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Yahoo!Julie Main will be lovingly remembered by many people as an amazing friend, mentor, and innovator, an astute businesswoman, and a compassionate boss. Active in numerous organizations, Julie was highly thought of and respected for her perceptive business acumen and foresight. One of the great legacies she leaves for us is the instrumental role she played in founding the Cancer Well-fit Program.
Julie graduated from UCSB with honors and a degree in political science. After university, she forged a career first as the bookkeeper of the Santa Barbara Athletic Club (SBAC) and eventually as the general manager. She was the driving force in making SBAC a premier health and fitness club. Julie was also a boardmember of IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association), and then became the president of the association.
When Julie was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36, she did not let that stop her. At the time, she was the manager of the SBAC and missed only two weeks of work (and only because her doctors insisted). The doctors were amazed by her drive and her determination. Most treatments they doled out 16 years ago kept a person down and out for weeks. Not Julie. She would receive treatment and then be back at work within a matter of hours. Her doctors were amazed and wanted to know why she was different than their other patients. She credited exercise and a healthy lifestyle for her quick recovery from treatment.
Julie Main 1956-2009
Her quick physical rebounding led her to the idea that exercise could possibly benefit all cancer patients. And, lo and behold, the Cancer Well-fit Program was born. During the past 15 years, the program she inspired has served more than 1,000 patients. Current research is now proving true what Julie intrinsically felt from the very beginning — exercise and a healthy lifestyle are key factors in fighting cancer. Recently, the Cancer Well-fit Program received the very first IIEP Award (Innovative International Exercise Program).
Julie’s passion, and the joining of forces between the SBAC and the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara (CCSB) was not only innovative — at the time, many people thought it crazy — it was 15 years ahead of the times. Julie worked tirelessly with CCSB on its annual run/walk fundraiser to help raise cancer awareness, funds for local cancer research, and to help continue to provide for all the wonderful services that our city’s treatment center provides to our beautiful community.
The industry of health clubs can often be one of revolving doors of employees. Julie’s clubs were just the opposite. She brought a sense of family and community to her facilities, and because of the culture she developed and maintained, the same employees have been with the clubs for many, many years. Just within the department heads of the SBAC, the number of accumulated experience totals more than 150 years. Julie never shirked her responsibilities and was always respectful and professional within all areas of her life.
The legacies Julie leaves with us are many. She will be deeply missed. In her memory, we will all strive to continue reaching beyond our comfort zones. I will miss Julie and working with and for her. She was the best Well-fit Program co-partner I could ask for, and it will be my honor to carry the program forward in her remembrance.
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