Our Pony, Tiffany
Donation protected
We all know or have known someone affected by cancer. When it comes to the people we love, their pain and sufferings are felt as if the burden is our own. The uncertainty and fear lies in their probability for survival; for life. In telling this reality, in sharing this fate, we want to give everything possible to someone who has only ever deserved a chance at a healthy life.
I want to tell the story of Tiffany Nicole Borruel (Monaco). Though Tiffany is young and her soul vibrant, she has never known an adult life without severe medical complications. It began straight out of high school in 2010 when she experienced her first TIA (mini stroke). Tiffany cycled through nearly 20 doctors that year who were unable to diagnose her early onset cardiac symptoms. At the age of 18, she could not walk across the street without having to sit down and rest. In the midst of uncertainty, Tiffany continued being a full-time student and working throughout that year even though her symptoms only worsened. Her symptoms became so severe that her mother, Brenda, made an incredible choice to admit Tiffany into the ER. During that visit, they discovered she had an Atrial Myxoma (tumor), occupying 90% of her left atrium. This tumor put Tiffany into congestive heart failure and required her to have emergency open-heart surgery. Without notice or mental preparation, the doctors rushed her into surgery where they stopped her heart in order to properly beat again.
We were all relieved to know she survived a near death experience with what appeared to be minimal complications. It was simple and swift. Though painful, confusing, and sudden, we were able to move forward as if this were a hiccough. Tiffany was able to start her adulthood and continued to stay in college through the entire healing process. We were proud of her progress, as well as her unwavering ability to live, heal, and desire to flourish.
In 2012 while attending Colorado State University, Tiffany experienced another TIA. Doctors discovered a second tumor requiring yet another open-heart surgery. Tiffany’s opportunities to continue her future came to a disheartening close, as she reluctantly left university to undergo another incredibly invasive surgery. She would never finish another semester at Colorado State; but despite this, Tiffany was determined to finish her associate degree and continue on with her life. She maintained a full-time job and classes as she tried to heal through her first and second surgeries.
As the world went on, Tiffany carved out a life for herself. She met her husband, Rob, was tackling school and work, and did all she could to finally build her adult life. Imagine everyone’s genuine surprise when in 2016, yet another tumor in her heart was found. At 24, her heart and life were yet again stopped. We all equally stopped, waited, prayed, mulled, and despaired as we supported her through yet another invasive open-heart surgery to remove these recurrent tumors.
As she continued her life, pursuit of education, happiness, and success, we thought Tiffany was out of the woods for certain this time. Looking back, I guess that was always our hope - the hope that our loved ones can not only be alive but, live and thrive.
Unfortunately, life and death came knocking again. This time, however, the battle has manifested itself in the form of cancer.
In early 2019, doctors in Oregon performed a biopsy confirming that Tiffany has stage 4 oral cancer that has found its way into her lymph nodes. Just shy of 27, Tiffany underwent surgery. 60% of her tongue and over 30 lymph nodes were removed; her tongue being reconstructed from her forearm and thigh. Doctors prepared Tiffany for the life adjustments and new adversities to overcome.
Tiffany continues to push through. Determined to prove that a positive attitude, an amazing support system, and a healthy lifestyle can get you through any hardship that life can throw at you, she pushes through. Still, no doctor has ever been able to diagnose a specific disease or disorder. These cancers are clearly conditions to a more complex diagnosis. Many medical professionals have left her with a sub-par explanation - she plainly has “bad luck” when it comes to these maladies.
Doctors have now decided that undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapies 5 days a week for nearly 3 months are her best options post-surgery and the hopes that all her cancer will stay in remission. In the coming weeks and months, Tiffany will need speech therapy to help with swallowing and relearning how to control her new tongue, constant medical supervision, multiple daily and weekly appointments, follow a specific diet, and so much more that comes with a diagnosis of cancer.
Tiffany's strength is awe-inspiring and amazing. Not just because she is young, but because of who she is and everything she has in spite of the life she has had to endure. She is determined, bright, unflinching in her approaches to life. She carries an incredible spark of intellect and consideration for and towards others. She has a loving and incredible husband, motivation to live, as well as supportive friends, family, and animals. Tiffany's personality and approaches toward her the world has allowed her to survive this long.
Nearly 10 years have passed. 10 years and the suffering of one young woman has yet to end. No amount of money, support, or awareness in the world can change what Tiffany has experienced. This is her reality. However, we all can help to relieve the systematic and emotional burdens that prevent her from being able to heal, move forward, and be happy.
Unlike most individuals her age (27), she has never had the chance or sound ability to be a “risk-taker.” She has yet to explore and take advantage of the world before her. This will not be possible until she can heal, completely. Tiffany cannot heal, without the help and support of those around her and those at large.
Although Tiffany has been fortunate enough to be insured for basic medical costs, the extra costs that come with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are hefty. Being unable to work while still fronting the costs of relocating, traveling to appointments, and other basic life needs add up quickly. c Tiffany has battled these intense medical issues her entire adulthood, she has been denied any opportunity to gain the necessary financial support needed to win this fight.
We can ease Tiffany's suffering and stress by ensuring her basic finances are met. Any and all help will not only be appreciated, but will give strength and peace of mind to someone truly deserving. We believe and fight for people in the world, like our pony, Tiffany.
SPREAD THE WORD, and message Kate or Jenna to get more involved!
