A 38-year-old mother from Melbourne, Australia, is facing a heartbreaking reality as she prepares to say goodbye to her three young children amidst a devastating battle with terminal breast cancer. Monica Arnold was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2025, a revelation that dramatically altered her life and that of her family.
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The alarm bells first rang for Monica when she noticed swollen lymph nodes while dealing with COVID-19. Initially attributing it to the virus, she sought medical attention when the symptoms persisted. A subsequent mammogram and ultrasound revealed the grim diagnosis. Further testing showed that the cancer had spread to 11 lymph nodes, which led her to undergo aggressive treatment including four and a half months of chemotherapy followed by a bilateral mastectomy.
Despite the rigour of her treatment, which included five weeks of radiotherapy due to residual cancer being discovered at the time of surgery, Monica held onto hope for recovery. Unfortunately, her situation took a turn for the worse when she began experiencing severe headaches and bone pain. A CT scan subsequently revealed eight inoperable brain tumours, as well as leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare and aggressive complication where cancer cells infiltrate the cerebrospinal fluid.
“Turning 39 next week, I shouldn’t be preoccupied with whether I’ll make it to my 40th birthday,” Monica expressed in an interview. “It’s particularly devastating knowing that my children may not have their mother as they grow up.” The setback led her to focus on cherishing what time she has left and leaving a lasting legacy for her children—aged 3, 4, and 6.
In light of her prognosis, Monica is dedicating her final months to creating keepsakes and heartfelt messages for her loved ones. She has taken to writing letters for her children, planning special gifts for significant life events, and collecting memories from family and friends. “I’ve bought earrings for my daughter’s future birthday or whenever she decides to pierce her ears. Those will be gifts from her mum,” she shared.
Moreover, she has encouraged friends and relatives to pen down letters that capture their cherished memories with her, providing a means for her children to remain connected to her spirit even after she’s gone. “When they are older and ask about their mum, their dad will have all these letters to share her stories,” Monica reflected.
Recognising the financial burden her family may face after her passing, Monica’s loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist her husband, Edward, with medical bills, funeral expenses, and the ongoing care of their children. Monica praised Edward as an “incredible father and husband,” acknowledging his unwavering support during this challenging time. “This fundraising effort is vital to ensure he has the space to grieve and to not be overwhelmed with financial worries while trying to care for our children,” she stated.
The compassionate initiative aims to provide Edward the opportunity to take time off work and focus on his family’s emotional well-being after Monica’s passing, as they navigate the hardships that lie ahead. “I want him to be able to pay for school fees and not have to stress about finances while raising our children alone,” she added.
Monica Arnold’s story is a poignant reminder of the trials faced by families grappling with terminal illness and the enduring strength of a mother’s love. Despite her tragic circumstances, she is determined to leave behind a meaningful legacy that will help her children remember her, while also easing the burden on her partner in the aftermath of her departure.
As her situation evolves, Monica continues to inspire those around her with her resilience, focusing on moments of joy and the importance of familial connections, even in the face of profound sorrow.