Monique Groce

Monique, a 37-year-old devoted wife to Demarcus and mother to Mackenzie (11) and DJ (6), was diagnosed with lupus in 2010 while completing her bachelor’s degree at Alverno College. Despite this challenge, Monique successfully finished her studies, and two years later, welcomed a healthy baby girl.

In 2017, she and her husband were thrilled to learn they were expecting a son. Aware that this pregnancy would be high risk like the previous one, she soon faced unexpected struggles. Simple tasks like climbing stairs or taking her daughter from the car to her classroom became increasingly difficult.

In February 2018, six months into her pregnancy, Monique was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a serious condition affecting the heart and lungs. With her heart failing, doctors suggested terminating the pregnancy to save her life. Determined to fight for both her life and that of her unborn son, she opted for an infusion medication. This decision stabilized her heart, allowing her to carry DJ to term, and deliver another healthy baby.

Unfortunately, over the years, her pulmonary hypertension has worsened, leading to the need for a double lung transplant to save her life.

Before being diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), Monique was a special education teacher. Unfortunately, after her diagnosis, she could no longer return to work. This transition allowed her to rediscover her love for crafting, a passion she had nurtured since childhood. She finds joy in creating beautiful home decor and gifts for her loved ones.

In addition to crafting, Monique enjoys baking, whether it’s a solo endeavor or a fun activity with her kids. As a football fanatic, she eagerly anticipates each football season, passionately cheering for her favorite team and engaging in lively debates about potential winners. She also finds solace in music, which provides her with peace amid life’s chaos. Above all, Monique cherishes spending time with her family, both immediate and extended. From bowling and card games to cookouts in the backyard, these moments bring her immense joy.

Since her diagnosis, Monique has been on a strict low-sodium, fluid-restricted diet, making it challenging for her to stay hydrated, especially in the summer months. Previously, she enjoyed family bike rides and long walks along the lakefront. However, household chores, such as doing laundry or sweeping, have become difficult for her. Even simple tasks like picking out a dress to wear have become challenging for Monique as her clothing must now accommodate her infusion pump.

Beyond the physical limitations, Monique often struggles with low energy, finding herself completely exhausted by the end of each day. She also avoids vacations far from home due to the fear of an emergency related to her infusion medication. In such situations, she worries she may not reach a properly trained medical facility in time as her treatment requires specialized care.

The financial burden on Monique’s family is overwhelming as a double lung transplant involves complex medical procedures, hospitalization, and ongoing care. The initial surgery is expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars, but the expenses do not stop there. Post-surgery care is critical to her survival, requiring continuous monitoring, expensive medications to prevent rejection, and regular follow-up visits with specialists.

Monique’s care team has also advised that she will need to temporarily relocate close to the transplant center to ensure easy access to care during the first few months of recovery. This move comes with significant costs, including rent, transportation, and food, which her family must cover while maintaining their home expenses. Additionally, Monique’s husband will need to take time off from work to provide care and transportation to school for their children, as this is usually a part of Monique’s daily routine, resulting in lost income at a time when they need financial stability the most.

Every dollar raised will help ease the financial strain ensuring that Monique can focus on healing and adjusting to life with her new lungs. The family is also exploring other financial avenues. However, with costs expected to exceed $100,000, they cannot do it alone. Support from generous donors will go directly towards co-pays, post-transplant care, relocation expenses, and any unexpected medical needs that may arise.

Monique’s dreams are simple yet profound. She wants to return to the everyday moments that many take for granted like picking up her kids from school, cheering them on at their events, and enjoying quality time with her family without worrying about her next breath.

More than anything, she is excited about the chance to watch her children grow up, attend their milestones, and be present for their everyday joys and struggles. Her daughter Mackenzie is starting to explore new hobbies, and DJ is becoming increasingly curious about the world around him.

Monique’s greatest wish is to be there for these moments, as both a mother and a role model for her children, showing them that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible. Without the transplant, Monique’s ability to participate in these activities will be limited, and time with her children could be cut tragically short. However, with the support of donors, she has the opportunity to reclaim her life and build a brighter future for herself and her family.

You can help by donating. Every financial contribution, no matter how small, will go directly towards Monique’s transplant and recovery expenses. Every dollar brings her closer to life-saving care and the chance to be fully present with her family.

You can also help by sharing her campaign page. The more people know about her journey, the more support she can receive.

This campaign is more than a fundraiser–it is an opportunity to give Monique a future filled with hope, health, and happiness. Monique will be able to return to the life she loves, participating fully as a mother, wife, and member of her community.

Her family, friends, and loved ones look forward to the day when she can once again enjoy simple joys. Her journey has been one of perseverance, faith, and strength. But now, she needs help from her community to reach the final stage of her battle: getting the life-saving lung transplant that will allow her to breathe freely once again.