Monique’s Fight Against Brain Cancer During Pregnancy

We are reaching out to our community with heavy hearts as we share the story of our beloved Monique. Monique is not just a daughter, sister, wife, or friend; she is a warrior facing the toughest battle of her life. At just 28 years old, Monique has been diagnosed with brain cancer, a diagnosis that has rocked our family to its core. But what makes her journey even more challenging is that she's also carrying new life within her, as she's pregnant with her first child.

Monique and her husband, Jerome, were overjoyed when they learned they were expecting. Monique and Jerome share a love story that spans over a decade, beginning as high school sweethearts and blossoming into a marriage of two years as of 2022. However, their world was recently turned upside down.

During what should have been a joyous lunch with friends sharing the gender of their eagerly anticipated baby, Monique struggled to find the words. She experienced a seizure at the restaurant, followed by another in the ambulance rushing her to the hospital, and a third in the emergency room.

After extensive tests, the devastating news came: an aggressive grade 4 astrocytoma, an unforgiving brain tumor. The prognosis offered little solace, even with the most aggressive treatment plan involving surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

As if facing cancer wasn't daunting enough, Monique's pregnancy adds an extra layer of complexity to her treatment plan. Monique and Jerome made a courageous decision to proceed with their plans to welcome their baby into the world. Therefore the treatment plan they undergo will differ from one that follows the general standard of care. 

The road ahead is uncertain and filled with challenges. Monique will undergo an open brain surgery while awake, need extensive physical and speech therapy, safely deliver their precious baby, and will be followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

Monique and Jerome are taking unpaid leave from their jobs as they embark on Monique’s journey. The financial burden of medical bills, treatments, and additional support during pregnancy is overwhelming, and we are humbly asking for your help.

The funds raised will be allocated towards covering the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance, travel expenses to San Francisco for Monique’s brain surgery, funds to help create cherished moments during the time they have left together, and for their child’s future to ensure their dreams of education and growth are nurtured.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in Monique's journey. It will help alleviate the financial stress so that Monique and Jerome can focus on what truly matters: fighting this battle and welcoming their baby into the world.

Please consider donating and sharing Monique's story with your friends, family, and networks. Your support, prayers, and positive thoughts mean more to us than words can express.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and kindness.

With love and hope,

Family of Monique Dingle and Jerome Bayron