House 2 House - Monique & Family

After hearing the struggles Monique and her family have had during the 13 years of her life, I was motivated to help them somehow. To help raise funds for the family I will be completing a set of three challenges from the 17th August to 14th September, 2013.

Monique’s Story:
People look at Monique and think there is nothing wrong with her but they don't know the struggle and fight she has had most of her life. She was born with a spinal cord tumour (pilocytic astrocytoma) but was not diagnosed until her 4th birthday. For the first 4 years of her life she was in agony every day, was constantly in and out of hospital and saw countless doctors and specialists. Finally The Children’s Hospital Westmead helped to get some answers and revealed the tumour. At that stage the tumour was so big that if it was left a week or two longer Monique would have been paralysed. Monique went in for first major surgery in 2004 (aged 4), then in 2008 (aged 8). During this time Monique had countless trips to Hospital with constant MRI’s. Then in 2009 the tumour returned once again but rather than having yet another operation she had to have chemotherapy once a week for an entire year. She also had to have yet another operation to insert a central line before the treatment began. Monique reacted poorly to the drugs and was extremely ill every treatment she had. She lost all of her beautiful hair and was in emergency all the time due to infections and being so sick. She would also go into quarantine for weeks due to the risk of infection. Once the Chemotherapy was over she had yet another operation to remove the central line but the MRI’s continued. At this stage it was thought the tumour was gone.

Earlier this year, the tumour once again returned and Monique had to go in for another major operation. The tumour was not able to be completely removed and due to complications, two of Monique’s vertebrae were not able to be put back in and she now has to live with major restrictions for the rest of her life. She cannot lift anything, she will no longer be able to go to any theme parks, ride bikes or play any sport for the rest of her life due the risk of injury and paralysis. As Monique can no longer carry a bag schooling has become very difficult and for the rest of the year she can only go to school in small periods and may even need to be home schooled. The family have had to incur many new expenses such as a new bed and desk as almost everything in Monique’s life had to change. Soon after the surgery the family got news that she will have to start an intense treatment of Radiotherapy which requires her to go to the hospital every day for seven weeks. As a result of her current health, Monique’s Mum had to resign from her job, putting even more financial strain on the family. Just recently, radiotherapy treatments begun and already Monique has reacted poorly and has one trip into the emergency department and put on a few different drugs to help with the vomiting and nausea. The family has now been told that Monique will likely struggle with this tumour for the rest of her life. You can now see that we need your help.


The three fundraising challenges:

Shave – Although Monique is not currently having Chemotherapy, she has had this previously and may have to recommence this later in life so to help support this aspect of her treatment I will shave my head.

Dive – I have a terrible phobia of heights and even simple stair wells and bridges bother me. Overcoming obstacles and going through unpleasant procedures are a part of Monique’s day to day life. My fear of heights is insignificant compared to what Monique goes through so I know I will be able to overcome my fears and dive from a 10 metre diving platform. I will receive support from Diving NSW and guidance from Diving Masters Coaches to ensure I stay safe and avoid injury.

Walk – Monique has gone through so many challenges throughout her 13 years and the rest of her life will be a challenge. Although I cannot do anything to compare her challenges, I will challenge myself with a long walk from my house at The Ponds to the Opera House and back which is 100 kms. This will take a lot of effort, preparation, and training but I know I can achieve this to help Monique and her family.


How to help…………….

Please make a donation at www.mycause.com.au. Either search for ‘House 2 House’ or type http://www.mycause.com.au/page/house2housemoniqueperezfamily into your browser. Monique’s family has had a lot of financial struggles and need assistance so whether it is $5 or a more generous donation, every little bit will help them.

Like and share our Facebook page ‘House 2 House’ as we will be updating it with details, photos and videos. This will also allow you to see all of the individual challenges in August.

Also please email details of House 2 House to all your friends, family, work colleagues and even your employer to see if they can help in any way.

Thank you

Tim Kapustin. (On behalf of Monique, Carlos, Nat and Kyan)

(Use of the image of the Sydney Opera House is under licence from Sydney Opera House Trust)