Hi, my name is Monique.

I'm a single mom to three beautiful children ‍‍, and if you know me, you know I'm usually the one showing up for everyone else . I'm the one who gives, supports, listens, and keeps going — even when I'm hurting. I don't like asking for help. I've always been independent . I've always found a way.

But right now… my body has reached its breaking point .

Most of 2025 has been spent in and out of hospitals , fighting to be heard, fighting for care, and fighting just to not live in constant pain. In 2024, while I was pregnant with my daughter , I developed a hernia. I ended up on an operating table at 2:30 in the morning — and when I was wheeled back to my room, I opened my laptop and went straight to work .

That's who I am. I show up. No matter how much it hurts .

I work from home, and I'm grateful for that , but the truth is I should never have had to keep pushing through that level of pain. I did it because I'm a mom . Because my kids need me. Because there was no one else to catch us if I fell.

Now my hernia has worsened. The pain is constant . I struggle to eat or drink. The medications don't help anymore. Surgery and real recovery are no longer optional — they are necessary .

The hardest part is that I can't afford to stop working .

Short-term disability only covers about 60% of my income, and I was not approved to be off as long as my doctors say I need. I need about 8 weeks to heal — but without income, I won't be able to pay rent, keep the lights on, or provide for my children.

I am trying to raise $6,000 to cover:

• Rent

• Utilities

• Food

• Transportation

• Basic needs for my kids

• And the time my body needs to heal

This support would allow me to rest, recover, and come back strong without risking everything my children and I depend on .

I have done everything I could to keep us going. I've worked two jobs. I've gone to work straight from a hospital bed. I've put my pain on the back burner so my children could have stability. I never ask for help… but right now, I truly need it .

If you're able to donate, share, or even just keep us in your prayers , it means more than I can put into words. You are helping a loving mom heal so she can keep being there for the three little people who mean everything to her ‍‍.

With so much love and gratitude,

Monique