Aroha for Monica and Ari

Since August 2021, Monica has been bravely fighting a battle with osteosarcoma (cancer) in her elbow. After radiation and limb salvage surgery to try and save her arm she then endured chemotherapy, only to be diagnosed with a second tumour in her forearm in January 2023. This devastating news meant that her arm was amputated in February 2023.

Monica has had to leave the job she loved to focus on her recovery and learning to live again, without an arm. She has had to relearn things many of us take for granted, including walking, as the loss of her arm significantly impacts her balance and all everyday tasks. It isn't easy, but she has quietly kept fighting. With no ACC support for cancer amputees there are more challenges ahead for Monica and her beautiful boy Ari.

From the time he was 7 years old, amazing Ari has supported his precious mum through treatment, and the fight of her life.

Before cancer, Monica had spent her career helping others and her community. Now is our chance to give some of that aroha back, so that she and Ari have a little less hardship to cope with. In a cost-of-living crisis times are tough for so many, but any support you can share will go towards making life easier for them both.

In years to come there is no doubt that Monica will get back to serving the community she loves. Right now, let's do what we can to help her get there.