Hello! My name is Monika, and I’m raising money to get a service dog I desperately need. 

I’m from Burnaby, BC and moved to a group home in Abbotsford in 2022. Last year I got transferred to another group home in Surrey, where I’m receiving mental health treatment. I have been living in licensed care since 2020, when the isolation of COVID exacerbated my mental illness. I hope that when I move to my own place in the future, I will be able to live more independently with my cat (Oreo) and a service dog.

This is a picture of me when COVID began (I lost a lot of weight due to anxiety and PTSD)

I went to several different schools in my life, but the most meaningful to me were SFDS Elementary (January 2006-June 2009) and STMC High School (September 2009-June 2014)… they helped me a lot with different challenges I’ve had throughout my life. I also went to Douglas College, however, I was unable to complete the program due to my illnesses. Since then I took courses at UFV and KPU, however, it was suggested that I take a break until I'm better. I'm currently working part time at a doggy daycare, which I'm super excited and happy to do!

This is a picture of me with my group home nurse’s dog, Zeus (2025)

WHY DO I NEED A SERVICE DOG?

I have been diagnosed with severe PTSD / C-PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I was diagnosed with a developmental delay and ADHD when I was young, as I had problems with learning since I was a baby. When I was young both my parents passed away from cancer. I also experienced many years of physical and mental abuse, causing severe PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms still to this day.

When I was 19 years old I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, which included 8 rounds of intense chemo treatments. Even though my chemotherapy treatments have finished for a long time, I have to get checked at least every 6 months because my young age makes me high risk for the cancer returning. This uncertainty makes my anxiety a lot worse. Whenever I had treatment, I looked forward to seeing the therapy dog, which was always so much better than going through treatment alone! I felt better physically and mentally whenever I saw him.

Unfortunately, the chemotherapy I had in 2015 left a heavy toll on my body. Since I was so young while in treatment, I have been experiencing severe side effects that may last me the rest of my life. I have recently been diagnosed with Asthma and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which most likely developed due to my poor immune system and late effects of chemo. I have a very hard time with balance, dizziness, tachycardia, and asthma.

Here is a picture of me during chemo with a BC Cancer Agency therapy dog (2015)

In September 2025 I found a large lump in my right breast, and the biopsy I had in October was inconclusive (it could be a fibroadenoma or phyllodes tumour). I also have a BRCA 1 gene mutation, so I have a 90% chance of developing breast cancer by the time I’m 40. I also recently found out I have some Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which puts me at greater risk for breast and ovarian cancer. It was recommended by several specialists that I get a double mastectomy asap, so I underwent surgery on December 10, 2025. Recovery has been intense, but I’m grateful that I’m getting better. I will also have to get a hysterectomy when I’m 35 - 40 years old due to my high risk of ovarian cancer. For now my doctors and I are continuing to monitor my health.

HOW WILL A SERVICE DOG HELP ME?

Whenever I'm around dogs I feel a sense of comfort and energy. I forget about my problems and just focus on being with the dog, even on my toughest days. 

A service dog will be able to perform certain tasks, including…

...all service dogs are trained to do the tasks needed for the individual with the disability.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Bottle Depot Fundraising

I am fundraising through the Return It Express bottle depot and the Regional Recycling Centre

If you have any spare empty bottles or cans you'd like to donate, it would be greatly appreciated!

THANK YOU!

Please help in any way you can! Even sharing my story means so much! Please help me feel happy again... Thank you ❤ 

*All of the money donated through GoFundMe or any other fundraisers will be put into a Service Dog savings account or used for future Service Dog care supplies*