Monica was diagnosed with breast cancer on her 44th birthday, Sep. 30, 2015. That day changed her life and that of her family and friends.
 
    Since then her strength has been tested, as she faced the daily challenge of overcoming fatigue, body pain, and other side effects of chemotherapy. She finds strength in her son, Santiago. Along with the difficulties of fighting cancer, Monica has had to remain strong as she cares for her infant son, who turned one-year-old less than a month after the diagnosis.


    For the last six months their life has been a constant fight against this disease. Since the diagnosis Monica has gone through extensive testing, including MRIs, PET scans, MUGA scans, biopsies, genetic testing, EKGs, and endless lab work. She has undergone her first surgery to insert a port, and has completed 20 weeks of chemotherapy.


    They are now preparing for her second surgery - a double mastectomy - on March 21st. Six weeks of radiation will follow, along with reconstructive surgery and outpatient treatments lasting until December 2016.

    As Monica was self-employed for the last 16 years, she does not have the support of disability. She has also had to turn down business opportunities, first to care for Santiago and then due to the uncertainty of having frequent doctor appointments. Her family needs as much support as possible so they can continue to focus their energy on winning the battle against breast cancer. Any help is deeply appreciated.