A paralyzed girl from Bath Beach says her meeting with Pope Francis set off her process of healing.

Julia Bruzzese, 13, spent months in pain, partially paralyzed by an unknown illness. She was then diagnosed with Lyme disease and is now receiving treatment for her ailments.

Turning to her faith, Bruzzese's diagnosis and road to recovery only came after she was blessed by Pope Francis in 2015, she says. It led to neighbors and strangers reaching out to help emotionally and financially.

She also thanks her family and the outpouring of community support for her slow and steady progress.

A new doctor, over 70 pills a day and a new outlook on life mean that chronic symptoms like fevers, trembles, headaches and back pain are almost completely gone.

Bruzzese says she hopes to be able to get up and walk to her door in a year. She also plans on raising Lyme disease awareness and advocating for those in need of medical help.