Monique's Crush Cancer Campaign

“Today she begins radiation therapy.”

My baby sister Monique was one of my first friends, when she was born I thought she actually was my own baby.  Through our formative and adult lives she’s been a partner to me in work, play and growth. Monique has listened carefully to all the music I’ve made, has often helped me do the busywork of being a working artist and has always been an inspiration to me creatively, with a love more sturdy to me than my own strongest confidence.  As adults we were fortunate to have an opportunity to share an address for several fun years.

Independent and sure of her step as she always seems to be, Monique made a courageous move to Kauai several years ago.  Despite a start with obstacles in her way and the high cost of living on a remote island she found her way juggling jobs, being frugal and developing good relationships in her new community.  I miss having Monique near, but in those selfish moments I’m encouraged by her sun blessed smile and a growing pile of frequent flyer miles.

In November of last year Monique had surgery to remove and inspect a growth, that week she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. By the time it was removed the cancer had already metastasized and we had to move quickly w/ the right treatment.  Access to healthcare on the islands is limited. She had a hard time finding facilities to properly scan her to plan the next surgery or a well qualified surgeon to actually remove her thyroid.  Monique has come back to Michigan to get that medical care, leaving her family, her jobs and her community organizing back on Kauai.  She had her thyroid removed January 2017 in Ann Arbor and the next step in her cancer treatment is to complete radioactive iodine therapy.  

Monique is now recovering from this second surgery, spending time with family and staying low key. Her iodine treatment starts a month after the surgery and my sister has been preparing for it with a special diet for the past couple weeks.  We are optimistic that the radioactive iodine therapy will be successful and that we can send our healthy hero home soon to her family, community and work. On the other hand no one is sure how long she will need to continue this treatment or others.  While away from her three jobs Monique needed to purchase additional insurance in order to receive treatment in Michigan and has extra traveling expenses.  Paying her rent and keeping up w/ the extra costs of living on her beautiful island can be daunting enough and these extra and unknown costs are adding to her anxieties while she is beating this cancer. 

I know Monique is well loved by many people, she is one of the most warm, caring and hardworking people I know.  She has been a good friend to different people over the years and I know some of you would like to help her out in this difficult time.

Thank You, for your ongoing love and support in whatever form you can give.  Every medium of love shared is uplifting and relieving.

I love you.

Dante LaSalle Tucker

ps 

In an effort to keep her daily stream from turning into all cancer talk, please send any love, well wishes, prayers, questions or sweet nothings to   

                        [email redacted]

thanks.