Click on the links to follow her story
https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.monaco1
https://www.instagram.com/tnborruel/
Check out these articles to learn more about what Tiffany has experienced
https://medshadow.org/the-troubling-side-effects-of-head-neck-radiation/
http://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/myxoma
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312888.php
I want to tell the story of Tiffany Nicole Borruel (Monaco). Though Tiffany is young and her soul vibrant, she has never known an adult life without severe medical complications. It began straight out of high school in 2010 when she experienced her first TIA (mini stroke). Tiffany cycled through nearly 20 doctors that year who were unable to diagnose her early onset cardiac symptoms. At the age of 18, she could not walk across the street without having to sit down and rest. In the midst of uncertainty, Tiffany continued being a full-time student and working throughout that year even though her symptoms only worsened. Her symptoms became so severe that her mother, Brenda, made an incredible choice to admit Tiffany into the ER. During that visit, they discovered she had an Atrial Myxoma (tumor), occupying 90% of her left atrium. This tumor put Tiffany into congestive heart failure and required her to have emergency open-heart surgery. Without notice or mental preparation, the doctors rushed her into surgery where they stopped her heart in order to properly beat again.
We were all relieved to know she survived a near death experience with what appeared to be minimal complications. It was simple and swift. Though painful, confusing, and sudden, we were able to move forward as if this were a hiccough. Tiffany was able to start her adulthood and continued to stay in college through the entire healing process. We were proud of her progress, as well as her unwavering ability to live, heal, and desire to flourish.
In 2012 while attending Colorado State University, Tiffany experienced another TIA. Doctors discovered a second tumor requiring yet another open-heart surgery. Tiffany’s opportunities to continue her future came to a disheartening close, as she reluctantly left university to undergo another incredibly invasive surgery. She would never finish another semester at Colorado State; but despite this, Tiffany was determined to finish her associate degree and continue on with her life. She maintained a full-time job and classes as she tried to heal through her first and second surgeries.
As the world went on, Tiffany carved out a life for herself. She met her husband, Rob, was tackling school and work, and did all she could to finally build her adult life. Imagine everyone’s genuine surprise when in 2016, yet another tumor in her heart was found. At 24, her heart and life were yet again stopped. We all equally stopped, waited, prayed, mulled, and despaired as we supported her through yet another invasive open-heart surgery to remove these recurrent tumors.
As she continued her life, pursuit of education, happiness, and success, we thought Tiffany was out of the woods for certain this time. Looking back, I guess that was always our hope - the hope that our loved ones can not only be alive but, live and thrive.
Unfortunately, life and death came knocking again. This time, however, the battle has manifested itself in the form of cancer.
In early 2019, doctors in Oregon performed a biopsy confirming that Tiffany has stage 4 oral cancer that has found its way into her lymph nodes. Just shy of 27, Tiffany underwent surgery. 60% of her tongue and over 30 lymph nodes were removed; her tongue being reconstructed from her forearm and thigh. Doctors prepared Tiffany for the life adjustments and new adversities to overcome.
Tiffany continues to push through. Determined to prove that a positive attitude, an amazing support system, and a healthy lifestyle can get you through any hardship that life can throw at you, she pushes through. Still, no doctor has ever been able to diagnose a specific disease or disorder. These cancers are clearly conditions to a more complex diagnosis. Many medical professionals have left her with a sub-par explanation - she plainly has “bad luck” when it comes to these maladies.
Doctors have now decided that undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapies 5 days a week for nearly 3 months are her best options post-surgery and the hopes that all her cancer will stay in remission. In the coming weeks and months, Tiffany will need speech therapy to help with swallowing and relearning how to control her new tongue, constant medical supervision, multiple daily and weekly appointments, follow a specific diet, and so much more that comes with a diagnosis of cancer.
Tiffany's strength is awe-inspiring and amazing. Not just because she is young, but because of who she is and everything she has in spite of the life she has had to endure. She is determined, bright, unflinching in her approaches to life. She carries an incredible spark of intellect and consideration for and towards others. She has a loving and incredible husband, motivation to live, as well as supportive friends, family, and animals. Tiffany's personality and approaches toward her the world has allowed her to survive this long.
Nearly 10 years have passed. 10 years and the suffering of one young woman has yet to end. No amount of money, support, or awareness in the world can change what Tiffany has experienced. This is her reality. However, we all can help to relieve the systematic and emotional burdens that prevent her from being able to heal, move forward, and be happy.
Unlike most individuals her age (27), she has never had the chance or sound ability to be a “risk-taker.” She has yet to explore and take advantage of the world before her. This will not be possible until she can heal, completely. Tiffany cannot heal, without the help and support of those around her and those at large.
Although Tiffany has been fortunate enough to be insured for basic medical costs, the extra costs that come with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are hefty. Being unable to work while still fronting the costs of relocating, traveling to appointments, and other basic life needs add up quickly. c Tiffany has battled these intense medical issues her entire adulthood, she has been denied any opportunity to gain the necessary financial support needed to win this fight.
We can ease Tiffany's suffering and stress by ensuring her basic finances are met. Any and all help will not only be appreciated, but will give strength and peace of mind to someone truly deserving. We believe and fight for people in the world, like our pony, Tiffany.
SPREAD THE WORD, and message Kate or Jenna to get more involved!
Click on the links to follow her story
https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.monaco1
https://www.instagram.com/tnborruel/
Check out these articles to learn more about what Tiffany has experienced
https://medshadow.org/the-troubling-side-effects-of-head-neck-radiation/
http://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/myxoma
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312888.php
Co-organizers (3)
Jenna Jordan
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
Kate Armstrong
Co-organizer
Tiffany Monaco
Co-organizer