Updated 7/24/25

Monique Alaniz was diagnosed earlier this year with stage 4 cancer of the neuroendocrine system. Her diagnosis came suddenly, as the result of an emergency surgery following nearly a year of doctors unable to find the cause of her pain.

The journey to get her treatment was distressing and over-complicated by the impersonal systems of healthcare and insurance. As of July, her care has been put into the trusted hands of the healthcare professionals at City of Hope.

With the support of her friends, family, and community; Monique finds the resilience to fight with conviction.

Our family thanks you for any and all ways you are able to support. This GoFundMe will remain standing until the goal has been reached to continue providing relief for Monique’s medical bills.

My mother, Monique Alaniz, received a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer. In April 2025, Monique was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night and sent into emergency surgery for abdominal pain resulting in a diagnosis that would change the lives of Monique and her never-wavering community. Every day following has been a desperate grasp for progress, healing, and processing our new reality.

Monique and her family were informed that a cancerous tumor on her intestine had burst, perforating her intestine. The surgeons identified two additional tumors of substantial size. Unfortunately, the removal of these tumors would not provide much reassurance, as she was informed that her abdomen was littered with “salt-like” tumors, requiring immediate treatment. NET’s (Neuroendocrine Tumors) are considered rare in the US, resulting in little research and support.

Nearly three months with a diagnosis, and Monique has still yet to receive the care she needs and undergo the steps needed for chemotherapy. For anyone who has any experience with cancer, especially stage 4, you will know that every. day. counts. Every day that goes by without care is crucial.

With no choice left but to surrender to the circumstances, Monique is sharing her story with the hopes of the community’s support. I have dedicated my life to supporting my mother through this traumatizing and isolating process, but neither of us have done this before. We are fearful, angry, and yet hopeful. Monique hopes to be seen by The City of Hope National Medical Center, all donations will be distributed between her medical bills and travel expenses to receive treatment.

Our family and friends extends their gratitude to all who support her journey, in any and all ways that her community is able to.