Fund the First | Retired Police Officer Needs Help

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First Responders

Retired Police Officer Needs Help

First Responders

Catastrophic Loss

California

Created September 14th, 2020

Hi, I'm Monika, a retired LAPD Officer (aka Monika Rehder #39888) I need help and I hope that by you being guided to this campaign, you're looking to help someone deserving.

I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC Ovarian Cancer in May 2017, had to have a total hysterectomy plus 2 baseball-sized tumors removed from my lower body before a string of 6 chemo treatments earned me a temporary "clear." But Christmas 2018 (my 55th birthday) I got re-diagnosed and dove back into treatment. Currently, I'm up to 29 chemo sessions so far and of course, all those treatments have taken a toll on my body overall. I had to cancel the last 11 chemo sessions scheduled, because the side effects where so severe that my body could not take it anymore.

As of the beginning of this year 2021, I have been put on some oral medication to control the tumor growth. At least I am not hooked up to an IV and have my entire body poisoned and I am not dealing with horrible side effects for a while.

My last appointment with my oncologist was kind of interesting and informative. Well, this disease is considered chronic and I will need treatment for the rest of my life. And then I was told "not everyone knows what they are going to die of, but you do." Once I got over the initial shock of those words, I am even more determined to beat this...

These medical treatments do not only put a physical strain on me, but they are also putting a tremendous financial strain on me, which causes a lot of stress.

I worked the streets of Los Angeles as a Police Officer and handled a lot of calls during my career, but I was not expecting to be in a fight for my life like this. Because this disease and because of the horrific side effects of the chemo, I'm not able to work for the first time since immigrating to the US alone at age 26, which takes a toll on my pride. I have no family in this country, only a hand full of supportive and loving friends.

With this campaign I am looking for help from my extended family of brothers and sisters in blue, tan, green, and any other color uniform there is in first responders and military.

Thank you so very much for helping me to add more days to my life with your contributions.

Updates

February 17th, 2021

Monika Reinhardt, Organizer

As I continue this fight, I want to thank the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) for running my campaign in their daily email updates. I am grateful for all the contribution and I am happy to have re-connected with old partners and fellow officers. Thank you everyone for your help...

November 4th, 2020

Monika Reinhardt, Organizer

Hello to everyone that has donated and supported my fundraising. I wanted to give an update on what my progress is. Kaiser finally referred me to City of Hope for an outside look at treatment options. I was really excited and motivated when I had my visit with the oncologist. I’m working on a follow up visits at City of Hope with a surgeon to possibly remove the remaining persistent tumors. I will keep updates on how things go.

I want to thank each one of you that has donated and schemed this fundraiser, and for all the kind words from you. I am grateful for the support I have been getting, and that gives me hope and strength to keep fighting!

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