Monica’s Story

Monica Gaudio Sakolsky and I met and became friends when we were working together at a suburban high school nearly thirteen years ago.  I quickly learned what an exceptionally caring and compassionate person had come into my life.  Monica made a habit of taking on the troubles and worries of others as her own, and taking action to set them right in whatever way she could.  She also extended herself far beyond the requirements of her job, and remained actively involved in the lives of students and co-workers long after we had all gone our separate ways.  The generosity of her spirit has continued to amaze me over the years; and considering the number of people she counts as friends, I’ve been honored that she has kept a place in her heart for me.

When Monica’s breast cancer was first diagnosed in the spring of 2005, I was stunned.  She was still in her early forties, and had always taken excellent care of herself.  Her numerous food allergies and sensitivities had made healthful eating a way of life for her; at her fortieth birthday party, the guests had been treated to organic, wheat-free birthday cake!  But I was even more stunned by the injustice of the diagnosis.  Such a genuinely good person did not deserve to have to bear such a burden.  And I was terribly frustrated by my inability to help her in any meaningful way.

Monica attributes the return of her cancer at the end of 2006 to being treated as “just a number” at the hospital where she originally received her care.  Rather than run the risk of more of the same, she opted to travel out of state for the aggressive course of treatment she needed this time around.  The physical toll has been devastating, and the expense is crippling, but there is hope that the worst is finally behind her.  The timing of the publication of Resonance has provided me with an opportunity to give back to someone who has spent her life giving to others.  Please join with me in this effort.