When times get tough it helps to find a silver lining. Twenty-eight year old Monika Calderon has been looking on the bright side for five years now, since she was diagnosed with a brain tumor while a college student at UNO. Monika, a Culicchia Neurological patient, underwent surgery to remove the Glioblastoma Multiforme, chemotherapy and radiation. What got her through it all? Finding joy in everything, she says. She explains in the video below.
“I wanted to write a book about seeing the bright side of every situation. I was a student at the University of New Orleans on my senior year of college when I started experiencing headaches. I didn’t think it was anything I should make a big deal of. I was a full-time student taking 18 credit hours, I had two part-time jobs and we were getting close to midterms. One day I was at a friend’s house and I was talking on the phone with my mother and I suddenly passed out. Next thing I remember I ended up in the hospital and we had to get surgery for a tumor on my brain that later we found out was a Glioblastoma Multiforme. I started chemotherapy and radiation. As tough as that situation was it also was an experience where we had an opportunity to find joy in the darkest place.
We held onto our faith very strongly, and we realized that just being alive is a big blessing. And that’s something we’re very thankful for, with my mom. I also think there is a need for positive thinking, especially in moments like the one that I was going through. I wanted to write this book, not only for children, but for everyone who needs a pick-me-up message, an encouraging message, that in every situation there is a bright side. John 1:5 says the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. And even in the toughest situations, there is good. God is with you.”
Life Is can be purchased on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com .
