When Monika Aggarwal first came to Community Hospice, she was looking for support while living with cancer. What she didn't expect was to find the confidence to face some of life's biggest challenges. Monika, 46, lives in Bexleyheath and has been living with recurrent cancer for many years. Her journey has included surgery, chemotherapy and ongoing treatment.
Alongside the physical challenges of her illness, Monika was also dealing with significant personal difficulties and uncertainty about the future. The combination of cancer treatment and emotional strain left her feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Despite everything she was facing, Monika kept going.
She found comfort in the things she loves most, including spending time in her garden and caring for her roses. She is also a proud mum and is looking forward to celebrating a special milestone this year as her daughter, Saanchi, graduates from university.
But it was the support she received from our hospice that helped her discover a new sense of strength. "The hospice gave me the confidence," Monika says. "I can do it."
Monika credits the hospice team, particularly her social worker Tracey, with helping her navigate one of the most difficult periods of her life.
"Tracey always says I'm not alone," she explains. "She is ready to come with me anywhere, anytime."
Having someone who listened, supported her and helped her access practical advice made a huge difference.
Today, Monika describes herself as much stronger than she once was. She speaks proudly about learning to swim and learning to drive, two things she once thought she would never be able to do.
While she continues to live with cancer, she is determined not to let it define her. "I'm stronger now," she says.
Monika is passionate about sharing her story because she wants more people to understand what hospice care really means. Like many people, she once assumed that hospices were only for people at the end of life. Her experience has shown her something very different.
"People think hospice means end of life care," she says. "I thought that too. But hospice is support, wellbeing and help when you need it."
Today, Monika often encourages others in her community to seek support when they need it.
For Monika, Community Hospice has been about much more than managing symptoms. It has been about finding strength, rebuilding confidence and knowing she doesn't have to face life's challenges alone.
"The main thing is I'm not alone. People are here for me."
Monik"People think hospice means end of life care, I thought that too. But hospice is support, wellbeing and help when you need it."
