My sister, Monica, was truly one of a kind. For more than 14 years, she faced cancer head-on with a strength and determination that inspired everyone around her. She never gave up—not through surgeries, setbacks, or battles in court just to get the care she needed. She showed us what it means to fight with courage, and she did it all with love for her son and her family at the center of her heart.

On September 14th 2025, Monica’s fight here ended, but her spirit lives on in every life she touched. She was a beautiful mom, sister, daughter, partner, and friend. Monica loved the beach, decorating for every holiday, celebrating birthdays in big ways, laughing at Friends reruns, eating pizza, and cuddling her cat. She made ordinary days feel special.

Over the past weeks, my daughter Bella and I traveled back and forth to Knoxville with the financial support from my parents, often sitting 12-hour shifts at her bedside so she was comforted and always had someone there. Family distance made things hard, but love made it possible.

Monica’s final wish was to come home to California—to rest beside our grandparents and family. To honor her wish and ease the financial burden on my retired parents who are covering all costs, and out of request from Austin, I’m creating this GoFundMe to help with the costs. The cost to transport Monica home and provide her burial and services is $45,000.

Every gift—big or small—will help us give Monica the farewell she deserves and celebrate her life the way she celebrated others.

Monica was so much more than her illness. She was a die-hard mother who loved her son fiercely. Just days before she passed, she laughed at silly videos of her cat SUGGY Bella showed her. That laugh, that moment of joy, is a memory I’ll hold close forever.

We will share details about Monica’s services and celebration of life soon. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the love, generosity, and prayers you’ve shown. Your kindness means the world to our family in this incredibly difficult time.