Monica's cancer diagnosis

Those of you who know Monica Sullivan know she is a sincere, kind-hearted, and loving woman. To know Monica, is to love her. She is a mother of 3 children (two of which are under the age of 14). Monica has been a respiratory therapist for 24 years, literally helping breathe life into countless patients. She loves her work and has made many friends.

Monica was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in January 2023 at the age of 46. That diagnosis ultimately led to an unexpected diagnosis in August 2023 of a rare form of kidney cancer. Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma is type of cancer does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation, making it an incurable disease. Monica's advanced stage of cancer (stage 4) is usually considered to be terminal. Her team of doctors and surgeons are hopeful that they can surgically remove all of the cancer. However, her oncologist has said there will still be tiny cancer cells that can continue to grow and create micro metastasis. So, the plan is to start immunotherapy to fight the remaining cancer cells. Monica's situation is critical and distressing.

To prepare for the surgery, the doctor has inserted bland beads to obstruct blood flow and shrink the tumor. Currently, the surgery is planned for January 22, 2024. The surgery will entail removing the right kidney, the right lobe of the liver, and some surrounding lymph nodes. The surgery is crucial for Monica's survival.

At the same time as her cancer diagnosis, Monica's husband of 26 years unexpectedly asked for a divorce. She is now trying to deal with these overwhelming challenges as a single mom.

With the surgery coming up, she is looking at an 8-week recovery. The donations received will help alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses, medications, living expenses due the loss of income, and the continuance of her health insurance. Monica is strong and resilient, and our hope is that she is able to live a long healthy life and watch her children grow up.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank those who are willing to help Monica through this overwhelmingly difficult time. Any donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated. Please share this with all your friends. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Donations will be managed by Monica's adult daughter Amber Sullivan, her beneficiary, while she recuperates from surgery. Donations can also be sent via VENMO - @AmberSullivan