday night to show support for a Brooklyn girl fighting serious health challenges – but who was brought new hope in a meeting with Pope Francis.

Julia Bruzzese, 12, was blessed by Pope Francis when he arrived in New York on Sept. 24. Julia, who is in seventh grade at St. Bernadette School in Dyker Heights, has Lyme disease and has not walked in a year.

But there are also financial challenges. Family members said they are having trouble getting insurance to cover medical bills, so on Wednesday night a fundraiser was held at Zitelli's restaurant in Bay Ridge.

"It's a struggle and a battle every day," Julia said. "I mean, like, I have to conquer obstacles, but I know I'm going to get through it, and I know there's going to be something waiting for me at the end of my journey."

At John F. Kennedy International Airport in September, Pope Francis touched Julia as a she asked for a blessing.

"It was the most precious moment of my life," Julia said at the time.

On Sept. 24, Julia told CBS2's Dick Brennan she did not hear Pope Francis say anything, but "he touched me," and nodded as she said "bless me father."

Brennan asked Julia at the time if there was anything she would say to the pope.

"Thank you Holy Father, you made me so happy. Thank you," she said.

Months later, Julia remained hopeful that she will one day walk again.