Help Support Monica's Journey against Pancreatic Cancer

Hello friends and family,

I am reaching out to you for your time and support of our loved one Monica McDaniel, AKA “Mo”. If you know Monica, you know she would drop everything to help you, support you, and be your cheerleader if that is what you needed. Her first question in any dire need or stressful situation is always, “What can I do to help?” or “What do you need?” We, as family members, find that the tables have turned and now we are asking what does she need! After a couple of months of feeling ill with some fatigue, loss of appetite, and stomach aches when she ate, and now most recently escalating to jaundice, causing her to go to her primary care. The doctor ordered bloodwork, which came back that her labs were significant enough that she was required to immediately go to the emergency room. On September 15, 2024, at the age of 47, CT scans and more bloodwork showed that there was a mass on her pancreas and a biopsy was needed to verify a diagnosis. She was admitted that day to the hospital to have a biopsy procedure performed, and two stents were placed. After reviewing her lab work and scans, several doctors had conversations with her, revealing a diagnosis given of Stage II Pancreatic Cancer. Since she was discharged from the hospital, she has seen an oncologist and now further procedures include a PET scan, a port placed in her body, and starting chemotherapy very soon. Due to these circumstances, she has not been able to work since she was hospitalized.

Our goal for starting this GoFundMe page is to raise funds to help with medical expenses that are already starting to trickle in. Monica’s family will also be looking at future expenses for chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which will be twice a week, future surgeries, and any other needs that will inevitably come up during this unimaginable time.

The financial burdens that come with an unexpected diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer is overwhelming. We would like to show our love for Monica and her family by offering some financial stability as they navigate life moving forward. Any funds donated will go directly to Monica for her fight against cancer. If you are unable to contribute money at this time, please share with your friends and family to spread the word; that would mean the world to us. Every little bit helps and we need to take as many steps as possible to be more aggressive than this tumor!

If you do not know Monica, she is the brightest light in the world, the most amazing companion, dedicated wife to her high school sweetheart of 31 years, absolutely selfless, devoted mother of 2 boys, and a rare gem that wears her heart on her sleeve. Her infectious positive attitude and overall energetic persona make you want to bottle it up so you can have it with you at all times. Monica embodies so much love that she inspires anyone that she comes across and can quickly change the mood in any room. She is a natural-born leader, caretaker, and role model. One of her passions is helping others any way she can, not for the recognition but because it is what makes her happy. When her children were younger, she went to school not just once but twice to follow her dreams and to be able to reach many people and, in return, help her Nana with her COPD diagnosis and other family members with their financial burdens. She is known for making and delivering meals for her neighbors or for families that need support and a role model to her children and anyone that she comes across. She is a full-time licensed Massage Therapist and Respiratory Therapist and loves what she does. She is constantly adding to her craft, which makes her exceptional and consistently is being asked to work/volunteer at events with big clients. This includes Arizona Cardinal Athletes, local volleyball tournaments, expos, and weekend events on the East Coast. I can go on and on about this one-of-a-kind woman who changes lives and touches hearts on a daily basis. Please consider donating if you are able; anything helps, but like I said before, it is okay if you aren't able to right now but please share her story.

With all our love and gratitude: Monica’s family, friends, and coworkers