Hello friends,

This is hard to write. I’ve gone back and forth about whether or not to do this, but after exhausting every other option… I need to ask for help.

On May 6th, I bent down to check a flat tire — just a regular day — and in one moment, everything changed. Crack. Pop. Boom. I hit the ground and couldn’t get up. I couldn’t walk or drive. I was taken by ambulance, and since then, I’ve been in constant pain and completely out of work.

After MRIs and follow-ups, I was diagnosed with three herniated discs and three annular tears in my lower back. The pain is debilitating, and every day has become a physical and emotional challenge.

What’s even harder is that I had finally found my rhythm again. After 10 years of managing an old injury, I was finally moving freely, drumming daily, and feeling strong and healthy. I was finally starting to become the Monica you all know again. I had been working so hard to climb out of a dark chapter… and then this happened.

Now I’m facing:

-A painful and uncertain recovery

-An epidural and ongoing treatments

-Countless appointments and medications

-No income, since I’ve already used up my advanced leave from work

-Everyday living expenses like rent, utilities, and food

I never wanted to ask for money. I know we’re all going through so much, and I hate that it’s come to this. But I’m doing my best to survive and heal, and right now, I can’t do it alone.

If you’re able to help in any way — whether it’s $5, $20, or just sharing this — please know how deeply I appreciate it. Truly. Your support means the world to me.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping me hold on while I try to get back to the life I love.

I love you all so so so very much.

With love and gratitude,

Monica