Medical care for Monique

Thank you for clicking on our page. My beautiful twin sister, Monique, recently moved to San Diego from Tennessee following the passing of our mother in July. The move back to San Diego was so that she could be close to her kids.

Shortly after moving back, she noticed a lump on her forearm and tingling in her hand. In a short time, the lump began to be more prominent and was getting bigger. During this time, she was establishing a Primary Care Physician through her insurance. Once she met with her Doctor, an ultrasound was immediately ordered. The ultrasound showed that she had a tumor and needed to schedule an appointment with a surgeon. Before meeting with the surgeon, a request was made to order an MRI before seeing her. It took a few weeks to get the MRI, and that is when we felt our prayers were answered.

Shortly after the MRI and before seeing the surgeon, we happened to be at an impromptu dinner arranged by my son with one of his cast members' family, our family and Monique. Coincidentally, this was the first time we had met this other family. As we were eating and getting to know one another, she began talking about her husband, who was away at a conference. I asked her what he did for a living. She told me he is an Orthopedic Oncologist specializing in Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Monique and I looked at each other in disbelief! I immediately explained to this new friend what Monique was going through, and she said, "You need to see my husband! Can I text him your information!?" Of course, we said yes!

Long story short, Monique is now being seen by an excellent doctor who is getting the ball rolling. He is concerned that she has a fast-progressing soft tissue sarcoma and ordered a biopsy on the forearm and a cat scan of the chest. With this type of sarcoma, finding nodules on the lungs would be concerning. Sadly, nodules are present under the most recent cat scan. She had a tumor biopsy yesterday, and he now wants a cat scan of her lungs.

As you might imagine, Monique's focus has been on her health and making sure that her appointments are lined up to take care of this as quickly as possible. Following the biopsy on her arm, she was informed that her level of insurance does not cover biopsies or surgery! She immediately called and increased her coverage; however, it will not go into effect until December 1st. Her new insurance premium will be close to $800 a month and will most likely increase at the beginning of the year.

As this was all happening, she was to start a new job and could not begin because of her unknown health status. It is essential that Monique does not delay this fact-finding process and must begin any prescribed treatments as soon as possible. She does not want to burden anyone and has been looking into the best way to fund these medical expenses. I suggested creating a GoFundMe page, and here we are.

Monique has a long road ahead of her, and the financial stress is something she does not need. She will and wants to be self-sufficient as soon as she can begin working. We pray her new job will continue to hold her position. If she does maintain this position, the soonest she will begin coverage is roughly 60 days. I ask that you consider donating to help cover her medical bills and insurance premiums, so she will have a fighting chance to beat this.

My sister is a wonderful person and my best friend. She is only 48 years old and has so much more living to do. When this all transpired, she was trying to reestablish her life here in San Diego. Cleaning houses until she could get a job and living with my in-laws, who she helps care for. She is a selfless person that would do anything to help others. Now it is her time for some help, and I pray we can come together and help her with the funds she needs. I appreciate your support, and I will post updates as they transpire. Thank you.

Love and blessings, Nicole Hage