I am Monica Rosario and my husband is Bernard McGee. We met at Virginia State University while completing ROTC requirements in order to commission into the United States Army. We were only friends back then. We commissioned in 2012, and we both moved on with our military careers. He is a Military Police Officer and I am a Combat Engineer Officer. We reconnected in 2014 at our school’s homecoming festival. We got to know each other better, and have been inseparable ever since. We are best friends and currently are stationed at Fort Lenard Wood in Missouri together.
In 2015, I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer at age 25. After a few months of feeling not myself, I continued to go to the doctor about little minor things like fevers, stomach pains, and headaches. On one visit, the nurses began to ask me in depth questions, specifically if I had any blood in my stool. I said yes. I didn’t know it meant anything. I had had it for awhile, and I didn’t think to Google it at the time. I was scheduled for a colonoscopy a
Monica was just 25-years-old when she was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer.
few months later, and they found a tumor in my colon. After that it was a roller coaster.
I had a left hemicolectomy surgery done, and then chose to preserve my eggs. That process was very
stressful and time specific. Had it not been perfect timing that month, my doctors would have said no, and quickly proceed with chemotherapy. My insurance through the military did not cover this procedure, and I was luckily able to reach out to my community of amazing friends, family, and community service organizations that I am a part of. With their help, we raised the money needed for my procedure within a week! We are so blessed. Right after that procedure I began chemotherapy.
I ended chemo on January 21st, 2016! I’d have to say that was the biggest challenge we have faced and conquered together. We were stationed in different locations, and through the long distance struggled to keep each other motivated and stress free. I thank Bernard for sticking by my side, and always putting me and my wellbeing first. He would often drive cross-country just to see me for a few hours. It was very hard going through chemotherapy and treatments without him physically next to me. I think he is the strongest person between the two of us because he somehow kept it together enough for me. I never noticed that it would eat him alive not being able to be there with me every time I had chemotherapy. He always just wanted me to be stress-free and happy, and encouraged me with the message that time would pass, and I would indeed beat cancer.
No one really knows our struggles and what exactly we have been through. We hope our story is an encouragement to other military couples who often times deal with long distance relationships as well. We want to show that with consistent love, encouragement, and real strength, you can make it through anything!
“You don’t feel like you are doing anything extraordinary, because you are only doing what you have to do to survive.” – U.S. Army Capt. Monica Rosario, stage III colon cancer survivor
aww this is so inspiring !!!!!