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
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...
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!
Donations & Comments
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Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you for your support. I am glad your daughter does not have to go through what I am going through. I will fight on and win
Best wishes from another LAPD retiree. Keep battling and you'll win.
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you for the wishes and support. I will continue the battle and I intend to win...
Continue the good fight. Our prayers are with you.
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you for the kind words and prayers. Thank you for your support and I will definitely continue the fight.
donated $100
We pry for you! get well, keep the good fight going! YOU are not alone.
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you so much for the prayers. Its so good to know that I am not alone in this, I appreciate your support and kindness.
Blessings and prayers for your healing !
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you for your prayers and blessing. I am grateful for your support.
donated $100
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you so much. I am grateful for your kindness and support.
We will keep you in our prayers.
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you for keeping me in your prayers. I am grateful for the support.
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you so much for your support.
Get well soon....
Reply from Monika Reinhardt3 years agoThank you so much for the get well wishes and your support. I am grateful.
Reply from Monika Reinhardt4 years agoThank you for your support 🙏.
Non-Donor Comments
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My daughter recently had a similar issue, though not as serious as yours. Fight on!